The scholarship, worth $30,000 per year, rewards young New Zealanders who continue postgraduate study and research that is deemed important to the social, cultural, or economic development of New Zealand.
Izzy, who grew up obsessed with microbiology and biochemistry is developing ways for horticulturalists to monitor and manage the various “fungus-like” issues (or microbial pathogens) that effect plants. They can then be more selective and specific with their treatments to protect crops.
This scholarship will allow her to work on her PhD, with an annual stipend and living costs. It allows students to study anywhere in New Zealand, or even abroad, but for Izzy there was only one place to be—right here at Te Herenga Waka.
“My favourite thing about studying here is the people. The lecturers are iconic, super helpful, and they run lab groups doing interesting things.”
She also loves Wellington, praising its bush, ocean, and walkability, and believes she’s landed a great lab group and cohort, calling them “the most interesting people I’ve ever met”.
Izzy’s studies will likely finish in 2029. She hopes her research reduces some of the day-to-day pressures for people working in the horticultural industry when it comes to dealing with diseases.
Variables and developments in the industry, weather patterns, and overall ground conditions mean that there could be significant changes to contend with as she determines the direction her research will take. But Izzy is committed to a life in science.
In her life outside of the University, she is a hobby mycologist and likes to sew, run, tramp, boulder, write poetry, and collage. She is also learning French, NSZL (New Zealand Sign Language), and te reo in what will now become even rarer moments of spare time.
“Thanks to the scholarship, I will be able to attend conferences and keep my work in line with the international standard of research in this field. It takes some of the pressure off rather than having to find another job to support the more-than-full-time labour of love grind of the PhD”.