Jodanne Aitken has always had a passion for the great outdoors.
The third year Lincoln University Bachelor of Science student majors in Conservation and Ecology, as well as Environmental Management, which is a study programme that fits perfectly with her interests.
She’s already completed a three-month internship at a park in Germany and is heavily involved in providing hands-on support to the Kea Conservation Trust.
The Southern Environmental Trust couldn’t go past her enthusiasm when they were selecting a recipient for their scholarship, which they have been awarding to Lincoln environment students for the past 11 years.
Trust committee members, Alan McKinnon, Athol McCully, and John Wylie visited campus recently to present Jodanne with the $1500 award.
Mr McCully said there were a lot of applicants this year and the standard was high, but Jodanne’s application really stood out.
“When we choose a recipient for this award, we ask ourselves if a lot of other people will benefit,” Mr Wylie told Jodanne during the presentation. “You are very outgoing and in terms of educating people, you’ll fit that very well.”
Originally from Wellington, Jodanne chose Lincoln for its environmental programmes and country location.
After graduating, she hopes to secure a job that involves hands-on work at the community level.
“I don’t want to be stuck in an office too much – I think a 50/50 mix of office work and being out in the field would be great. I’m interested in environmental education and working with kea, lizards and skinks.”
The Southern Environmental Trust began in 1995 through the Rotary Club of Christchurch South. It holds forums to encourage education and discussion about environmental issues.
As part of her scholarship, Jodanne will speak at a Rotary Club meeting in the next few months.