2021 John Melvin Memorial Prize

Congratulations to Dr Emerson Keenan who just received the 2021 John Melvin Memorial Prize for the Best PhD Thesis in Engineering!

Dr Keenan completed his PhD in 2021 as a joint venture between Engineering and Obstetrics & Gynaecology (with Dr Fiona Brownfoot). His thesis, entitled, “Modelling techniques to improve the reliability of non-invasive fetal electrocardiography” looked at developing a new model for simulating electrical signals generated by the fetal heart, Dr Keenan's thesis improved our understanding of the most reliable methods to non-invasively monitor fetal wellbeing. His discoveries will provide new information to help clinicians better identify fetal compromise and improve pregnancy outcomes.

The John Melvin Memorial Prize was established by James Gossip Melvin and his wife Margaret Drew Melvin in memory of their son John Melvin who was killed in World War One at Gallipoli in 1915.

The award selection committee considered 1) International recognition of the research undertaken for the thesis; 2) Impact of the research undertaken for the thesis, both in terms of actual and potential adoption and/or impact; and 3) Publications or other research outputs (e.g. patents, exhibitions, performances and other creative works) that arise from and/or directly relate to the thesis.

We are so thrilled for you Emerson! Congratulations!