Scholarships, Prizes and Awards Recipients

We are proud to recognize the exceptional achievements of our scholarship and award recipients. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership, and dedication to their fields. Their accomplishments reflect the highest standards of excellence and serve as an inspiration to their peers and the entire academic community.

2025 Recipients

Duncan Hughes

Bachelor of Agriculture
Recipient of the 2025 Nancy Millis Agricultural Students Scholarship

"Receiving the Nancy Millis Agricultural Students Scholarship has had a profound impact on my studies and personal growth as an agricultural student at the University of Melbourne. Coming from a rural background, this support has allowed me to fully engage with my course without the financial stress that often comes with living away from home. Inspired by Professor Millis’s legacy, I plan to pursue a career in agricultural advisory and innovation, working with farmers to implement sustainable, practical solutions that improve productivity and resilience. I hope to one day contribute to the industry as she did—with integrity, curiosity, and care for both people and the environment. Thank you again for investing in the next generation of agricultural professionals. Your support means more than words can express."

Hannah Williams

Bachelor of Science
Recipient of the 2025 Angela Findlay Food Science Award

" I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a Concurrent Diploma in Japanese. When I first began my studies, I was uncertain about which path to take. However, the University of Melbourne has given me the freedom to explore a wide range of interests, from Psychology and Anatomy, which led me to major in Human Structure and Function, to my growing curiosity in Pharmacology and Food Science. Balancing my studies, tutoring work, and financial independence while living away from home has been challenging at times. This scholarship greatly reduces financial pressure and gives me the freedom to focus more fully on my academic and personal development. This scholarship is more than financial assistance for me as it has provided me with a massive source of motivation and encouragement. It reminds me that my efforts are recognised and that I am supported in my journey. I feel empowered to continue striving for excellence and making the most of the opportunities ahead."

Ashley Monaghan

Master of Science (Physics)
Recipient of the 2025 Helen R Freeman Scholarship in Physics

"My name is Ash and I'm currently a Master's student in the astrophysics group looking at quasar orientation. I've always been interested in physics, especially when it comes to exploring the unknowns of our universe. I am also the Women in Physics coordinator at the university and am committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM and fostering an inclusive academic environment. Outside of physics, I enjoy volunteering with community organisations like Rotary and sharing the beauty of the night sky through astrophotography. I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to this scholarship. This will allow me to reduce financial pressure of postgraduate study (and also support medical expenses) allowing me to devote more time to research, professional development and community engagement. It will also support my participation in science outreach and diversity initiatives, which are central to my identify as both a student and advocate. Your support enables me to continue this important work."

Jostein Larsen Hesthammer

Master of Science (Earth Sciences)
Recipient of the 2025 CM Tattam Geology Scholarship

"I’m currently doing an MSc in Earth Sciences, and my research looks at erosion and exhumation during the Cryogenian glaciations in South Australia. To do this, I use thermochronology to date zircon and apatite minerals from deep rock samples. This scholarship will help cover the costs of travel related to my studies as well as make everyday life more financially manageable. I have always been inspired by geology, especially the fact that one gets to travel to different field areas in an outdoor classroom environment. I’ve enjoyed my time at the University of Melbourne so far. I’ve had the chance to work with great researchers and learn techniques that I hope to use in future work. Studying here has also helped me grow more confident in my abilities; it’s also very encouraging to know that what I'm doing is acknowledged."

Qi Ying Tay

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Recipient of the 2025 William Allan Stewart Scholarship (Veterinary Science)

"I am a 2nd year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student from Singapore. As an international student who had just moved to Melbourne last year, it was not easy adjusting to a new lifestyle of independent living. To repay my parents who have expended a lot of effort to send me here to pursue my dreams, I spent a lot of effort in studying and working last year. As such, I am immensely happy to know that my efforts had paid off, granting me the privilege of receiving the award for my academic achievement. I plan to use the award benefits to fund my day-to-day living costs, as well as to save up money for overseas clinical placements in my final year. This would help me immensely in having a more comfortable school life where I can focus studying what I love."

Erandi Herath

PhD (Agricultural Science)
Recipient of the 2025 Dr Betty Elliott Horticulture Scholarship

"I am currently pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Science and am in my third year at the School of Agriculture, Food, and Ecosystem Sciences. I was drawn to this field because agriculture is a foundational step in global development. My research focuses on environmental microbiology, which has been a lifelong passion of mine. This award is especially meaningful because it will significantly alleviate my financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my academic and research pursuits without the constant worry of financial strain. This support opens doors to opportunities that I may not have been able to access otherwise. Your support plays a critical role not only in my academic success but also in nurturing the next generation of professionals in my field. It is because of donors like you that students like me can pursue their dreams without the heavy worry of financial constraints. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and belief in my abilities."

Liam Franov

PhD (Chemistry)
Recipient of the 2025 GI Feutrill Awards

"As I approach the final stages of my PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Melbourne, this award provides timely support for my upcoming travel to the Gordon Research Conference on Organic Reactions and Processes in the United States. My doctoral research explores electrochemical activation strategies to forge carbon–carbon bonds in more sustainable ways. I have long been drawn to the intellectual depth and creative rigour of synthetic chemistry, particularly the elegance of reaction design, the interplay of structure and reactivity, and the enduring impact on fundamental discovery. This award affirms that passion and enables me to step into the next stage of my career with confidence and momentum."

Bridget Walker

PhD (BioScience)
Recipient of the 2025 Dame Margaret Blackwood Soroptimist Scholarship

"I became passionate about studying genetics as an undergraduate student, and this passion has continued to grow during my master’s and doctoral degrees. I am now in the final year of my PhD, investigating the functions of genes associated with regulating carbon metabolism in a disease-causing fungus, Talaromyces marneffei. I have enjoyed developing my skills as an independent researcher over the past three years and am eager to conduct a final set of key experiments that I believe will make a meaningful contribution to the field. Receiving a scholarship in the name of a woman with such a prestigious career as Dame Margaret Blackwood is both incredibly humbling and motivating. Doing a PhD is very challenging, it requires dedication, time and a lot of hard work, and having others express their belief in your academic abilities really makes a difference."