Monday 1 October 2018 7:57pm
The Division of Sciences is excited be able to support Māori and Pacific Island students in summer scholarships.
A new scholarship for aspiring Māori and Pacific scientists is being labelled a game changer in the bid to retain students with an interest in science.
The Division of Sciences has set aside $150,000 to support Māori and Pacific Island students in summer scholarships. The money has been distributed evenly into $10,000 for each of the 15 departments within the Division.
The money will be used to support students with a four- to six-week Summer Research Experience or a six- to10-week Summer Research Internship.
"It means those students who have had their interest in science sparked during the year or have a great idea about some research they would like to try, can see what scientific research is all about to drive their research passions without worrying financially."
Associate Dean (Māori) Associate Professor Miles Lamare says this is a significant opportunity for Māori and Pacific students who are curious about science.
“The scholarships are providing an opportunity for our emerging Māori and PI scientists to view a range of scientific disciplines and methods, and the University gets the benefit of retaining this talent as future postgraduate students,” Associate Professor Lamare says.
“It will be fantastic if these students can later act as future mentors and role models for other Māori and PI undergrads and fourth years to get into a career in science and research.”
The Summer Research Experience aims to provide first- and second-year students with an insight into working in a lab while gaining valuable research experience.
Meanwhile, the Summer Research Internship is targeted towards undergraduate and fourth-year students to engage in a research project of their choice.
Associate Professor Lamare says students will be able to choose from a range of opportunities across a number of disciplines.
“It means those students who have had their interest in science sparked during the year or have a great idea about some research they would like to try, can see what scientific research is all about to drive their research passions without worrying financially.”
The Division’s Associate Dean (Pacific), Dr Mele Taumoepeau, says there are also benefits for students beyond the summer.
“The scholarships also provide a great opportunity for the students to get to know potential supervisors,” she says.
Potential students are being encouraged to find out more information and apply by contacting their appropriate Kaiawhina or Pacific Departmental Liaison.