ANU Bachelor of Engineering (Research & Development) students, Ellen Lynch and Emily Rose Rees have been announced as the first recipients of the Natasha Linard Scholarship for Women in Engineering & Technology.
The scholarship was established following the death of Dr Natasha Linard in 2014. Dr Linard was a member of the first undergraduate engineering intake at ANU and dedicated herself enthusiastically to mentoring young women, both as students and professional engineers.
The aim of the scholarship is to build a pathway for recipients to grow their leadership skills and develop a mentoring relationship with prominent professionals in the private and public sectors.
Recipients will receive $5,000 as well as all the cost of tuition fees associated with undertaking the YWCA ‘She Leads’ Diploma of Leadership and Management.
Professor Elanor Huntington, Dean of the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science spoke of her honour in announcing the very first scholarship recipients.
“This scholarship is a tribute to Dr Linard who was committed to giving back to the engineering profession, specifically young women in engineering,” Professor Huntington said.
“On behalf of all of the donors, we award these scholarships to Miss Lynch and Miss Rees who I know will lead the way in giving back to the next generation of young women as Natasha did so passionately,” she said.
Emily Rose Rees, who is in the fourth year of her degree spoke of how this award aligns with her passion for gender equity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me as it is directly supporting women supporting other women, and recognises the work I have already done and will continue to do in this space.” Miss Rees said.
“I’d like to thank the Linard family, and Mr Keith Linard in particular, for their support of this scholarship, as well as all those who have supported and encouraged me over the last few years.”
Fourth year student Ellen Lynch highlighted that the scholarship will help to develop her confidence and leadership ability.
“I’m very honoured and excited to receive the scholarship as it means I can extend my growth in leadership as well as further the reach of outstanding mentoring opportunities offered to young female-identifying engineers,” Miss Lynch said.
“I’d like to thank everyone who made this possible, particularly to Natasha’s family and friends. I’d also like to thank my family, friends and all supporters for the part they’ve played in mentoring and supporting me on my journey,” she said.
The ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science is seeking sponsorships to increase the number of annual scholarships offered. With your help we can improve our impact and inspire more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. If you would like to get involved please contact: engagement.cecs@anu.edu.au