Four deserving students on pathways to success in STEM-related study, have received a significant boost to their studies with the announcement of the 2019 Audi Foundation Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) national scholarships.
This year’s recipients are:
- Jessica Hall, Great Lakes Education Fund – studying a Bachelor of Science (Bioengineering Systems), Melbourne University
- Grace Best, Country Education Foundation of Grenfell– studying a Bachelor of Mathematics & Bachelor of Science, the University of Newcastle
- Jacob McMullen, Country Education Foundation of Orange & Districts – studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), the University of New South Wales
- Connor Rogers, Country Education Foundation of Far West NSW – Bachelor of Information Technology, Flinders University
All the students have been noted for their capacity to make a difference in the area of STEM (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
Their mind-boggling plans for a better future include synthesising cancer-resistant cells to save millions of lives, through to challenging gender equality and running the Australian Space Agency.
First year students Jessica Hall and Jacob McMullen said the Audi Foundation-CEF Scholarship has been essential in giving them the confidence to fully apply themselves; not letting significant financial pressures – or the tyranny of distance – get in the way of their further education.
Jessica moved 14 hours from her NSW Mid-North Coast home to pursue biomedical engineering studies as only the second person in her immediate family to go to university.
After the first few foundational months, Jacob said he’s on track to forge a career in sustainable, electric transport and renewable energy.
Second year students Connor Rogers and Grace Best continue to achieve outstanding marks in their relative fields, both saying that the financial security allows them to further focus on their studies.
Grace looks to become a statistician at the Australian Space Agency, once graduated, as well as challenging further disparities before then.
“The stigma that maths and science are boring, too difficult, and/or ’nerdy’ needs to change. The under-representation by women in STEM is glaringly apparent to me, the only girl in many of my classes at university. I would love to inspire future thought leaders to pursue a passion for STEM and achieve a balance for better,” Grace said.
All students are very thankful to their community and to the Country Education Foundation committees in their local areas for their educational grant support, as well as putting them forward for this nationally-recognised scholarship.
The Audi Foundation Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) national scholarships are awarded annually, with $2,500 granted to four students supported by CEF.
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