BZS Scholarship Recipients: Grenfell & Cooper

Environmental sciences students Claire Grenfell and Kate Cooper were named the recipients of the Steinhoff/Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] scholarship on Wednesday [Sept 12] at an awards ceremony at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo.

The scholarship, established by former BZS president Robert Steinhoff, provides educational opportunities for Bermudian students studying environmental sciences at accredited institutions.

To be considered, applicants must be in the final two years of a Bachelor’s degree, or working towards a Masters or Doctorate degree in their chosen field. Since its launch in 2009, the scholarship has been awarded to nine students with a total sum of $49,000 being awarded in the last four years.

“The Steinhoff scholarship was formed to encourage and support young Bermudians to become future stewards of our delicate environment – both Claire and Kate are passionate in their pursuits to achieve this,” says Steinhoff.

Claire Grenfell [$5,000 for one year] has been awarded the Steinhoff Scholarship for the second consecutive year. In June 2012, she graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science.

Miss Grenfell will continue her studies this fall at Bangor University where she will work towards her Master’s degree in Marine Environmental Protection.

Grenfell has spent the past few summers volunteering and working for the BZS on conservation projects, most recently having spent a portion of her summer vacation as an Ernest E. Stempel Intern assisting Dr. Robbie Smith in the Bermuda Natural History Museum.

Kate Cooper [L] and Claire Grenfell, 2012 recipients of the Steinhoff / BZS Scholarship:

Grenfell helped in preparing for the Sargasso Sea excursion aboard the Spirit of Bermuda, which took place August 27-31. While aboard, Grenfell assisted in collecting pelagic Sargassum and the creatures which depend on the sea weed for survival.

Studies of the Sargasso Sea are particularly important during the present time as Blue Halo and the Sargasso Sea Alliance work toward naming the Sargasso Sea a natural marine reserve.

“I am very grateful to have been selected as a recipient for the Steinhoff/BZS Scholarship for a second time. This financial support has made a significant difference to me and will greatly assist me during my Master’s degree. This award will allow me to be fully focused on my degree and will enable me to get as much out of my year as possible,” says Grenfell.

Kate Cooper [$5,000 for one year] is currently studying zoology with conservation at Bangor University in Wales, U.K. Kate spent her teenage years with BZS, first as a junior volunteer in 2007 and then as a junior aquarist from 2008-2011.

In 2012 Cooper received an Ernest E. Stempel Internship, allowing her to work at BZS/BAMZ for the summer of 2012. She also received first-hand experience volunteering for the Bermuda Turtle Project in 2012, helping to catch, tag and release green turtles around Bermuda as part of the national conservation project.

Cooper says, “BAMZ and BZS have given me so many opportunities over the past five years; I have had hands-on experience in the field and many opportunities to talk to leading scientists.

“Without the support from BAMZ and BZS, I may not have the same interest that I do now. I am very grateful for this scholarship and I feel it will help me return to Bermuda to help inspire the next generation.”

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Category: All, Environment