A 22-year-old student from Houston has been awarded a prestigious scholarship which will help him pave his way to becoming an expert in the energy and environmental sectors.
Duncan Webb will study a Masters in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, thanks to the ScottishPower Foundation’s Scholarships programme.
Twenty-eight students were awarded the grants following a nation-wide application process and have taken up places at some of the UK’s most esteemed institutions for the next academic year. For the first time, two UK students will venture overseas to study at theUniversidad Pontificia de Comillas in Madrid, Spain.
Since it was launched in 2010, the ScottishPower Foundation has invested more than £850,000 in the scheme, however this year sees an increased focus on developing the next generation of industry experts with an unprecedented investment of approximately £700,000 in this year’s programme.
Newly incorporated degrees such as information & communication technology (ICT), cyber security and big data management have been included to reflect the demand for modern technology roles in the sector, and to continue to offer graduates an opportunity to progress training in a sustainable energy model in their chosen field.
Duncan Webb said: “I was on placement in Alloa when another successful classmate sent me the news that I had got the scholarship. When I saw the webpage with the list of scholars, I had to double check the results – I still can’t quite believe it.
The scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies during the final year of my Masters and give me the opportunity to work with a fantastic network of scholars who have similar aspirations to me. It will serves as a platform to bring us together at the beginning of our careers and develop long-term relationships for the future.”
The graduate has high hopes for the power networks of the future, especially renewable energy.
“As the electric transport industry continues to expand, our power networks need to become more advanced to support this demand. That means wind farms, hydropower plants and domestic solar panels must be fully utilised and properly managed to create a stable foundation for our increasing reliance on electricity. This will allow us to ultimately shift away from carbon-based fuels and tackle climate change.
Ann McKechin, Trustee and Executive Officer of the ScottishPower Foundation, commented: “We’re delighted for this year’s scholars and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead of them. It’s so important that graduates continue to be motivated to continue their journey of development in the industry, and we’re proud that we can be a part of this and help support young people in the UK to take the both the environmental and energy sectors forward.”
Scholarship places were available at seven UK Universities including:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Glasgow
- University of Liverpool
- University of Strathclyde
- University of East Anglia
- Imperial College London
Scholarships were open to degree-holders and graduates, with chosen applicants receiving grants to cover full enrolment costs as well as generous living allowance.
More details on the ScottishPower Foundation Scholarships programme can be found by clicking here.