We conducted several vegetation surveys and various other
activities including pollination monitoring. My main input
occurred when I suggested using GIS software to detect suitable
sites for establishing new populations. I manipulated data and
was able to produce images identifying such areas based on
slope, elevation and soil type.
In addition to studying, I am currently volunteering in
two roles: native vegetation rehabilitation and a native reptile
conservation program. I hope to be accepted for a summer
internship in the coming months, and look forward to obtaining
a position with a mining company when I complete my studies.
2010
Mining Engineering
Scholarship (shared)
Codi Busson
The majority of my 2012 first
semester was occupied with
completing graduate applications
and attending interviews.
Selecting the company and role
which will be the most appropriate
to my career and personal
development is integral to future
success. Conducting this process concurrently with studies
can be difficult, particularly finding the time and resources to
attend interviews and visit mine sites.
The backing of the WAMC scholarship allowed me the
opportunity to attend interviews for companies that do not
offer financial reimbursement for the travel required for these
commitments. This afforded me the ability to see what all
companies had to offer, and choose the position I felt most
confident with.
I have now accepted a graduate position with BHP Billiton
Nickel West at their Perseverance underground operation,
commencing in February 2013. After making this decision, I was
then able to focus on completing my second semester and fourth
year thesis project.
The WAMC scholarship has been instrumental in assisting
me to make an informed decision and allowing me the freedom
to choose from essentially any graduate position on offer. This
is a very positive start to my career as a mining engineer.
further work experience in the industry by undertaking vacation
work this summer.
2011
Geology
Scholarship (shared)
Greg Cohen
Being awarded the respected
WAMC scholarship in 2011 would
have to be one of the most exciting
developments in my short career
path as a mature age geology
student. Since being awarded the
scholarship, I completed summer
vacation work with Fortescue
Metals Group to complement previous vacation work in other
commodities such as copper, uranium and gold.
This year presented new and exciting challenges, as I chose
to complete my degree at the WA School of Mines Kalgoorlie
campus. I was exposed to mining and engineering subjects that
broaden my understanding of the mining industry, and clarified
how I could best prepare myself for the role of mining geologist.
The WAMC scholarship has made a positive impact on many
areas of my student life, including the valuable financial support
and networking opportunities. Thank you for this chance.
I am excited about commencing a graduate position next
year, and I look forward to making a significant contribution to
the mining industry in Western Australia.
2011
Environmental
Engineering Scholarship
Tracey Cousens
The WAMC scholarship has been
invaluable in assisting me to reduce
my workload, and focus on studying
and gaining experience through a
variety of field work.
This year, I volunteered
assistance to botanist Philip
Ladd for a conservation project at
Perth International Airport. Our focus was on a small remnant
population of the rare flora species,
Conospermum undulata
.
to attend a two week field trip to Carnarvon, Kalbarri and Shark
Bay and also a two week field trip to the Weekeroo Inlier in South
Australia. The WAMC scholarship helped me to attend these
field trips, as I did not have to worry about financial constraints.
During the mid-semester break, I completed two swings of
work experience at Barrick’s Granny Smith mine where I gained
beneficial practical experience, in addition to three months of
completed vacation work.
The WAMC scholarship has also greatly reduced the stress of
the costs associated with travelling long distances to university
from Chidlow every day. Receiving this scholarship has been a
great personal achievement.
2011
Geology
Scholarship (shared)
Hannah Dawson
I am currently in my third year of
a combined degree majoring in
environmental engineering and
geology at UWA. It has been a busy
and exciting year – made all the
more easy by the support provided
from the WAMC scholarship.
Without the financial necessity
to work part-time while studying, I have been fortunate to
have had the time to participate in many extracurricular
university activities. I joined the Society of Economic Geologists
student chapter at UWA as a sponsorship coordinator and
helped raise enough funds to organise a field trip to NSW which
took place in July, and was a great success. I also completed
some work experience as a geological assistant at an exploration
company which gave me good insight into the industry.
Once again, I am very grateful for the WAMC scholarship
in giving me the opportunity to involve myself in activities
that I otherwise could not do. I am looking forward to gaining
MINESITE 2012
•
43