University of Otago students (from left) Mika Smith (20), Sean Boult (23) and Charlotte Steel (21) recently received Freemasons University Scholarships. Photo: Peter McIntosh.

Four University of Otago students have  received national Freemasons University Scholarships in a ceremony at Parliament this week.  The recipients are Sean Boult, Shaun Markham, Mika Smith and Charlotte Steel.

Shaun Markham (21), who recently received a Freemason University Scholarship.

The scholarships reward academic achievement and  community involvement.

A student in the final year of his master of science degree in biochemistry, Mr Boult received a $10,000 postgraduate scholarship.

His research explores how a plant pathogen locates and infects its kiwifruit host, work which is relevant to New Zealand’s $1.45billion kiwifruit industry. A former Kings High School dux, Mr Markham is about to complete a master of economics and received a $6000 university scholarship.

Ms Smith, who is in the final year of a bachelor of science degree, majoring in computer science and neuroscience, and Ms Steel, who is studying for a BSc (Hons), majoring in neuroscience, also both received $6000 scholarships. All four students undertook extensive volunteer work, the scholarship committee  said.