Seven “best brains” awarded post graduate scholarships

Several young New Zealanders are heading offshore for their postgraduate study thanks to the William Georgetti Scholarships.

The scholarships were established by the late William Georgetti, a Hawkes Bay farmer, who wanted to create opportunities for the “best brains” to benefit from his bequest.  The scholarships encourage postgraduate study and research in a field that is important to New Zealand’s social, cultural or economic development.

The 2015 scholarships were awarded to:

-      Eloise Gibson a journalist from Titirangi in Auckland, will study towards a Master of Arts in Journalism at Columbia University in New York.  Eloise holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with First Class Honours from the University of Waikato and a Postgraduate Diploma of Journalism from Auckland University of Technology.  Eloise, who was a finalist in the 2010 Canon Media Awards for senior environment reporter of the year, is passionate about communicating science and environmental issues.

-      Jade Leung from Howick in Auckland will study for a Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) in Environmental Policy at the University of Cambridge, UK.  Jade has a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from the University of Auckland which she completed in just three years, supported by an Edna Wadell Scholarship for Women in Engineering.  Last year she was the Executive Officer of the P3 Foundation, a youth movement against extreme poverty.  She remains the Learning and Change Manager for the not-for-profit organisation, Engineers Without Borders New Zealand.

-      Luke Pratley from Wellington will study towards his Doctorate (PhD) in Astrophysics at University College London.  Luke has a Master of Science in Physics from Victoria University of Wellington.  In addition to his research in radio astronomy, he has tutored for Āwhina, a Victoria University organisation which aims to produce Māori and Pacific scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians, architects and designers.

-      Lara Sweetapple from Christchurch will study towards a Master of Molecular Biosciences majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Heidelberg.  Lara has a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Canterbury and attended Burnside High School.  Lara is a talented dancer and volunteers for several organisations including native tree plant-outs for Kakariki Canterbury.

-      Benedict Tompkins from Parnell in Auckland will study for his Masters of Laws (LLM) at the University of Cambridge, UK.  Benedict has completed a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Auckland.  He acted as a tribunal secretary with the International Court of Arbitration for a major arbitration between a construction consortium and a state and is interested in further exploring investment treaty arbitration.  He also enjoys multisport, and plays the classical guitar and pipe organ.

-      Stephen Watson from Christchurch will study for a music degree in Europe.  He has a Master of Music with Distinction in piano performance from the University of Canterbury.  He was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music with Distinction last year.  Stephen is involved in church activities and shares his love of music by tutoring others and playing in rest homes and retirement villages.  In addition he has played competition tennis and table tennis as well as chess.  He won the Under 20 South Island Chess Championship aged 11 years-old.

-      Josh Windsor from Auckland’s Mt Albert will study for a Master of Arts in Philosophy overseas. He will investigate how austerity has impacted the organisation and conception of tertiary education in New Zealand.  He has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with First Class Honours and a Postgraduate Diploma in Museums and Cultural Heritage with Distinction, both from the University of Auckland.  He works part-time at the Auckland’s War Memorial Museum where he has been involved in preserving a large glass-plate negative collection, and is also a Graduate Teaching Assistant.  In addition he is an accomplished photographer and travel writer, and an active rock climber, runner and hiker.

Lucy Johnston, Chair of Universities New Zealand’s Scholarship Committee who also chaired this Selection Panel, congratulated the successful scholars saying they will make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s development.

Universities New Zealand, also known as New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, administers this scholarship in addition to 40 other undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships each year.  Applications for the 2016 William Georgetti Scholarship close on 1 March 2016.