Abigail Murcott is presented with the Masterton Trust Lands Trust’s 2019 Alan MacDiarmid Scholarship by Education Committee chairwoman Christine Brewster. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Last year’s Chanel College dux Abigail Murcott has been awarded Masterton Trust Lands Trust’s 2019 Alan MacDiarmid scholarship to help with her study towards a Bachelor of Advanced Science honours degree at the University of Auckland.
The scholarship will provide Abigail with a $1000 grant each year for three years, which she says will make a big difference to her studies.
“The scholarship will be a big help towards the cost of studying in Auckland. It will allow me to focus more on my study and worry a bit less about living costs.”
Abigail is excited about the four-year programme she is pursuing, which is being offered for the first time this year.
While she is majoring in physics, she is also looking forward to studying astronomy as part of the research-focused degree.
“I’ve always been interested in science.
“The research component of the degree will allow me to study astronomy and investigate it as a possible career option.”
The Alan MacDiarmid scholarship is awarded to a top performing chemistry student in the trust’s district each year, selected through agreement by Wairarapa secondary school principals.
The scholarship was established in 2002 in recognition of the outstanding achievements of Masterton-born scientist, Professor Alan MacDiarmid, who was awarded the 2000 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Abigail says she’s grateful to Masterton Trust Lands Trust for their support.
“As well as financial assistance, the scholarship will give me extra motivation to achieve my study goals.”
