Receiving Doctoral Scholarship "a privilege"

"I'm now in the second year of my PhD in Plant Science in the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the scholarship is incredibly helpful in reducing the financial pressure of being a student, while also providing support avenues throughout the university," she said.

"But it is also an incredible privilege to be acknowledged by the university by receiving it."

Laura's scholarship is one of three that Lincoln offers to doctoral students. The other two are the William Machin Doctoral Scholarship for Excellence and the BK Otway Education Foundation Doctoral Scholarship, and all three cover tuition fees and offer an annual stipend.

"After studying the Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) at Lincoln and finishing in 2014, I went into the industry for six years, working as an agronomist for Agricom," Laura said.

"I always wanted to pursue a PhD and was approached following a New Zealand Grassland Association conference by Lincoln University professor Derrick Moot about a project he had which would fit my experience base well."

Laura is investigating how plantain, white and red clover impact on hill country properties throughout New Zealand.

In 2020, she received the Kate Sheppard Memorial Trust Award for her work in protecting crops from drought.

"I have a massive passion for Lincoln after completing undergraduate study. From my experience, the students and staff are incredibly open, honest and do all they can to help you progress."

Applications for all three Doctoral Scholarships close on Friday 1 October. Apply here: 

• Lincoln University Doctoral Scholarship
• William Machin Doctoral Scholarship for Excellence
• BK Otway Education Foundation Doctoral Scholarship