University of Adelaide students win DSTO scholarships

Friday, 21 March 2014

Three University of Adelaide female science and engineering students have been awarded Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) scholarships.

The student scholarship winners are Vanessa Glenny, Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences, Nicola Bilton, Bachelor of Science (Laser Physics and Technology) and Emily Filmer, Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics).

"This is a wonderful student initiative and reinforces the strong partnership between the University of Adelaide and DSTO," said Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Warren Bebbington.

The scholarship program was introduced last year for female undergraduate students at the University of Adelaide, the Australian National University and the University of New South Wales.

The head of DSTO, Chief Defence Scientist Dr Alex Zelinsky said the aim of the scholarships was to encourage female students to stay in or take up studies in science and engineering.

"By making these scholarships available to female students, DSTO aims to help close a significant gap in the numbers of female students studying these disciplines compared to male students," Dr Zelinsky said.

The scholarships are awarded annually to female students enrolled in undergraduate programs in either engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry or mathematics for a total value of $160,000.

Recipients will also mentored by DSTO scientists for the duration of their university studies.

"I have always been fascinated by maths and how the world around us can be described in numbers," said Vanessa Glenny. "This scholarship is a great opportunity not just because of the financial support but also the experience that I will gain with DSTO. A career in defence is definitely an option for me in the future."

Selection was based on academic results and other factors such as an interest in a Defence career, community leadership, involvement with extra-curricular activities and referee reports.

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