CDU students recognised for outstanding achievements

A Charles Darwin University (CDU) student is leading the way for greater female representation in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, after being awarded the Chief Minister’s Award for Science.

Isabel Anderson was awarded the Chief Minister’s Award for Science for outstanding academic achievements in science, at CDU’s College of Engineering, IT, and the Environment prize giving ceremony today.  

Ms Anderson was among more than 30 students who were recognised for their outstanding performance in their 2021 academic programs at the ceremony on April 5 at CDU’s Casuarina Campus. 

Ms Anderson who grew up in Andamooka, a small Opal mining town in South Australia, has just completed her Bachelor of Science Degree, Majoring in Ecology and hopes to focus on a career in endangered fauna conservation. 

“I have always been fascinated by nature and how it functions which is basically what studying ecology is all about. In the future I would like to work as a Terrestrial Fauna Ecologist preferably at a Not-for-Profit organisation focusing on endangered fauna conservation,” Ms Anderson said.  

“Now I have completed my degree, I plan to get started on my honours and hope to undertake voluntary work and internships in similar fields to what I want to do in the future.”  

In addition to the Chief Minister’s Award for Science, prizes were awarded across a range of disciplines with prize winners achieving the best overall student or highest academic achievement in their category.   

Certificate IV Building and Construction student, Coryn Tambling received the award for best overall student in building and construction and is planning for a career in project management in the building and primary industries. 

As a mature age student, Mr Tambling undertook an extensive retraining program in 2020 and 2021 in Building and Construction, Engineering (Metal Fabrication), Civil Engineering (Plant Operations) and High-Risk Work.

“Studying at CDU helped me gain the necessary qualifications and skills to move into and reach the high standards of the Northern Territory building and construction industry,” Mr Tambling said.

College of Engineering, IT and Environment Dean Professor David Young said students awarded prizes at the ceremony should be very proud of their achievements. 

“This ceremony is about acknowledging and celebrating the outstanding academic achievements of our students who, throughout their studies have worked tirelessly to reach their goals,” Professor Young said.

“These prizes aim to reward academic excellence and inspire students to reach their highest potential and I congratulate all prize winners.” 

Award ceremony prizes are generously donated by local and national businesses and organisations. 

The ceremony recognises students for their academic achievements across various disciplines including Vocational Education Training (VET) Automotive, Transport and Civil, VET Engineering and Construction, VET Electrotechnology and Plumbing, VET Agriculture and Rural Operations, VET Environmental Studies, IT, Engineering and Environment.