Rich study prizes for two Otago students
TWO University of Otago students are bound for Cambridge University on scholarships worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Gabrielle Budd (24) and Stephanie McGimpsey (25) have each been awarded Woolf Fisher Scholarships which cover study and living costs at the prestigious British institution.
The only other New Zealand recipient announced was University of Canterbury student Sam Frengley (21).
Each scholarship is worth about $300,000 and is one of the largest handed to New Zealand students.
Ms Budd is studying medicine and wants to become a world leader in medical research.
‘‘I have always been fascinated by the human immune system, and in the perpetual arms race between humans and microbial pathogens.
‘‘The MRC laboratory at Cambridge University produces leading research in cellautonomous immunity and innate defences against bacterial infection.
‘‘Infectious disease and immunity is a field I plan to continue to study after my doctorate has been completed, as a scientist and a clinician.’’
Ms McGimpsey is studying for a master of science degree in biochemistry.
She has already completed a bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate diploma in biological sciences at the University of Canterbury.
She plans to do a PhD in bioinformatics at Cambridge University and will carry out her research at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
The Woolf Fisher Trust and the scholarship invests in young New Zealanders in academic research and innovation, which is acknowledged by Universities New Zealand.
The scholarship selects young Kiwis based on their outstanding academic ability, leadership potential and their integrity, vision and capacity for work.
Sir Woolf Fisher (191275), cofounder of Fisher and Paykel, set up his trust in 1960 to recognise and reward excellence in education.
The closing date for the next round of applications is August 1, 2019. — NZME