Four undergraduate engineering students with an interest in sugar processing have each been awarded the prestigious Sugar Research Institute Scholarship for 2018.

The Australian sugar industry scholarship attracted high quality applicants from universities throughout Australia.

Successful 2018 Sugar Research Institute Scholarship recipients are:

  • Ross Clements: University of Queensland, Mechanical Engineering
  • Rhianna Cardamone: University of Queensland, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alice Leerentveld: University of Queensland, Chemical Engineering
  • Kristen Nel: Queensland University of Technology, Process Engineering

The Sugar Research Institute Scholarship (SRIS) is a jointly funded program by Australia’s sugar mills and Sugar Research Australia (SRA), for undergraduates in their penultimate year of an engineering (chemical, mechanical, process and electrical), science or technical degree at an Australian university or tertiary institution.

SRIS applicants who do not receive a scholarship may be considered for a special bursary of one work placement project in the Australian sugar industry.

Scholarship recipients undertake three work placements of four weeks in the Australian sugar industry during crushing and maintenance seasons receive wages and allowances during their placements. The 2018 scholars will complete their first work placement in June/ July.

Since the program’s inception in 2015, graduate recipients are now working in the Australian sugar industry. Past recipients have gained valuable learning experience of process systems and machinery, insights into the maintenance requirements of a sugar factory, people skills and opportunities to apply theory on real projects that improve process efficiency, sugar quality and plant design.

SRI learning and development manager Bruce King said the Sugar Research Institute Scholarship program continues to be highly successful in giving scholars valuable sugar factory experience, application of theory to project-based outcomes, and financial support to help with university studies.

“In addition to financial and work placement support, the scholarship program helps recipients to make the most of their university experience through extra development opportunities by building their leadership skills and professional networks,” Mr King said.

Occupations for graduates in the sugar processing industry typically include maintenance planners, production superintendents, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, chemical/process engineers, factory managers, and engineering managers.