Bayer scholarships boost student research

Six New Zealand students with dreams of pursuing careers in environmental research have been given the chance to do this with the help of a BayerBoost scholarship grant.

The secondary school and tertiary students from Christchurch, Lincoln, Auckland, Whakatane and Wellington have each been granted financial assistance to undertake projects in their area of interest, under the guidance of a nominated host organisation.

The scholarship scheme, which is funded by Bayer NZ Ltd and administered by the Royal Society of NZ, provides students with the opportunity to be involved in hands-on research, and to contribute towards the sustainability of NZ’s ecology.

Over summer, the selected students will work on a range of environmental research projects including:

This year’s successful students will receive between $3,000 and $6,000 in grants, depending on their level of study.

Bayer spokesperson, William Malpass, says that as a research-based global company with a focus on sustainability, Bayer is keen to support initiatives that contribute to preserving and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

“It’s exciting to see so many young New Zealanders dedicated to making improvements in our environment and protecting our natural resources.

“These young people are pushing the boundaries of what so many of us take for granted and they should be heralded for their passion and commitment. We are very much looking forward to the results from each of their projects,” he says.

Through the partnership with the Royal Society, Bayer is in its third year of contributing $120,000 over three years to the BayerBoost scholarship scheme.

To be eligible for a BayerBoost scholarship, students must be under the age of 24, enrolled in a NZ senior secondary school or undergraduate tertiary programme, and studying environmental sciences or related areas.

The 2010 BayerBoost Environmental Scholarship winners are:

Recipient: Roseanna Gamlen-Greene
From: Rangi Ruru Girls School, Christchurch
Host: Lincoln University
Research: Study on the current health of the ecology on the eastern part of Banks Peninsula.

Recipient: Daniel Regtien
From: Lincoln University
Host: Lincoln University
Research: New toxins and delivery methods for mice, rats, possums and mustelids.

Recipient: Corinne Marti
From: The University of Auckland
Host: Plant and Food Ltd
Research: Relationship between carbon content and water holding capacity at key Northland soil sites.

Recipient: Katherine Wootton
From: The University of Canterbury
Host: The Department of Conservation
Research: Monitoring endangered Australasian Crested Grebes on the Ashburton Lakes.

Recipient: Tara McAllister
From: Trident High School, Whakatane
Host: Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Research: 10 weeks monitoring phormidium levels in the Eastern Bay of Plenty region.

Recipient: Imogen Payton
From: Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, Wellington
Host: Zealandia Karori Sanctuary
Research: 10 weeks studying acoustic and reproductive behaviours of the little spotted kiwi.