USQ PhD student, Maureen Ewai has been awarded a prestigious Prime Minister’s Pacific-Australia Award.
The award program aims to build on existing leadership capacities of high achieving postgraduate students from the Pacific region, including Papua New Guinea and East Timor, through work placements and a structured leadership development component.
Ms Ewai is currently completing her PhD research project under the supervision of USQ Associate Professor Joachim Ribbe and Dr Neil White from the Queensland Department of Employment, Development and Innovation.
Associate Professor Ribbe said Ms Ewai is investigating the impact of climate change upon biodiversity in Papua New Guinea and her research has been funded through an Australian Leadership Award during the past three years.
'Maureen has been chosen to receive an Award because of her sustained academic achievement, contribution to community and university activities, demonstrated leadership capacity and the relevance of her proposed work placement to the academic studies, future employment and the development of her home country.'
Ms Ewai said she was initially shocked when she heard she had won the award.
'I understood this was a competition between high achievers so I was prepared to accept whatever the result of my application would be. When I first received the message I had won I could not believe it, but now I am excited,' Ms Ewai said.
'The award will be important in developing my skills on leadership and on climate change impact, vulnerability and adaptation in particular on biodiversity and agriculture in PNG and other small islands of the Pacific. The work placement and leadership development programs will allow me the opportunity to establish a network in the Pacific with individuals and institutions for future collaborations.'
Ms Ewai’s PhD research focuses on investigating the impact of climate change on threatened species in Papua New Guinea.
'PNG is one of the most biologically diverse islands on the planet. Its economic reliance on natural resources is contributing to habitat destruction and many species are now facing extinction and PNG lacks information on the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. This study will contribute to scientific knowledge in this area.'
Ms Ewai said the award would make a significant contribution to her career development.
'There are few opportunities and high level competition for such awards for a country like PNG and normally few people get through.'
A presentation dinner will be held in Canberra on Wednesday, 7 December 2011.
Contact Details:
USQ Media - 07 4631 2977
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