Honours students Alexander Matthews and Petra Fisher, both of the Division of Sciences, have each been awarded the scholarship worth approximately $70,000 a year.
Two students based in the Division of Sciences have been awarded prestigious 2025 Woolf Fisher Scholarships to pursue their doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge.
Honours students Petra Fisher and Alexander Matthews, along with two other recipients from the University of Auckland, have been awarded the scholarship, worth approximately $70,000 a year.
Established in 2003 by the Woolf Fisher Trust, the annual scholarships are awarded to outstanding graduate students who have the potential to become leaders in their fields and make a significant contribution to New Zealand.
Petra Fisher
Physics student Petra Fisher graduated with a BSc in Physics and Computer Science in 2023. Her doctoral research will focus on astrophysical fluid dynamics associated with the formation and dynamics of galaxies and accretion discs.
With a strong academic record, Petra has also demonstrated leadership experience as President of the Otago Mathematics and Physics Students Association, where she’s organised numerous events to help foster a sense of community.
Petra says receiving the scholarship is an incredible honour and she’s looking forward to learning from leading astrophysicists in the United Kingdom.
“I’m hugely thankful for the support that people in the Physics and the Mathematics and Statistics Departments have given me over the years. The analytical skills I have learnt in Physics, paired with programming and understanding computer systems in Computer Science, have provided me with a strong foundation for research and the technical ability to work on challenging problems.”
Following her doctorate, Petra aspires to use the skills gained to contribute meaningfully to the growing field of space sciences in New Zealand that she sees as a hub for space technology and research in the future.
“The potential of space sciences within New Zealand is very exciting and I believe it has the potential to be an incredibly important field for Aotearoa. I look forward to spearheading future initiatives within space research and education, with an additional focus on championing women in STEM and students from rural, low-decile schools.”
Alexander Matthews
Neuroscience student Alexander Matthews graduated with a BSc in Neuroscience and Data Science in 2023.
His doctoral research in psychology will focus on computational modelling of neural responses to anxiety.
Alexander says the PhD programme will enable him to integrate his computational and biological expertise to make significant contributions to the understanding of neural responses to stress.
“My studies at Otago, particularly the combination of Neuroscience and Data Science, were key to my development. Being able to integrate these fields during my undergraduate years was invaluable, and the supportive environment cultivated by academics at Otago encouraged me greatly.
“The intersection of neuroscience and data science holds immense potential, and I’m excited to continue exploring it.”
Alexander says he’s excited to learn from Professor Jeff Dalley, Dr Rebecca Lawson, and many other world-class researchers, and contribute to important research in neuroscience and mental health.
Following his PhD and postdoctoral studies, Alexander aims to return to New Zealand to establish a pioneering research lab.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the Woolf Fisher Trust's support and their vision of fostering future global leaders in science from New Zealand. I feel fortunate to have this chance and ready to make the most of it.”