AGRICULTURAL science students from across Tasmania have received additional support for their studies through a generous scholarship program. Eleven students have been awarded scholarships totalling $110,000 to study Agricultural Science at the University of Tasmania.
Director of the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), Professor Michael Rose, said TIA was fortunate to have strong support from the agriculture industry and generous individuals to offer a wide range of scholarships each year. “There is growing demand for skilled agricultural science graduates and the knowledge that students gain through their degree equips them to work all over the globe, in both government and private sectors, indoors, outdoors, in the lab and the field,” Prof Rose said.
“Our agricultural science graduates are highly sought after and have an opportunity to enter a profession where they can play an important role in the future of the industry, including right here in Tasmania where graduates will support the growth and development of our vital agricultural industries.”
Launceston student Lilia Jenkins has received the Fruit Growers Tasmania Honours Scholarship. It will support her to undertake research looking at integrated pest management options for fruit growers, with a focus on a parasitoid wasp that preys on codling moth. She is also a previous recipient of the Driscoll’s Scholarship in Agricultural Science. The scholarships have relieved financial pressure and allowed Lilia to focus on her studies, make connections in the agriculture sector, and purchase her own vehicle.
“The biggest benefit has probably been the connection it’s given me to my sponsor and the industry, as I’ve been able to get my foot into the door and meet a lot of wonderful people. The industry is so keen to support students, and their help has been invaluable,” she said.
Lilia has her sights set on continuing to work with wasps which she describes as “quite cute to study”. “Insects are such complex little individuals working within a complex environment. Figuring out how exactly it all fits together is like doing a puzzle and it’s a lot of fun,” she said.
The agricultural scholarship recipients for 2022 are: Michael Steel, Robert Gatenby Tasmania University Scholarship in Agricultural Science. Emma Street, David McEwan Scholarship in Agriculture. Lachlan Ray, Neale Edwards Scholarship in Agricultural Science or Forestry. Alexandria Hansen, Hedley Lux Gregg Bursary in Agricultural Science. Delanie Hogan, Costa Scholarship in Agricultural Science. Lilia Jenkins, Fruit Growers Tasmania Honours Scholarship. Rhiannon Cox, Lewis and Sons Bursary in Agricultural Science. Sarah Fulton, Professor George Wade Scholarship in Agricultural Science. Ella Lockley, Robert Menary Tasmania University Scholarship in Agricultural Science. Charlotte Youngman, Tasmanian Beef Industry Trust Scholarship in Agricultural Science. Joseph Lawrence, Agriculture and Food Systems Scholarship.
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science (with Honours) is an immersive education experience leveraging TIA’s strong relationships with industry and our world-leading research.
Students can enrol in both Launceston and Hobart. TIA is a joint venture between the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government.