media release

Issued 18 March 2010

Fulbright Scholar to take her place in the space-race

Gaining the skills to make a key contribution in the Australian space industry is the aim of 2010 Fulbright Scholar, Elizabeth Jens, who is the winner of the 2010 Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship in Science and Engineering sponsored by BHP Billiton.

The Fulbright Scholarship in Science and Engineering was established in 2000 with support from BHP Billiton.

Ms Jens, who is an Associate with LEK Consulting, will complete a Master by coursework in aeronautical and astronautical engineering at Stanford University through her Scholarship.

“There has been much talk in recent years of the need for Australia to begin to build its space industry through the establishment of an Australian space agency. If an Australian space agency is created there will be a significant demand for a specific set of skills.”

Elizabeth hopes that her Fulbright will assist in bridging the gap between the international space community and the Australian youth.

“I plan to acquire the necessary skills through my study and become one of a relatively small number of Australians who are qualified in the area of space engineering. Ultimately, I hope to make a significant contribution to any future space agency or industry in Australia.”

Australian-American Fulbright Commission Executive Director, Dr Hlubucek congratulated Ms Jens on her Scholarship and said that it will give her the opportunity to become a future leader in the very important field of space research.

“Australia needs people who are able to keep it at the forefront of fields such as space research. Having skilled people who have undergone this training in the U.S. will benefit Australia immeasurably in the future,” Dr Hlubucek said.

The list of 2010 Australian Scholars is available here - media profiles and individual photos of each Fulbright Scholar can be downloaded by following the links.