UWA Fogarty Scholarship one of the top 12 most lucrative uni scholarships in Australia for Year 12 students 

Our prestigious UWA Fogarty Scholarship has been distinguished as one of the top 12 most lucrative scholarships available to Year 12 students across Australia.  It was recently ranked by The Art of Smart at number 8 in Australia. 

The Art of Smart is an educational organisation known for providing tutoring services and offering career and leadership mentoring to students. It focuses on empowering students to achieve academic success and develop important life skills for their future endeavors.  

The Foundation is pleased to be named in these rankings as we take a holistic approach toward our Scholarships; ensuring students have a range of mentoring opportunities, leadership development events and cohort building opportunities.  

Established to nurture the brightest minds and future leaders, the UWA Fogarty Scholarship offers not only financial support but also a platform for personal and professional growth. Recipients benefit from comprehensive financial assistance throughout their undergraduate (and postgraduate) studies at UWA, alongside invaluable mentoring and networking opportunities. Each year, a select number of exceptional students are awarded the UWA Fogarty Scholarship, reaching a milestone in their educational journey and opening doors to a world of opportunities. 

Read the full article here! 

One young West Australian’s journey from Harvey to Stanford 

Justin Kruger, a UWA Fogarty Alumni, has recently won the Ballhaus Prize for best PhD thesis as part of the 2024 graduating class at Stanford University studying Aeronautics and Astronautics. It is titled “Flight Algorithms for Autonomous Tracking and Navigation of Distributed Space Systems Using Inter-Satellite Bearing Angles.” (in less academic words, how to navigate multiple spacecraft using cameras) We had the privilege of catching up with Justin and finding out how a boy from the south west of Western Australia ended up at Stanford University, researching Space! 

Kruger’s fascination with space began early, perhaps sparked by delving into classic sci-fi tales like Star Wars during his childhood. Originally from Harvey, a rural area in Western Australia, Justin became a UWA Fogarty Scholar when he commenced his undergraduate studies in Engineering (Mechatronics) in 2015 and in Science (Physics) in 2016 at the University of Western Australia. Despite the challenges of launching a space-related career in Australia at the time, he persevered with his interests and forged an exciting pathway. Throughout his academic pursuits, his passion for space exploration remained steadfast, leading him to seize opportunities for industry exposure, including an internship at ANU. 

Driven by his desire to contribute to the field of space technology, Kruger sought academic avenues abroad, eventually securing admission to Stanford University in California (completing a Masters in 2020 and then a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2024). His tenure at Stanford, spanning from his Masters to a Ph.D. and now as a post-doctoral researcher, has been marked by undertaking research and other collaborative efforts at the Space Rendezvous Laboratory. The Laboratory is the world’s foremost lab for multi-satellite systems, and they believe that advanced multi-satellite systems will help humanity address fundamental questions of space science, technology, exploration, and sustainability. 

Kruger’s doctoral thesis revolves around the concept of ‘distributed space systems’, advocating for the synergy of multiple spacecraft to accomplish objectives beyond the reach of individual units. Central to his research is the development of vision-based navigation algorithms, leveraging onboard cameras to facilitate autonomous position estimation and navigation. By addressing the inherent challenges of distance determination in vision-based systems, Kruger’s work seeks to unlock the potential of distributed space systems across various orbital and deep space environments.  

So, what does this mean in practice… (and to the layman!)? Justin explains this as ‘multiple spacecrafts interacting to achieve objectives impossible or difficult to achieve with a single spacecraft. We can relate this principle to – for example – humans interacting to pursue goals as a community’. 

Kruger’s research holds significance beyond academia, influencing the trajectory of space exploration and utilisation. Through the enhancement of navigation algorithms and their validation via programs like NASA Starling, Kruger seeks to facilitate various applications of his work with distributed space systems. Starling consists of four small spacecraft and is conducting the first demonstrations of autonomous vision-based navigation for a spacecraft swarm. You can track the positions of the Starling Spacecraft in real time. These applications focus on tasks such as lunar settlements, orbital debris monitoring, and satellite maintenance.  

Reflecting on his work, Kruger expresses, “Space technology is only growing more and more vital to both everyday life and our species’ future, and I’m extremely excited to be contributing to that journey.” His contributions underscore the evolving importance of space technology in both contemporary life and humanity’s long-term prospects. Mapping Earth from space facilitates monitoring of natural disasters like bushfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, enabling rapid assessment, damage identification, and coordinated rescue efforts, while also aiding ongoing environmental monitoring and resource management initiatives. 

Kruger, as a representative of Western Australia, stresses the significance of regional participation in space exploration initiatives. Emphasising WA’s strong capability in sectors such as mining, remote operations, and agriculture, he advocates for aligning our regional strengths with the dynamic landscape of space technology. He asserts, “The ongoing space ‘boom’ leaves enormous potential for a smaller region like WA to become a larger player. In doing so, we can maintain more home-grown industry knowledge, keep talented people in WA, and be closely involved in humanity’s next giant leap.” By nurturing local talent and fostering collaborations with international partners, regions like WA can establish itself as a key contributor to humanity’s pursuit of space exploration. 

What would Justin recommend for a young person in WA interested in working in space related fields? 

Kruger’s experiences provide lessons and guidance for budding STEM enthusiasts, stressing the importance of inner drive, embracing diverse opportunities, and teamwork. He urges young individuals to pursue their interests through research and to stay flexible in adapting to new fields. Kruger notes, “Almost anything you study can be usefully applied to a space project. Keep an eye out for chances to collaborate with like-minded people and you’ll almost definitely find the experiences you need to realise that dream.” Emphasising the interdisciplinary nature of STEM and its wide-ranging societal impacts, he encourages collaboration and partnerships as key ways to unlock opportunities in the realm of space exploration. 

For the next 1-2 years, Justin will continue working as a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford. He has achieved significant success with the Starling mission, which has garnered considerable interest from NASA. Although the initial phase of the mission concluded in May, it has been extended until the end of 2025. During this time, Justin will develop new navigation software and conduct further experiments, with an increased emphasis on space situational awareness to enhance the tracking and management of objects in space for safety and sustainability. 

In the longer term, there is discussion about launching a second Starling mission around the Moon, which is an exciting prospect. Additionally, Justin aims to leverage his developments to contribute to an interplanetary science mission, such as deploying a swarm of spacecraft to explore another planet, and to participate in an Australian space mission. He hopes to achieve these goals through collaborations with local startups or the Australian Space Agency. 

Justin Kruger’s journey from his initial fascination with space to innovative research in autonomous tracking and navigation of distributed space systems showcases his proactive approach in forging a path into his career. His efforts not only drive forward space exploration but also underscore the substantial room for enhancement in providing WA’s students with greater access to space careers and opportunities.  Kruger’s advice to aspiring STEM enthusiasts highlights the value of intrinsic motivation, openness to diverse opportunities, and collaboration. 

Learn more about Justin or connect here! 

The Fogarty Foundation extends its congratulations to the newly elected members of the Fogarty Scholars Association (FSA) Committee for 2024. We look forward to seeing the contribution they will make in 2024 to the Association and to contributing to the experience of all UWA Fogarty Scholars. 

It is particularly pleasing to see the second year Scholars taking on Committee roles, following their contribution to running the Fogarty Futures Conference in 2023. We look forward to seeing the impact they will make in 2024 to the Association and to contributing to the experience of all UWA Fogarty Scholars. 

President: Shantelle Jeyakumar (3^rd year Integrated Dental Science studies); whose leadership skills and dedication to fostering a strong and inclusive community to date among Fogarty Scholars will contribute significantly to the Association. 

Vice President: Mariya Faisal (2^nd year, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Public Health studies) will continue to demonstrate her collaborative efforts in enhancing the academic and social experiences of Fogarty Scholars. 

Secretary: Sienna Hanikeri (2^nd year, Integrated Medical Sciences with Clinical Practice studies) will be able to use her organisational skills and attention to detail, following her contribution to the Fogarty Futures Conference management in 2023.  

Treasurer: Josh Peckover (4^th year, Politics, Philosophy and Economics studies) will be the financial steward of the FSA, focusing on the Association’s fiscal health and the successful execution of its programs. 

Communication Director: Jade Wallwork (2^nd year, Communication and Media Studies and Law and Society studies) will continue her focus on ensuring effective communication within the Fogarty Scholars community. 

General Representative: Naveen Nimalan’s (3^rd year, Automation and Robotics studies) appointment as General Representative demonstrates his commitment to representing the diverse interests and perspectives of Fogarty Scholars. We congratulate Naveen and anticipate that his advocacy will contribute to a vibrant and inclusive community. 

Through 2024, the FSA will orchestrate a series of events, workshops, and mentoring initiatives designed to cultivate a sense of community and foster a supportive cohort environment among scholars. 

The recent establishment of the Fogarty Foundation’s Scholars Platform, will help enable even better collaborate with the FSA, ensuring that communication flows seamlessly and Scholars enjoy direct access to an array of enriching workshops, events, and opportunities tailored to their needs.  

We wish the Committee all the best for 2024 and look forward to working together to enhance the educational journey of our Scholars and support a vibrant and connected Scholar community. 

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Highlights from the InspirED 2023 event by the Fogarty Foundation

On 26 October 2023, the Fogarty Foundation’s annual InspirED event took place.  As always, it was a remarkable occasion as it provided a wonderful showcase of the achievements and potential of the University of Western Australia (UWA) Fogarty Scholars.  It featured presentations and discussions on a wide array of topics, including entrepreneurial ventures, social impact initiatives, and inspiring personal journeys.  The event also highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing young talent by empowering Scholars to reach their full potential and so make a positive impact on our society. 

A major highlight at the InspirED event was hearing the insights of the UWA Fogarty Scholars. These talented young minds seized their Scholarships as a launchpad for personal and academic growth, with the event providing a platform for them to showcase their accomplishments. From Caleb McKenna who has been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship for Western Australia in 2024; to Nicholas Ellison and Lydia Almeida, new medical graduates who aspire to work in regional, rural and remote medicine; and Luke Osborne whose overseas internships helped him find his passion in mathematical finance and financial technology.  The talented Emily Roberts and Racheline Tantular round out our six graduates, Emily with her Master of Professional Engineering (Mech Eng) and Racheline with a Bachelor of Philosophy in Music and Asian Studies.

A compelling narrative was skillfully crafted throughout the evening by Caleb Adams, the event’s MC and Vice President of the Fogarty Scholars Association.  In his address to the audience, he urged us to reflect on the idea that each person carries their own unique story, which collectively weaves into the broader narrative of our shared history and culture. He left the audience with a thought-provoking question to ponder throughout the evening: “What kind of legacy do you aspire to leave behind?”   

Attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Kyle Hoath, who shared his journey from medicine to entrepreneurship. He began by showcasing the positive impact of his project, Oqea, in the field of mental health. Kyle stressed the importance of teamwork and having a support system. When reflecting on legacy in light of Caleb’s question, Kyle concluded that legacies take time to build, and achievements often unfold in surprising ways.

Guests were also fortunate to connect virtually with Lachie McDonald, a Scholar who is now pursuing postgraduate studies at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, as part of a special scholarship opportunity uniquely for UWA Fogarty Scholars.  Lachie shared his insightful reflections on his journey as a Fogarty Scholar, emphasising the critical importance of developing digital skills for the future and driving progress in artificial intelligence. He delved into the philosophical underpinnings of AI which served as a compelling reminder to the audience that the intelligence of digital systems is fundamentally shaped by real-world actions and decisions. Lachie’s message concluded with a resounding call to action, highlighting the urgency of our role as active participants in shaping the future. Here again we were reminded of Caleb’s question; “What kind of legacy do you aspire to leave behind?”. 

In a special moment during the event, the Jeremy Cheang Award was presented to Shantelle Jeyakumar for her exceptional achievements and her commitment to making a positive impact on her community. Shantelle won the award for her innovative project centered on an educational platform that integrates dental health, women’s health, and financial literacy. What makes this recognition even more special is that Shantelle will receive mentorship from Dr. Marcus Tan, a leading expert in the field. Shantelle’s work steps toward one legacy that she may leave behind; by leveraging emerging digital tools to create equality of information and access.  

Thank you to all who attended the InspirED 2023 event, a photo gallery of which is available here. We also encourage you to investigate Kyle’s Oqea and other Scholars’ initiatives.  

The UWA Fogarty Scholars program is one of the Foundation’s flagship programs.  This program has been instrumental in identifying, supporting, and nurturing exceptional students from various fields. With 10 selected each year and an alumni of over 120 Scholars, this group represents a diverse range of talents, ambitions, and backgrounds, and an inspiring group to follow.  To learn more about our Scholars and alumni, visit them here. 

The celebratory breakfast hosted by UWA and the Fogarty Foundation on 27 September champions all that has been achieved since the formation of the UWA Fogarty Scholarship Program in 2003. 

A recording of the breakfast celebration is available here.

20 years ago, history was made with the commencement of a partnership between the Fogarty Foundation and the University of Western Australia to establish an elite scholarship program for high achieving young Western Australians; the first ever undergraduate scholarship of its kind in Australia.  Fast-forward to September 2023 and we are delighted to be celebrating our current scholars, our alumni and our colleagues at UWA.  

The celebratory event to mark 20 years of partnership as part of the Scholarship program championed all that has been achieved since its formation in 2003.   Dr Annie Fogarty’s speech at the Breakfast gave the opportunity to reflect on the vast achievements of the Fogarty Foundation Scholars and alumni, which includes several global projects, initiatives, and partnerships.

‘These scholarships are built on the foundatiOn of excellence‘ ANNIE Fogarty, 2023

Attendees enjoyed hearing from keynote speaker Rob Scott, Managing Director and CEO of Wesfarmers, reflecting on the importance of a lifelong love for learning, something which drives his passion to continue to grow and achieve.

This celebration was an opportunity for scholars, alumni, staff, and relevant professionals to reflect on the Fogarty Foundation Scholar programme; as well as look forward to further projects, initiatives and collaborations which may grow within this ever-expanding network of notable individuals.  A quality seen in all our Scholars and alumni is the passion and drive to excel in their field and make a contribution to society. As the leaders of today – and tomorrow – we look forward to seeing the increasing impact they will make.  

This celebration exemplifies the drive by the Fogarty Foundation to drive sustainable change by helping create a brighter future through education, leadership and raising aspirations.   

We are grateful to the University of Western Australia for being such a wonderful partner over these two decades and congratulate all our Scholars, past and present, for their efforts and achievements.  As the Foundation’s logo suggests, the change we ignite is a ripple, starting with the youth of today and continuing through strong leadership for tomorrow. 

The UWA Fogarty Scholars Program has produced an impressive roster of alumni who are leaders in their fields. From doctors and engineers to entrepreneurs and educators, these scholars are making waves and driving positive change worldwide. Their accomplishments stand as a testament to the power of education, leadership, and community engagement.

We hope you made some new connections at our celebratory breakfast. Stay in touch with us through Facebook, LinkedIn and X; and you can also find all our amazing young leaders through our NEW scholar’s database. Please also enjoy our two latest films, one that promotes our Scholarship program and another that provides some insights into the paths of our alumni, which features six of our Scholars who are now living and working elsewhere in the world. Below is a photo gallery from the celebration breakfast.

The team at the Foundation are excited to see that ManUP, a venture co-founded by UWA Fogarty Scholar and current FSA President, Haseeb Riaz (Scholar 2017 – ), nominated as a finalist in the Western Australian Council of Social Service, 2023 Community Services Excellence Awards.  https://www.wacoss.org.au/news/community-services-excellence-awards-2023-finalists-announced/

ManUP is one of 4 finalists in the “small organisation providing collaborative, innovative or creative programs or services”.  Man Up aims to redefine masculinity through workshops and presentations that engage young boys in high school to investigate their ideas of masculine culture, mental health and relationships.

The Awards are a longstanding partnership between the Western Australian Council of Social Service and the Department of Communities WA, with the support of Lotterywest.  They recognise and celebrate the work of organisations and individuals in the community services sector, who have demonstrably made a positive difference to people, families, and communities through innovative and creative practice.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 1 May.  Fingers crossed!!

We were delighted to see our new alumni Racheline’s (Scholar 2019 to 2022) name included in the impressive list of 24 talented young women released in honour of International Women’s Day by Young Australians in International Affairs.  Every year the list recognises, celebrates and promotes the next generation of women achieving success and making an impact in international affairs; whether that be in government, academia, think tanks, the private sector or civil society.  Follow this link to read about Racheline and this group of outstanding young people.  https://www.youngausint.org.au/post/2023-young-women-to-watch-in-international-affairs

Racheline currently works in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, where she develops policy advice for the Prime Minister on immigration, multiculturalism, settlement, and humanitarian programs to achieve the best possible outcomes for new arrivals and the Australian public.

She is the Chief Partnerships Officer of the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership and also directed ‘Where Oceans Meet’ in 2021, a charity concert featuring traditional music of the Indo-Pacific region and music written by composers of Asian descent, with proceeds donated to the Australian Red Cross Global COVID-19 Appeal.  

Racheline plays clarinet and speaks Indonesian, Mandarin, and Japanese.

The Foundation joined with the Executive of UWA at the start of the new semester to welcome the eight, 2023 UWA Fogarty Scholars at the annual breakfast held at St Catherine’s College on 3 March.  

This year the State’s highest achieving students include Jessica Doan who was awarded the UWA Fogarty Beazley Medallist Scholarship.  Together with current Fogarty Scholars and Alumni the new Scholars were formally welcomed to the prestigious program.  

The 2023 UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarship recipients are: 

• Lucius Beh (Perth Modern) 
• Jessica Doan (Perth Modern) 
• Mariya Faisal (Lynwood Senior High) 
• Sienna Hanikeri (Presbyterian Ladies College) 
• Jake Mawson (Lake Joondalup Baptist) 
• Nicholas Ng (Christ Church Grammar School) 
• Juliet Roux (Perth Modern) 
• Jade Wallwork (St Mary’s Anglican Girls School)  

In 2023 we mark the 20th year of partnership with UWA, under which the Scholarships were established.  The Scholarships are offered to the State’s brightest and most committed students, who receive a full scholarship for the entirety of their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Scholars are selected based on their academic excellence and outstanding achievements in leadership, community involvement, enterprise, the arts and/or sport. 

 “By empowering and enriching our high performing students, we are encouraging them to shine, and use their vision and direction to enable positive change in society,” explained Caitlyn Embley, Executive Director of the Fogarty Foundation.  

“We need innovative and inspiring leaders and businesses in WA, which is why the UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarships continue to be a key element of the Foundation’s work,” she said.  

UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholars are provided with $10,000 per annum to assist in university tuition, accommodation and general living expenses. They participate in a tailored leadership and enterprise program, academic mentoring, leadership opportunities, support for initiatives and they become valued members of the Scholars and Alumni network.  

The Scholarships are available for Undergraduate and post graduate study at UWA and Scholars wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in specialist areas are also able to be supported, in partnership with Australian National University (ANU), to undertake their studies at ANU in Canberra. 

Since 2004, the scholarships have educated and supported 187 outstanding young people who are now contributing to their communities, our State and our nation. The UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarship Program is one of Australia’s premier scholarship programs. You can read about some of the exceptional Scholars at fogartyfoundation.org.au. 

On Thursday 24th September, the UWA Fogarty Scholars’ were a part of an exclusive Enterprise Panel. Bonnie Lin, Director of B2 Rainmakers and Fogarty Foundation Trustee was a terrific moderator with the panel of Dr Marcus Tan, Founder and CEO of Health Engine; Andrew Larsen a venture capitalist and Director of Larsen Ventures  and Jasmin Ward Program Manager of LaunchPad and co-founder of start-up, Cribber plus several others.

The purpose was to encourage Scholars to have an Enterprising mindset; that is ways of thinking which sees opportunities rather than barriers, that sees learnings rather than failure, and wants to do something that creates change and develops solutions, rather than be complacent about the problems.

Some key message from the panel:
– Entrepreneurship is hard! You need resilience.
– It’s more than ok to ‘flearn’ (learning from failures). You will learn and grow more from knowing what not to do, than getting it right first time.
– Be passionate about the problems you want to solve!
– Having expertise in your field, eg medicine, law, business, will allow you understand the problems and identify solutions and have networks in your area of interest

We are fortunate that Mark Shelton shared his thoughts all the way from USA. Mark’s has shared his video for you all to watch. https://www.loom.com/share/7d0b134f362c4150ab51eb1e70134871

It was great to connect those there with these four, enterprising minded leaders. The informal conversations and relationships established are so powerful on your journeys.