2019 Rotary Postgraduate Scholarship recipients: (L-R) Brittany Elliott, Kaylene Ballard, Elin Pollanen
Scholarships news
USC Newsroom
Student research supported by Rotary scholarships
14 JuneThree compelling USC student research projects spanning creative writing, biotechnology and molecular biology have each gained a $4,500 boost from the combined Rotary clubs of the Sunshine Coast.
Rotary Postgraduate Scholarship
The Rotary USC Community Fund (RUSCCF) was established in 1996-97 and first awarded in 2001 by the combined Rotary Clubs of the Sunshine Coast. Rotary Postgraduate Scholarships are awarded annually to students who have completed their undergraduate degree at USC and have enrolled and commenced postgraduate studies at either the Master or Doctorate levels at USC.
The RUSCCF Committee is made up of representatives from 17 Rotary clubs from Caloundra to Noosa. Each club is encouraged to make an annual contribution to the Fund at the RUSCCF Annual Joint Meeting and Dinner. To date, the combined clubs have contributed more than $210,000 to the Fund and have awarded 63 scholarships to USC students.
The Scholarships are valued at $4,500 each and three scholarships are awarded each year.
Contact Rotary USC Community Fund committee
Chair: Mr Ian Barnett ian_barnett@bigpond.com
Secretary: Ms Wendy Gilson wendygilson3@bigpond.com
2021 Rotary Postgraduate Scholarship recipients
Thomas Banks
Thomas completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at USC and has a keen interest in harnessing techniques to promote crustacean aquaculture. His research focuses on gene silencing, which uses natural biopolymers to specifically target and turn off (or silence) certain genes without permanently changing them. Thomas's current PhD project is based on trying to induce silencing on spiny lobsters.
Shannon Horsfall
Shannon is a published children's author, holds annual workshops with Qld Writers Centre and has been a presenter at various literary festivals. She was awarded the University Medal of Excellence at USC on completing her first class Honours (Creative Writing). Shannon is currently undertaking a PhD in Creative Writing at USC and her research endeavours to expose the problematic silencing of the child experience of domestic abuse.
Tomas Lang
Tomas has a background in molecular biology and his research has focused on molecular communication within multiple organisms with prospective applicability in the fields of regenerative medicine and restorative aquaculture. Tomas's current PhD research aims to provide an insight into the molecular basis of interactions between corals and seaweeds and how these interactions might be affected by climate change.
Rotary Postgraduate Scholarship alumni
2020
- Dylan Astley
- Aaron Brunton
- Cameron DeGraw
2019
- Brittany Elliott
- Kaylene Ballard
- Elin Pollanen
2018
- Andrew Allen
- Makeely Blandford
- Joanne Boon
2017
- Luke Hawley
- Kaylet (Kye) McDonald
- Ryan Newis
2016
- Lara Meital
- Gail Loader
- Rachele Wilson
2015
- Alessandra Whaite
- Andrew Allen
- Marion Brown
2014
- Karina Rune
- Daniel Meloncelli
- Bruce Randall
2013
- Eva Hatje
- Benjamin Lane
- Lauren Simmons
2012
- Jennifer Castell
- Corinna Burgen-Maunder
- Cathryn Morriss
2011
- Michael Gardiner
- Danielle Formosa
- Jacob Turner
2010
- Roslyn Clapperton
- Lee-anne Bye
- Clark Taylor
2009
- Kate Fitzgerald
- Felicity Templeman
- Katie Sutter
2008
- Jamila Rosdahl
- Nubia Ramos
- Wayne Graham
2007
- Michael Powell
- Judy Wickes
- Vikki Shaffer
2006
- Joanne Freeman
- Greg Nash
- Robert Lamont
2005
- Luke Keioskie
- Vikki Schaffer
- Rachel James
2004
- Stephen Tucker
- Gai Van Hees
- Maria Arena
2003
- Wayne Graham
- Lindsay Cripps
- Craig Hansen
2002
- Robert Glen
- David Walton
2001
- Duncan Thompson
- Helen Ison
- Catherine Titheridge
Recognition of contributions
The following Clubs have been presented with plaques in recognition of their various levels of cumulative contributions to the Fund.
platinum
Cumulative contribution of $20,000
- Rotary Club of Glasshouse Mountains
- Rotary Club of Mooloolaba
- Rotary Club of Nambour
gold
Cumulative contribution of $10,000
- Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland
- Rotary Club of Buderim
- Rotary Club of Caloundra
- Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific
- Rotary Club of Kawana Waters
- Rotary Club of Maleny
- Rotary Club of Noosa Daybreak
silver
Cumulative contribution of $5,000
- Rotary Club of Maroochydore
bronze
Cumulative contribution of $2,500
- Rotary Club of Cooroy
- Rotary Club of Nambour '76