University of Tasmania students awarded Westpac Scholarships to drive ‘positive change’

An Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies student is hoping to uncover the secrets of our deepest oceans through Antarctic ice after being awarded a prestigious scholarship.

University of Tasmania Westpac Scholars for 2024 (L-R): Ella Burgun, Bethany Yates, Georgia Arnold and Molly Topham. Picture: Natalie Cesar Procopio/UTAS.

Ella Burgun is hoping to uncover the secrets of our deepest oceans after being awarded a life changing scholarship.

The 22-year-old was awarded a Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship worth $120,000, which helped her move from Melbourne to Hobart to complete a Masters degree at the University of Tasmania’s Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies.

“I really want to look at how climate change is affecting the deepest parts of the ocean,” she said.

Aurora Basin North ice core drill program. Ice core – Ice Cores, Aurora Basin North Project – Camp. Picture: TONY FLEMING/AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC DIVISION

“Once we see a change in temperature and a change in the makeup of the ocean at the really deepest points, it’s really difficult to go back to saving our oceans.

“Antarctic ice holds a lot of information about our history and the oceans’ history with things like ice ages and extreme weather events and I may be able to uncover some secrets to see how our oceans have bounced back from these events.”

From researching Antarctica, the scholarship could potentially take Ms Burgun north on a once in a lifetime field trip to the Arctic Circle.

But Ms Burgun said she previously believed she would never be someone who got a scholarship.

“I had impostor syndrome, especially reading anecdotes from past recipients,” she said.

“My assumption for these really big scholarships was that you had to be getting A’s throughout your course and doing the most amazing and insane things.

“I did a very general degree and my grades were good but not amazing but anyone can get something like this and have really cool opportunities.”

Westpac Scholars Trust chief executive Amy Lyden

Bethany Yates also received a Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship to support her and will do her Master’s in protected area conservation.

“Through my studies, I will develop the skills to research, protect and promote the protection of vulnerable ecosystems,” she said.

UTAS undergraduate students Georgia Arnold and Molly Topham were also awarded a $12,500 Asian Exchange Scholarship.

This year’s recipients are among 10 students from the University of Tasmania to have received Westpac Scholarships since the program’s inception in 2016.

Westpac Scholars Trust chief executive Amy Lyden said many of the high calibre of scholars awarded this year are already making a substantial impact within the community.

“By empowering our newest scholars through education, leadership and connections, I believe they will be at the forefront, driving positive change in Australia,” she said.