Summer scholarship: what are we doing to save our lakes- a review of lake restoration actions i[...]

Summer Scholarship: What are we doing to save our lakes? A review of lake restoration actions in Aotearoa

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for two tertiary students to take on a research project over the 2025-26 summer period in collaboration with Cawthron scientists. The students will be based at Cawthron Institute in Nelson for a period of 10 weeks (with a two-week break over Christmas/New Years), commencing after the end of semester two 2025 (mid-November), data analysis, and learning what it means to work as a professional scientist.

Details

• A presentation or report will be produced by the student at the end of their placement.
• The student will be profiled by Cawthron as a recipient of a funded scholarship.
• Students will need to find their own accommodation, though assistance will be provided if needed.
• Other costs absorbed by Cawthron (e.g., desk, travel, field work, laboratory costs) as part of project budget.

Project

The Our Lakes, Our Future team has compiled a database of information on lake restoration in Aotearoa and is seeking a student to help analyse this data and identify patterns in restoration investments and actions. This analysis will help to provide insight on the main types of actions being undertaken to improve lakes, who is involved, the values and goals underpinning lake restoration, the timeframes and resources involved, and restoration outcomes.

The student will use qualitative analysis software to systematically categorise data on restoration actions and identify and describe trends. Trend analysis will likely involve basic statistical analyses of restoration investments and activities alongside qualitative analysis of lake values and goals. There is also an option to use GIS software to record, query and present the data. The insights will be further developed by Our Lakes, Our Future social scientists through in-depth qualitative analysis and interviews to explore the drivers and implications of observed patterns in lake restoration.

Student Requirements

• A background in environmental management, geography, or a related discipline.
• Robust writing and data analysis skills, and an interest in desktop-based document analysis.
• Comfortable using spreadsheets to organise information and conduct basic statistical analyses.
• Previous experience with qualitative analysis approaches such as content analysis or thematic analysis would be valuable but is not essential.

Application Process

Curriculum Vitae

• Relevant previous work experience.
• Letter of support/reference from a 2025 lecturer or tutor.
• Academic transcript with Grade Point Average (GPA).

Cover letter

• Your intended qualification to study for in 2026.
• The project that you wish to be considered for. If you wish to be considered for both projects, please indicate order of preference.
• You must be a New Zealand citizen or resident.
• Enrolled at a New Zealand Tertiary institution.
• Intending to undertake full-time study in 2026. You may be continuing your Bachelors degree, or planning to begin an Honours, Masters degree.

Criteria for awarding these scholarships

Academic achievement

• Overall Grade Point Average (GPA).
• Most recent semester Grade Point Average (GPA).

Applicant's background

• Subjects covered during study.
• Work/research experience.
• Future intentions.