The 2015 ONU Centennial Trust endowment recipient of $10,000, James Henderson, attributes his fascination with cell biology and cancer in particular, to his Year 12 Biology teacher, Mr Graham Potter. James’ captivation with Science at school became a realisation that he could genuinely make a difference if he pursued biomedical research. 

After excelling during his Bachelor of Science majoring in Biochemistry and Pharmacology and completing his Honours (Research) year in cellular pathology at the Storr Liver Unit at the Millenium Institute, Westmead, James went on to continue his passion for research in his PhD studies. He is currently half way through a PhD at the Centenary Institute (RPA Hospital) at the University of Sydney investigating hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) and researching possible preventatives and treatments. James will present his data at the International Proteolysis Conference in Penang, Malaysia later this year.

James is looking forward sharing his enthusiasm with current students at the ONU Careers evenings to cultivate their interests and identify future study and research possibilities in Science.

This year the ONU Centennial Trust celebrates 20 years of endowments to young Old Boys to support their tertiary studies or other fields of endeavour, so that they can indeed become Men of Substance. The Centennial Trust is looking to add a further $100,000 to its corpus so that the annual endowments (which are only paid out of earnings) can maintain value in the years ahead. You can make a tax effective donation via the AIS USA Foundation website. 

For more information about the ONU Centennial Trust and to apply for 2016 click here.

Pictured: James Henderson (ON 2008) being congratulated by ONU Centennial Trust Chairman Dr Rod Thomas (ON 1960).