April 2, 2020
Westpac announces seven UOW students among 2020 Young Engineers Scholarship recipients
Seven University of Wollongong (UOW) undergraduate students are among 36 young Australians to be awarded technology scholarships from the Westpac Scholars Trust.
Delivered in partnership with five universities across Australia, the Westpac Young Technologists scholarships aim to support undergraduate students with a passion for technology and how to use it for good.
The UOW scholarship winners are Helen Suchavone, Taylor Wood, Cheyenne Tonkins, Riley Boone, Jeffrey Sibby, James Burton and Ryan Anderson.
Computer science student Helen Soucavong says one of her passions is understanding the changing nature of fraud and scams and how they adapt to new technology. She hopes to work in the cybersecurity field someday.
“I love exploring the social impact of new technologies, especially in the field of cybersecurity,” says Helen.
“I would like to earn a degree in computer science with a major in cybersecurity and work in the field investigating and addressing real-world cyber threats, fraud, and fraud.
“The Westpac Young Engineers Scholarship is an opportunity for me to connect and network with others with similar interests from across Australia.
“Plus, it frees you from the stress of student loans so you can focus on your studies.”
Fellow scholarship recipient Riley Boone (pictured above) is a first-year Bachelor of Computer Science and Bachelor of Law double degree student with a shared interest in cyber security.
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a passion for computers. This evolved into a love of electronics, computer science, and technology in general,” Riley said.
“My interests are in cybersecurity and networks, which I think would fit well with the second half of my law degree. My goal is to work in the digital field of cyber security, digital forensics, or counter-terrorism at AFP or ASIO .
“As the digital world expands around us, it’s important to keep the devices we use at work and home safe and secure. Understanding how this works and how it can be improved can help us is motivating.”
“I hope this scholarship will give me the opportunity to grow outside of work and university life and achieve goals I never thought possible. Thanks to the scholarship, I will be able to achieve my goal of working at AFP or ASIO. You can be better prepared for it.”
James Barton has a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering and says his ambition is to use technology to improve lives.
“I am fascinated by the use of computer numerical control (CNC) and believe it is the future of manufacturing in Australia and around the world,” Mr James said.
“We are also interested in how robotics can be used more effectively to reduce risks to human life in harsh or dangerous environments.
“For me, the Westpac Young Engineers Scholarship is an opportunity to make a difference in our community through networking and friendships with other passionate young people.”
Taylor Wood has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science and says she is interested in all forms of problem solving, puzzles, and systems. His goal is to work as a data analyst, software engineer, or leader, designing solutions to the most demanding problems of the 21st century.
“As our society becomes more complex, so do its challenges,” Taylor said.
“For this reason, I hope that my research, combined with this scholarship, will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact on these issues, both as a leader and as a skilled user of technology.” .
“Another area of technology that interests me is the ethics of biotechnology and artificial intelligence, both of which have the power to shape our world, for better or for worse.
“I hope one day to help deploy these technologies in a way that eliminates inequality in the world, rather than encouraging it.”
The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is worth $15,000 over three years. In addition to financial support, this scholarship includes the Disruptive Leaders Program, a one-week residency program in Singapore in 2021. Recipients also gain access to industry and academic mentors, internships, ongoing leadership development opportunities, and new and diverse networks.
“The Young Engineers Scholarship goes far beyond financial support. We are now in our fifth year and the most valuable aspect of this scholarship for past recipients is the Westpac 100 Scholars Network and access to new and diverse networks through the wider Westpac Group network,” said Susan Bannigan, CEO of Westpac Scholars Trust.
As well as the financial investment of the scholarship, Westpac Young Engineers Scholars will have lifetime access to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network. With a growing number of 100 scholars a year across Westpac Scholars Trust’s five scholarship programs, this network brings together a community of people from all walks of life with ideas and drive to help shape a better future for all Australians. It’s tied together.
Clockwise from top left: Taylor Wood, Helen Soucavone, James Burton, Jeffrey Sibby.
About Westpac Young Engineers Scholarship
The Westpac Young Engineers Scholarship is offered in partnership with Queensland University of Technology, Western Sydney University, University of Wollongong, RMIT and Murdoch University. The 35 undergraduate scholarships, valued at $15,000 over three years, are awarded annually to high school graduates who are passionate about technology and eager to explore its possibilities. In addition to financial support, the scholarship also includes a development program that includes mentoring, paid internships, study abroad experiences, and more.
