Dr Luke Neil Graduates Despite Trauma
Dr Luke Neil Moved away from Geraldton in 2008 due to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an attack on a Geraldton Beach which left him with severe injuries. It also resulted in the death of the man who should have been his father-in-law, Yalgoo pastoralist Bill Row.
Despite the trauma and the PTSD, on 12 February Luke attended the graduation ceremony for his Philosophy Doctorate (PhD) at Curtin University of Technology (Bentley). This ended over eight and a half years of university study.
Despite the trauma and the PTSD, on 12 February Luke attended the graduation ceremony for his Philosophy Doctorate (PhD) at Curtin University of Technology (Bentley). This ended over eight and a half years of university study.
After spending the last twelve months assisting Luke and the Rowe family as their regional MP, I would like to pay tribute to his determination and success.
People in our justice system often say that adverse circumstances should be taken into consideration for later anti-social activities.
Dr Neil has shown that, despite severe injury and on-going trauma, it is possible to continue leading a positive life. I hope that other young people, especially those who have had difficult lives, will learn from this and realise they can still achieve personal goals and make a meaningful contribution to their communities.
Luke spent three and a half years researching acidic coal mining lakes in Collie western Australia, to better understand the effects of the acidic lakes to the environment and for their possible use in aquaculture. His thesis was entitled 'Bioassay assessment of mine pit lake water for aquaculture and biodiversity conservation'.
Luke developed an entirely new biological assay with the native Australian fish species Silver Perch. Biological assays allow scientists to measure the effect of contaminated waters directly to relevant aquatic species, giving an accurate account of possible toxicity to the environment. These biological assays assist in the development of better guidelines for the use of chemicals, and help protect our rivers and waterways.
Prior to the Christmas Day attack Luke worked for Latitude Fisheries and the Department of Water in Geraldton. After the onset of PTSD he left town to work on the Rowe family’s sheep station.
He and Violet Rowe were married late last year at a rocky outcrop near the family homestead.
Dr Luke Neil hopes that some time in the future, when he becomes better able to cope with PTSD, he will return to employment in science.
People in our justice system often say that adverse circumstances should be taken into consideration for later anti-social activities.
Dr Neil has shown that, despite severe injury and on-going trauma, it is possible to continue leading a positive life. I hope that other young people, especially those who have had difficult lives, will learn from this and realise they can still achieve personal goals and make a meaningful contribution to their communities.
Luke spent three and a half years researching acidic coal mining lakes in Collie western Australia, to better understand the effects of the acidic lakes to the environment and for their possible use in aquaculture. His thesis was entitled 'Bioassay assessment of mine pit lake water for aquaculture and biodiversity conservation'.
Luke developed an entirely new biological assay with the native Australian fish species Silver Perch. Biological assays allow scientists to measure the effect of contaminated waters directly to relevant aquatic species, giving an accurate account of possible toxicity to the environment. These biological assays assist in the development of better guidelines for the use of chemicals, and help protect our rivers and waterways.
Prior to the Christmas Day attack Luke worked for Latitude Fisheries and the Department of Water in Geraldton. After the onset of PTSD he left town to work on the Rowe family’s sheep station.
He and Violet Rowe were married late last year at a rocky outcrop near the family homestead.
Dr Luke Neil hopes that some time in the future, when he becomes better able to cope with PTSD, he will return to employment in science.
Copyright Brian Ellis MLC © 2009 - 2011
Electorate Office: Unit 1, Druids Hall, Corner Durlacher and Sanford Streets, Geraldton, WA 6530. PO Box 231, Geraldton, WA 6531
Ph: +61 (08) 9923 9211; Fax: +61 (08) 9923 9222; Email: brian.ellis@mp.wa.gov.au
Ph: +61 (08) 9923 9211; Fax: +61 (08) 9923 9222; Email: brian.ellis@mp.wa.gov.au
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