St Ursula’s student awarded prestigious Tuckwell Scholarship

Meet the talented young Toowoomba mathematician who has become one of 25 students nationwide to land a $140,000 university scholarship to ANU.

STAR STUDENT: Year 12 St Ursula's College student Lizzie Yevdokimov’s love for mathematics has landed her a prestigious scholarship at the Australian National University in Canberra. Picture: Nev Madsen.

After discovering a love of shapes, patterns and origami as a young girl in the Ukraine, Elizabeth Yevdokimov has worked hard to put all the pieces together, landing herself a scholarship to study mathematics at the Australian National University in Canberra.

“We moved to Australia when I was four-years-old, and I started studying at St Ursula’s in Year 7, and the school has supported my love of maths ever since,” she said.

The talented Year 12 mathematician was among 1400 applicants and is now one of 25 students in the country to be awarded the prestigious Tuckwell scholarship.

Year 12 St Ursula's College student Lizzie Yevdokimov has had a love for mathematics ever since she was a young girl. Picture: Nev Madsen

Valued at $140,000, the scholarship is designed to nurture the talent of a small group of exceptional students to ensure they further develop their areas of excellence.

“I’ve applied to study philosophy of science, majoring in mathematics and computer science at ANU next year because I want to become a maths researcher and use maths to help solve some of the world’s problems,” she said.

St Ursula’s principal Mrs Tanya Appleby said the scholarship recognised Ms Yevdokimov’s generous contribution to society, just as much as her brains.

“Lizzie is one of our volunteer tutors for the Year 7 and 8 students and is passionate about sharing her love of maths,” she said.

“She really sees the beauty in mathematics and has won several national awards, often as the only female in her field of excellence.”

Mathematics, like most STEM related subjects, is still a male dominated field with only 10 per cent of the industry made up by women.

“One of my biggest idols is Cheryl Praeger, she is an Australian maths hero and also comes from Toowoomba so I hope I get the opportunity to meet her one day, maybe while I’m studying at ANU,” Ms Yevdokimov said.

Lizzie Yevdokimov has won several national awards, despite being the only female in her field of excellence. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The bright pupil said she wouldn’t be where she was without the support of her mentors at St Ursula’s.

“Mr Stephen Broderick has helped organise competitions and encouraged me to attend summer maths camps ever since I started here at the college in Year 7,” she said.

“I’m very grateful my school have supported me to follow my maths dreams and I’m excited to see where this opportunity takes me.”