2024 Scholarship Recipient: Tilly Pritchard

Tilly Pritchard

What are you studying?

I’m majoring in neuroscience and psychology

In five years’ time what would you like to be doing?

In 5 years, I see myself working in a laboratory conducting my own research in a specialist field associating with neuroscience. I’m aiming to complete my Master’s by 2025/2026, with the overall goal of gaining a PhD in neuroscience to become a Neuroscientist.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I love to read, spend time with family and friends, and go to the gym. I also volunteer teaching English as a second language to migrants and refugees to help them settle in their new lives in Dunedin.

What do you/did you love about growing up in the Sumner Ferrymead community?

I love the Sumner/Ferrymead community as its very social. I grew up competing in sports in the community; I was a member of the Sumner running club and Sumner Surf Saving from 5 years old until into my teens. I really enjoyed representing my community and attending events with my family growing up.

Biggest challenge NZ/kiwis facing today?

A big problem that I believe NZ/kiwis are facing today is a cost-of-living crisis and financial challenges. As a result, young people are seeking better financial opportunities overseas. While, money isn’t the heart of happiness, financial struggles put a lot of stress onto NZ families, having significant effects on mental and physical wellbeing.

Message to your sponsor

Thank you so much! The money that has been donated towards my education will help me continue to fund my post graduate study and working towards my passion in the Neuroscience field. I am most interested in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and am looking to do further research in these fields that currently have no cure available. This journey takes time and is very expensive and every financial bit of help makes these goals a reality, so that I can add value with research and development for the New Zealand Healthcare system.