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Bowen Eye Clinic supports a Victoria University of Wellington post graduate student with a scholarship and part time employment for the year.
The 2019 recipient of the Bowen Eye Clinic Scholarship was Dayanitha Damodaran.
In between her busy study timetable and spare time singing in a barbershop chorus, Dayanitha trained and worked under the supervision of our Ophthalmic Technician and Office Manager, assisting in both the Laser Eye Surgery theatre and front reception. Having flexible, paid, part time employment during the study year provides an introduction to the workforce in a meaningful role that will add to the student’s career portfolio.
Dayanitha is currently finishing writing up her Masters by Thesis in Marine Biology. The subject of her thesis is looking at quantifying stress in two species of marine bivalves commonly eaten in New Zealand. (Tuatua and Pipi) She worked as part of a wider shellfish health team that includes members from MPI, Massey University and Waikato University to better understand New Zealand shellfish and die off events.
“I am immensely grateful for receiving this award as it has helped reduce my student loan for this year. This allows me to focus on my thesis and get out of student loan debt faster. Getting out of debt is important to me as I would like to move overseas after the completion of my masters and either work or pursue a PhD in marine animal health. I eventually wish to work in marine research that benefits both local communities and improves the health of marine ecosystems.”
Reece and the team at Bowen Eye Clinic wish Dayanitha all the best for her future study, employment and adventures. Offering the scholarship is a way that Bowen Eye Clinic can give something back and support research in Wellington. It also helps encourage students to complete post-graduate study.
Eligible students are enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington undertaking a Masters or PhD in the School of Biological Sciences, or the School of Psychology. The aim of the scholarship is to help students with a focus on lab and technical work in their chosen field of study. Students are selected on the basis of their aptitude for technical laboratory work and work ethic. More information can be found on the Victoria University of Wellington Scholarship website.