March 25, 2021

Seven UOW students awarded prestigious Westpac Young Technologists Scholarships

Scholarships to help students realise their dream careers in the tech industry

Seven University of Wollongong (UOW) students have received a 2021 Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship from Westpac Scholars Trust.

Each year, in partnership with 14 universities across Australia, the Trust invests in 100 promising researchers, entrepreneurs and young Australians who challenge, explore and set new benchmarks in innovation, research, and social change.

The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is designed to support undergraduate students passionate about technology, and aims to develop disruptive thinking among students and build leadership qualities through various programs, paid internships, and the University's mentoring support. Scholars receive $15,000 over three years, and become lifelong members of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network (W100). Growing by up to 100 Westpac Scholars every year, the W100 brings together people from all walks of life and provides access to professional development and inspiring networks.

This year’s UOW Westpac Young Technologists Scholars are Hunter de Jong, Joseph Ross-Ward, Tynan Matthews, Zoe Cooper, Harry Briese, Isabella Grando and Eden Walters.

Bachelor of Computer Science student Tynan Matthews said he is passionate about cybersecurity and wants to develop his skills in cybersecurity and coding.

“I love computer science, and I’m extremely passionate about all things internet, I love the infrastructure that enables it, the code that drives it, and the people who use it. I hope to be a part of forging Australia into an innovation nation where extremely talented technologists want to work in our country.” Tynan said.

“I am also very determined to get back out to the country and inspire students to take up careers in technology and ensure they understand the endless opportunities there are in this field.”

“The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is a great motivator and support for students who want to pursue a career in technology and hopefully, it will lead me in the right direction.”

“I hope to get full time employment in cybersecurity, Intelligent Systems Design or machine learning after I graduate.”

Bachelor of Engineering and Computer Science student, Joseph Ross-Ward, is a tech enthusiast and loves physics and coding. He aims to become an entrepreneur after graduating from UOW.

“I like physics and software development a lot and want to create something that benefits people,” Joseph said.

“I hopefully get picked up by a banking or a cybersecurity company after I graduate, get the industry experience over the years and then potentially start my own company.”

Pic (top-bottom): Eden Walters, Harry Briese, Hunter de Jong, Zoe Cooper, Tynan Matthews, Isabella Grando and Joseph Ross-Ward. (Credit: Westpac)

Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering student, Zoe Cooper, is passionate about renewable energy and said the scholarship would help her build networking skills and gain industry experience through internships and mentoring opportunities.

“The scholarship will help me financially and let me fully concentrate on my studies,” Zoe said.

“I would like to pursue a Master’s degree after I complete my degree at UOW and find opportunities to contribute to Australia’s renewable energy industry.”

Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering student, Hunter de Jong, said the scholarship has given him the flexibility and the opportunity to network and interact with young and aspiring technologists.. He is interested in robotics and wants to explore opportunities in the robotics industry.

“It’s a great opportunity to collaborate with other fellow technologists; I’ve alreadymade excellent mates through this scholarship program and most of my queries are answered by my fellow technologists,” Hunter said.

“I think robotics is the future and one of my main interests in mechatronics is in the field of automated robotics and technology to further look into the use of exoskeletons for the disabled.”

The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship Scholars have access to industry and university mentors, internships, ongoing leadership development opportunities and exposure to new and diverse networks.

“We’ve worked closely with our university partners and Westpac to deliver transformational programs that not only challenge the Scholars’ thinking, but also increases their access to new networks and opportunities,” Westpac Scholars Trust CEO Susan Bannigan said.

Since its inception, more than $24 million has been awarded through 470 scholarships.

Further information about the Scholarship is available from the University’s website:

https://scholarships.uow.edu.au/scholarships/search?scholarship=301