Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand – 20 February 2020: Rocket Lab has awarded Gisborne teenager Niamh Stratton with the 2019 Rocket Lab Scholarship, providing the young space
enthusiast with financial support for a tertiary degree and an exclusive mentorship programme from Rocket Lab experts.
The Rocket Lab Scholarship is now in its third year and was established to encourage the pursuit of rewarding careers in
science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). The Scholarship covers up to $20,000 of tertiary education fees for
up to four years of study and includes mentorship from Rocket Lab.
Niamh Stratton was selected as the Rocket Lab Scholarship recipient after demonstrating a clear passion, dedication, and
determination to become an astrophysicist and explore deep space in the discovery of new stars and planets. Miss
Stratton will begin studying a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree with a double major in Physics and Astronomy this
year at the University of Canterbury.
In 2019, Niamh was Head Girl of Campion College and one of only ten secondary school students chosen from around the
country to be a SWAPA (Student With A Passion for Astronomy) and attend the national Royal Astronomical Society of New
Zealand’s annual conference. She was also amongst a select group of high school students to attend the Otago University
Advanced Schools Science Academy science camps last week.
Outside of her studies, Niamh volunteers as the Treasurer of the Gisborne Astronomical Society’s Junior division; as a
Hospice Youth Ambassador, volunteer for the Gisborne Cancer Society, and as a Tairāwhiti youth environment group member
coordinating community events; and offers Peer and Academic Support for younger students to improve education.
Miss Stratton says the Rocket Lab Scholarship will allow her the freedom to focus on her studies while continuing her
extracurricular volunteer efforts.
“When I received the news I was shaking with excitement! I am so honoured and grateful to be granted this amazing
opportunity and I’m on an absolutely high as I start my degree.
“More important to me than the financial grant is Rocket Lab’s mentorship programme as it’s such an invaluable
opportunity. The knowledge, connections, and experience that will be available to me will support my career from day
one, and I will always be thankful for this opportunity. Rocket Lab is a true inspiration, and a New Zealand-founded
organisation helping young Kiwis like this is incredible.”
Rocket Lab Founder and Chief Executive Peter Beck says: “I’m passionate about supporting our best and brightest young
STEM students like Niamh to achieve their dreams, and I’m looking forward to seeing her make her mark in the global
space industry in the years to come.”