Young engineer awarded world study tour

At first, Logan Hignett hesitated in applying for the Aurora Indigenous Scholars International Study Tour but said he was glad he did, because he is about to spend a month overseas networking with leading academics.

As part of his application for the tour, Mr Hignett was interviewed by Indigenous students, past and present, with PhDs and Masters degrees in a range of disciplines.

He said he was awe-inspired by their talents and it became apparent the endless possibilities that lay before him.

“Often people don’t associate Indigenous people with academic brilliance so I think these types of scholarships are really helpful in reducing that type of misconception,” he said.

“These Indigenous students and past students had PhDs and were exceptionally talented in their fields.

“The interview process was a little daunting given their experience and talent.”

Mr Hignett is due to complete his civil engineering degree next year and is considering furthering his education.

He will have the privilege of walking the corridors and meeting with professors and students of Stanford University, Harvard University, the University of California, Columbia University, New York University and Cambridge and Oxford universities while he contemplates his career.

The group tour, which involves about 10 trainees, is designed to provide opportunities for students to gain insight into the realities of undertaking postgraduate study and to set students up with contacts and advice on how to achieve further scholarships.

Orange City Council’s Director of Technical Services Chris Devitt said since Logan started with the Council in 2010, he has worked on a variety of projects. He worked on the Suma Park Dam wall upgrade.

“Logan has been very committed to his studies, which is reflected in his continued excellent

results, and should be extremely proud of his achievements overall,” Mr Devitt said.

“Especially being selected to travel the world on this study tour and educate the rest of the

world on what a career at Orange City Council can lead to.”