QUT students get a career boost with DPI&F scholarship
Published Tuesday, 15 April, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Scholarships granted by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) are helping two Queensland University of Technology (QUT) science students to further their studies in plant biotechnology and invasion ecology.
The $9,500 scholarships for Science Faculty students Ms Leisha Brown of Auchenflower and Mr Mathew Warren of New Farm were announced today by the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin.
Mr Mulherin said the annual scholarship scheme, launched in 2007, was an investment in the future of the students, scientific research and the primary sector.
“The department has recognised the need to grow and develop young scientists who will be the future of Queensland’s agriculture, aquaculture, food technology and horticulture,” he said.
“Through this scheme we can provide Leisha and Mathew with the opportunity to further their studies and contribute to the future of the state’s primary industries.”
The Minister commended Mr Warren and Ms Brown on their studies to date and offered his congratulations to the students on receiving the scholarships.
Ms Brown last year completed a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in biotechnology and developed a keen interest in virology. This year, she has entered QUT’s Honours program and will combine these two key fields to study banana streak virus (BSV) diversity.
“By surveying the genetic diversity of BSV in other countries, a reliable and robust DNA test can be developed to diagnose and quarantine the virus, which will contribute to the sustainability of the Queensland banana industry,” explained Ms Brown.
The scholarship will enable Mr Warren to complete his tertiary studies in ecology, and will include an industry project in the area of Invasive Pest and Plant Biosecurity Science.
The Minister said the studies of both students were aligned to the research work of the DPI&F in areas of plants, biotechnology and aquaculture that offered long-term benefits to Queensland’s primary sector.
“We already employ some of the state’s best scientific minds and through this scholarship scheme will be supporting up-and-coming young scientists with their early studies,” he said.
“DPI&F will also provide research project supervision, academic mentoring and work experience placements.”
The annual scholarships are offered to QUT students enrolled full-time in the second or third year of the Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Mathematics course, with a major relevant to a DPI&F area of interest.
Applicants in their third year seeking a scholarship must be entering the Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) program.
More information on the scholarship scheme is available from Mrs Maria Barrett, Faculty of Science, QUT on 3138 2445 or email m.barrett@qut.edu.au.
DPI&F science staff work within a wide range of disciplines at locations around Queensland. Information on career opportunities with DPI&F are available at www.dpi.qld.gov.au or from the department’s Call Centre on 13 25 23.
Media contact: 3239 3120
The $9,500 scholarships for Science Faculty students Ms Leisha Brown of Auchenflower and Mr Mathew Warren of New Farm were announced today by the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin.
Mr Mulherin said the annual scholarship scheme, launched in 2007, was an investment in the future of the students, scientific research and the primary sector.
“The department has recognised the need to grow and develop young scientists who will be the future of Queensland’s agriculture, aquaculture, food technology and horticulture,” he said.
“Through this scheme we can provide Leisha and Mathew with the opportunity to further their studies and contribute to the future of the state’s primary industries.”
The Minister commended Mr Warren and Ms Brown on their studies to date and offered his congratulations to the students on receiving the scholarships.
Ms Brown last year completed a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in biotechnology and developed a keen interest in virology. This year, she has entered QUT’s Honours program and will combine these two key fields to study banana streak virus (BSV) diversity.
“By surveying the genetic diversity of BSV in other countries, a reliable and robust DNA test can be developed to diagnose and quarantine the virus, which will contribute to the sustainability of the Queensland banana industry,” explained Ms Brown.
The scholarship will enable Mr Warren to complete his tertiary studies in ecology, and will include an industry project in the area of Invasive Pest and Plant Biosecurity Science.
The Minister said the studies of both students were aligned to the research work of the DPI&F in areas of plants, biotechnology and aquaculture that offered long-term benefits to Queensland’s primary sector.
“We already employ some of the state’s best scientific minds and through this scholarship scheme will be supporting up-and-coming young scientists with their early studies,” he said.
“DPI&F will also provide research project supervision, academic mentoring and work experience placements.”
The annual scholarships are offered to QUT students enrolled full-time in the second or third year of the Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Mathematics course, with a major relevant to a DPI&F area of interest.
Applicants in their third year seeking a scholarship must be entering the Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) program.
More information on the scholarship scheme is available from Mrs Maria Barrett, Faculty of Science, QUT on 3138 2445 or email m.barrett@qut.edu.au.
DPI&F science staff work within a wide range of disciplines at locations around Queensland. Information on career opportunities with DPI&F are available at www.dpi.qld.gov.au or from the department’s Call Centre on 13 25 23.
Media contact: 3239 3120