University student wins prestigious engineering scholarship

A Plymouth University student has become one of only six worldwide to receive a prestigious engineering scholarship.

Alina Colling has received the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Techology (IMarEST) undergraduate scholarship of £1,000 sponsored by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

In addition, the firm has also taken an unprecedented step and offered Alina a placement opportunity.

Alina, aged 20, has just completed the second year of a degree in Marine and Composites Technology and aspires to be a yacht designer and builder.

She is due to start a placement in September at Hanse Yachts in Germany, where she is originally from, and hopes to undertake the internship at ABS on completion of her course in 2015. She said: “I feel very honoured and immensely proud to have been chosen for this scholarship. It’s given me a push to try even more in my career, I’ve worked very hard this past year and this shows that it’s paid off. I hope it’ll help me in the future as well with securing a job.”

The IMarEST grants six awards each year worth up to £1,000 to exceptional students on an undergraduate course accredited by the Institute. Only two applications from each university are permitted, and include a personal statement and recommendation from a sponsor.

Peter Dyson, lecturer in marine technology and Alina’s tutor, said: “This is really good news and well deserved by Alina who is a very proactive and enthusiastic student. She is making the most of opportunities to develop her experience and is a promising young engineer.”

Ben Saunders, Head of Professional Development, from the IMarEST, added: “We are delighted that Alina applied for the ABS award and won. We hope that she benefits both from the award and her placement."