UQ engineering graduates named as John Monash scholars

Prestigious scholarships will take two University of Queensland engineering postgraduates to study at the University of Oxford.

They are among 20 Australians to receive 2017 General Sir John Monash Foundation Scholarships.

Civil and geotechnical engineering graduate Timothy Delport will conduct renewable energy research through a PhD in Engineering Science.

“I am passionate about unplugging a clean, sustainable and readily available energy source in Australia and worldwide,” he said.

“I hope to acquire the skill, experience and qualities to contribute to Australian politics and policy on energy and the environment.”

Brett Parkinson, a chemical and materials engineering graduate who works at UQ’s Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovations, completed a UQ Masters of Engineering in 2014.

He will research chemical synthesis for energy storage at Oxford, and hopes to help improve production processes for vital chemicals, such as ammonia, using renewable energy.

“I hope my research towards developing alternative chemical production technologies can advance the viability of sustainable manufacturing in Australia,” he said.

Sir John Monash Scholarships were awarded for the first time in 2004, honouring Australian Imperial Forces World War I commander General Sir John Monash.

Monash, who died in 1931, helped develop Australia’s electricity industry, and promoted public service and education throughout Australia.

UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor Joanne Wright (Academic) said the awards targeted young Australians who had potential to be leaders in their fields and to make significant contributions in the community.

“This is a wonderful success for UQ and for them, and I wish them the very best.”

The awards were announced at the Sydney Opera House.

Mr Parkinson is the 2017 Woodside John Monash Scholar and Mr Delport is the 2017 Wesfarmers John Monash Scholar.

Photo: from left, Tim Delport, Liza O'Moore, Brett Parkinson, Peter Halley

Media: Genevieve Worrell, g.worrell@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3365 8525, 0408 432 213; Timothy Delport, 0411 552 161; Brett Parkinson, 0466 111 135.