Graduation: 'LJMU turned my life around!'
You know you’re at the right university when you don’t just study there but find a job, conduct research, publish, collaborate – and turn your life around!
Louise Crane has done the lot at the LJMU Public Health Institute – working with partners on our city-wide violence prevention strategy, publishing papers with a leading professor, and recruiting students as part of our outreach project.
She’s also achieved two degrees and is now debating taking her PhD too!
“It just shows what you can do when you find the right people, in the right place for you,” says Louise.
Access course
The 42-year-old came to university late, after having children very young, with plans to study nursing. She completed an access course but opted for the public health degree and knew straight away it was for her.
Unfortunately, Louise got ill in third year and missed most of the final semester. But she persevered and got through, writing most of her dissertation in hospital.
“The amazing support I received from my lecturers motivated me to keep going with my studies and when it came to the Master’s, I didn’t even consider applying anywhere else.”
Louise is especially interested in violence prevention, not just against women but children and adolescents. During her MA, she joined the research team of Professor Zara Quigg, a leading voice in the city’s award-winning anti-violence strategies.
“Zara has given me so many opportunities, including having my name on publications and has really helped me narrow my focus of the area I want to work in.
“I couldn’t ask for more, especially working on projects that directly affect our city, it’s an incredible space to be in.”
Excellent teaching
She is also in awe of one of her lecturers – Dr Ivan Gee, who she said is brilliant. “His climate change module was amazing, showing how the environment impacts all aspects of health and giving a global context to everything else we were learning,” says Louise.
After completing her MSc research on sexual health stigma, Louise is debating taking a PhD in the field.
“I know that, with the academic team here and their incredible range of knowledge and expertise, it would be amazing. Let’s see.
“For today, I honestly couldn’t be prouder of what I’ve both achieved from where I started.”
IMAGE: Louise Crane MA with Dr Ivan Gee of the Public Health Institute.
Today at graduation
Louise was among more than 1,000 graduates who received awards at Liverpool Cathedral today.
Today’s graduates were from:
- The School of Nursing and Advanced Practice
- The School of Public and Allied Health
- The Liverpool School of Law and Justice Studies
