Beca announces annual engineering prizes

Media release

24 October, 2008

Beca announces annual University of Canterbury engineering prizes

Engineering consultancy Beca has announced the recipients of its annual Engineering in Society prizes for University of Canterbury students, recognising young engineers who are likely to make a major contribution to the profession.

The seven recipients were presented with their scholarships this week by Beca Regional Manager South Island, Craig Price, and the Dean of the University of Canterbury's School of Engineering, Richard Duke.

The scholarships place equal weighting on academic results, contribution to university and community activities, and the candidates' potential to contribute to engineering in the future.

Each scholarship winner receives a cash grant to further his or her studies in engineering or related fields.

This year three students in their final year of a Bachelor of Engineering degree received Beca Engineering in Society prizes of $3000 each:

* Denis Chen - Former Burnside High School pupil Denis has been interested in engineering since he was a child. He hopes one day to complete a PhD in the field of wireless communications and to build a career in innovative technologies that transform everyday life. The highlight of his career to date has been placing second in the chemistry category of the Taiwan International Science Fair.

* Hannah Farr - Rotorua student Hannah is studying chemical and process engineering. She has a broad range of interests outside engineering, from rowing and coaching to ballet and embroidery. Long-term she hopes to complete a PhD in bioengineering and work in bioprocessing or the biomedical industry.

* Kim Hedley - Kim has won a number of awards, including a major Gisborne District Council youth award. During the Canterbury winters he is a keen skier and during the East Coast summers he surfs, runs, cycles and competes in competitive kayaking events. He hopes to one day to use his qualifications to "give back" to the East Coast in return for all the support he has received.

Four students in their second year of a Bachelor of Engineering degree received Beca Engineering in Society prizes of $2000 each:

* Joshua Bird - Hawkes Bay student Joshua attended secondary school in Hastings and is currently enrolled in a commerce degree as well as studying civil engineering. He hopes to work in town planning in the future because of its potential positive impact on the community.

* Doug Latham - A past Dux of St Peters College in Cambridge, Doug is enjoying studying civil engineering at Canterbury. He plays a range of musical instruments and is a keen squash player, representing Waikato at the New Zealand Junior Squash Nationals.

* Pieter Vanderpoel - Wellington College old boy Pieter Vanderpoel has a keen interest in bridge and hopes to trial for the New Zealand youth bridge team next year. Enrolled in civil engineering, Pieter plays saxophone, sings in a choir and plays soccer

* Richard Zhang - A past pupil of Christchurch Boys' High, Richard aims to qualify as an electrical engineer and to manage large engineering projects in the long-term. A winner of several academic awards, Richard relaxes by playing in a 'post-rock' band.

Ends

Photo caption: Richard Duke of the University of Canterbury and Craig Price of Beca with scholarship recipients.

Back row, L-R: Richard Duke, Denis Chen, Kim Hedley, Joshua Bull, Craig Price and Hannah Farr.

Front row, L-R: Richard Zhang, Pieter Vanderpoel, Doug Latham.

About Beca

Established in 1918, Beca is New Zealand's largest employee-owned engineering consultancy, employing over 2,000 staff in ten countries. Headquartered in Auckland, Beca operates from three market hubs: New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore.

Beca works in four key sectors: industrial, infrastructure, buildings and public services. Beca's range of services includes project management, planning, engineering, architecture, surveying, cost estimating, asset management and valuations.

ENDS

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