Lottie Stow awarded Trimble Karahipi Hangarau/Technology Scholarship
A testament to passion and dedication
Lottie Stow, a driven and passionate student, has been awarded one of the Trimble Karahipi Hangarau/Technology Scholarships, signifying a significant milestone in her academic journey. The scholarship holds immense importance for Lottie, as it will alleviate financial stress and enable her to pursue her Postgraduate Degree at the University of Canterbury in Geology, a field she is deeply passionate about.
Expressing her enthusiasm for her chosen career path, Lottie shared, “I’m passionate about geology because I think it makes communities safer and can innovate new solutions to structural problems that cause danger to the public. The scholarship helps me pursue this career and hopefully make New Zealand a better, safer place.”
Financially, the scholarship provides Lottie with the flexibility to focus on her studies during demanding periods, reducing the need for full-time work while studying full-time. She emphasises the impact of this support, stating, “Having the funds to cut back my hours makes such a difference to my health and stress and allows me to concentrate more on my studies.”
With a clear vision for her future, Lottie has already embarked on a path of exploration and learning through various internships, including experiences in Landcare Support, GIS and a consulting company called PSM in Sydney. Looking ahead, she is eager to delve into the area of engineering geology, a field that resonates with her desire for a challenging, stimulating and varied career. Lottie’s ambitions extend beyond New Zealand, as she aspires to utilise her skills to assist remote or disadvantaged communities overseas, particularly regions prone to natural disasters.
Reflecting on her passion for geology and the outdoors, Lottie explained, “Geology allows me to experience the environment I love, while also understanding how it was formed on every scale.”
Her love for adventure sports and outdoor activities, combined with a strong academic foundation in STEM subjects, has shaped her journey and instilled in her a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Raised in Aorere, Tasman, and a graduate of Motueka High School, Lottie actively participated in a diverse range of extracurricular STEM activities including the Women in Engineering Program, neuroscience competitions and maths competitions. Inspired by exceptional educators, particularly in geography and statistics, she found the encouragement and guidance to pursue her academic interests.
“Geology excites me because it combines the old and the new. Lots of formations are hundreds of millions of years old, and you can interpret what was happening at the time by their features. Conversely, new eruptions, earthquakes and earth movements are constantly occurring and creating new events for us to understand or problems to solve,” says Lottie.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Lottie is an ardent enthusiast of outdoor activities and adventure sports, regularly engaging in surfing, tramping, climbing, swimming, skiing and kayaking in both the Tasman and Canterbury areas, recognising the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between academic commitments and personal fulfillment. Lottie actively contributes to volunteer initiatives and has dedicated two years to the US SVA Executive Committee, where she has been involved in projects such as a native tree nursery and the redevelopment of the red zone in Christchurch.
Lottie’s experiences, aspirations and unwavering dedication to her field exemplify her resilience and commitment to making a positive impact. Her journey, marked by a blend of academic excellence, outdoor pursuits and community involvement, embodies a spirit of curiosity, passion and a deep-seated desire to contribute to a safer and more sustainable world.
