Foundation Scholars

The University of Newcastle has many fine scholarship winners. Each year scholarships are awarded to outstanding students that show great potential to help them achieve their dreams. These scholarships are highly prized and have produced a number of very distinguished scholars. Here are some of their stories.

Hear their stories

Dr Melinda Neve, Penn Foundation Post Doctoral Research Fellowship scholar

In 2011 Dr Melinda Neve was announced the first winner of the Penn Foundation Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in Obesity. The Fellowship will provide Dr Neve with $40 000 to direct a new research program into online weight loss and weight loss maintenance systems. "I'm very passionate about my work and thanks to the support from the Penn Foundation I can continue researching in my chosen field."

 

Natalie Scott, Parker Fellowship scholar

Natalie was the 2011 recipient of the Eric Parker Fellowship for architecture students. Natalie was given the opportunity to study award-winning urban renewal projects in Brazilian city, Curitiba. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to travel and I hope to one day I get the chance to employ some of Curitiba's ideas in Newcastle."

< Read more on Natalie's story here

Joni Letson, Dr Beryl Collier Indigenous Education scholar

Psychology student Joni was awarded the first ever Dr Beryl Collier Indigenous Education scholarship in 2011. The scholarship provides an Indigenous student with $11 000 per annum for three years of study to help with fees and other associated costs. Joni said winning the scholarship was a huge relief financially. "This scholarship is a God-send. Without it I don't know how I would get through my degree."

< Listen to more on Joni's story here

Jennifer White, Barker PhD scholar

Jennifer was awarded the Barker PhD Scholarship in 2009. Jennifer is using her scholarship to help fund her PhD studies into mood disturbance among stroke survivors. Jennifer is the ninth recipient of the Barker PhD Scholarship. “I am very grateful to the Barkers for supporting me through my PhD studies. The financial assistance certainly helps me worry less and concentrate more on my pilot study.”

< Read more on Jennifer’s story here.

Bernadette Drabsch, Williams Classics scholar

Archaeological illustrator Bernadette Drabsch, would not be where she is today without the help of several scholarships, including the Williams Undergraduate Scholarship in Classics. Bernie travels the world working on dig sites.  She said the scholarships provided her with a great boost in confidence. “The scholarships and prizes I have won over the years have helped me take the financial strain away, especially living on one wage with two children.”

 

Tristan Rayner, Neville Sawyer Business scholar

Tristan Rayner was named one of the 2009 recipients of the Neville Sawyer Business and Law Scholarship. Tristan, who graduated as an Electrical Engineer jumped at chance to do further study in business. “This is an exciting scholarship it allows me to take a further step down the business path. I am able to gain business management skills that you don’t learn as an electrical engineer.

< Read more on Tristan’ story here.

Nerida Ackland, Jennie Thomas Travelling Art scholar

Nerida Ackland was one of two recipients of the Jennie Thomas Travelling Art Scholarship in 2010. This scholarship provides fine art students with the opportunity to travel overseas to the inspirational locations of their choice. Nerida plans to visit the Venice Biennale, a contemporary art exhibition in Italy. “I’m so thrilled to win this scholarship and so honoured to have Jennie Thomas as a mentor. This scholarship will certainly help me learn more about the world of art.”

 

Mark Cowan, 1968 Colombo Plan scholar

Mark Cowan was the inaugural scholarship winner of the 1968 Colombo Plan Scholarship for second year engineering student in 2009. Mark was excited and relieved to be awarded the scholarship. “ I have a very small youth allowance and my parents live on a single income.  So this scholarship will remove a lot of the financial presssure caused by this and hence will provide a major benefit for my studies.”

< Read more on Mark’s story here.

Chloe Britts, Godfrey Tanner Memorial scholar

Chloe was the 2010 winner of the Godfrey Tanner Scholarship. The scholarship was created in 2001 by self-appointed student mentor, Emeritus Professor Godfrey Tanner. Although he passed away in 2002, his scholarship continues to help disadvantaged students. Chloe is very grateful for the help the scholarship has provided her. “It means I’m not so worried about finances. I can concentrate on my studies to become a psychologist and my volunteer work.”

 

Judy Vajak, Godfrey Tanner Memorial scholar

Judy was named the first ever recipient of the Godfrey Tanner Memorial Scholarship in 2001. While Judy was studying to become a speech pathologist she was also caring for her son, who was suffering from leukemia at the time."Having the scholarship kept me going. Without the scholarship I don't know if I would have stuck it out for the whole four years or not."

< Read more on Judy’s story here.