The scholarships were presented at an awards ceremony in Hobart on Friday 10 June, 2022.
Director of the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), Professor Michael Rose, said TIA was fortunate to have strong support from the agriculture industry and generous individuals to offer a wide range of scholarships each year.
“There is growing demand for skilled agricultural science graduates and the knowledge that students gain through their degree equips them to work all over the globe, in both government and private sectors, indoors, outdoors, in the lab and the field,” Professor Rose said.
“Our agricultural science graduates are highly sought after and have an opportunity to enter a profession where they can play an important role in the future of the industry, including right here in Tasmania where graduates will support the growth and development of our vital agricultural industries.”
One of the scholarship recipients for 2022 is Lilia Jenkins, from Launceston, who received the Fruit Growers Tasmania Honours Scholarship. The scholarship is supporting her to undertake research looking at integrated pest management options for fruit growers, with a focus on a parasitoid wasp that naturally preys on codling moth.
She is also a previous recipient of the Driscoll's Scholarship in Agricultural Science.
The scholarships have relieved financial pressure and allowed Lilia to focus on her studies, make connections in the agriculture sector, and purchase her own vehicle.
“The biggest benefit has probably been the connection it’s given me to my sponsor and the industry, as I’ve been able to get my foot into the door and meet a lot of wonderful people. The industry is so keen to support students, and their help has been invaluable." Lilia Jenkins.
Looking to the future, Lilia has her sights set on continuing to work with wasps which she describes as “quite cute to study”.
“Insects are such complex little individuals working within a complex environment. Figuring out how exactly it all fits together is like doing a puzzle and it’s a lot of fun. It’s also such important work, now that we’re realising just how important it is to take care of the micro world, and I’d love to continue supporting the capacity of the agricultural sector to take up integrated pest management,” she said.
Caitlyn Badcock, of Deloraine, is the 2020 recipient of the Driscoll's Scholarship in Agricultural Science and delivered the student address at today’s ceremony.
“Moving from a small farm in Deloraine, having a scholarship meant that I could be financially stable and commit to focusing on my education and settling into university life away from home," she said.
"I cannot thank the donors enough for their generosity, and the opportunities these scholarships give my peers and I to follow our aspiration in the agricultural industry."
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science (with Honours) is an immersive education experience leveraging TIA’s strong relationships with industry and our world-leading research. Students can enrol in both Launceston and Hobart.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours.
Find out more about the University of Tasmania's agriculture scholarships.