AgriFutures Australia has announced its crop of Horizon Scholars for 2023, including two supported by CRDC: Georgie Oldham of Sydney and Niamh Mason of the Riverina.
The Horizon Scholarship provides eligible university students with a $10,000 bursary over two years, plus opportunities to develop their leadership skills and expand their networks. As part of the program, students also attend an annual four-day professional development workshop and complete two weeks of industry work placements per year. The Horizon program is open to students studying agriculture-related or STEM degrees with major studies and/or subject selections that align to agriculture.
After completing her HSC, Sydney-based Georgie moved to Armidale to attend the University of New England and study a Bachelor of Rural Science.
“I am passionate about plant breeding and genetics, specifically the use of biotechnology within agriculture to achieve more sustainable and profitable production systems,” Georgie said.
“Next year, I’m hoping to complete my honours project on cotton and am looking forward to working with CRDC on innovative research. I would like to have a career in research, specifically cotton breeding.”
Georgie says receiving the scholarship has granted her the opportunity to be involved with and work in the cotton industry – something she never envisioned to be possible given her “non-traditional agricultural upbringing”.
“It is an honour to be able to set an example for people from non-traditional farming backgrounds,” she said.
Niamh, meanwhile, grew up on a mixed-farming enterprise between Finley and Jerilderie growing rice, wheat and livestock.
“I completed school in Finley, followed by a gap year working at Rice Research Australia. I moved to Gatton in 2022 to begin studying agricultural science with a major in agronomy at the University of Queensland.
“I am passionate about food and fibre sustainability and security and am interested in getting into research after my degree, in a field such as research agronomy, plant breeding or crop pest control.
“I also really enjoy working with farmers and would love to have a position in the future that could help connect farmers to research.
“I am most excited to make connections with people who are as passionate about Australian agriculture as I am.”
CRDC is proud to continue its support for the AgriFutures Australia Horizon Scholarship and 2023 scholars Georgie and Niamh.
