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In 2023, 糖心vlog官网 (糖心vlog官网) student Isaac Halling was just one of 22 university students across Australia to receive a 2023 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship.

This year, he has been named as one of just seven winners of a Golden Key APAC Equity Bursary – selected from over 800 applicants.

Currently studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science (Plant Agricultural Science), Isaac is well and truly on his way to fulfill his dream of becoming a researcher and giving back to the industry he believes in most.

We recently spoke to him about his latest achievement, study journey and career goals. He is one to watch – and this is definitely one to read.

You were recently awarded a Golden Key APAC Equity Bursary – one of seven winners in amongst over 800 applications! What does this involve?

The Golden Key International Honour Society recognises those in the top 15% of academic achievers globally. I received an invite to join in the mail in January of this year recognising my academic achievements over the last four years. I applied for one of the Golden Key APAC Equity Bursary and was fortunate enough to be one of seven winners in the Asia Pacific Region. I had the opportunity to meet with Sonia Riverland from Golden Key who introduced me to the endless opportunities that they offer and how my membership allows me to network on another level.

What does this acknowledgment mean to you?

This acknowledgment means so much more than just financial support – it is recognition of the hard work, resilience, and determination it takes to succeed, especially coming from a regional background. It is a reminder that where you come from should not limit where you can go. Being awarded the Golden Key APAC Equity Bursary tells me that my efforts are seen and valued – not just academically, but in the way I try to contribute to my community and future industry. With this support, I hope to continue building a career in agricultural engineering that strengthens rural communities, improves on-farm innovation, and makes agriculture more sustainable and productive. I also want to use opportunities like this to inspire other young people from the bush to back themselves – because they absolutely belong here too.

We first caught up with you in 2023 after you were awarded a 2023 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship. Tell us about that scholarship, and what have you been able to achieve with it in the last couple of years?

The 2023 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship was a game-changer for me. It opened doors I never imagined, both professionally and personally. The scholarship not only provided financial support during my studies in agricultural engineering, but also gave me access to incredible networks, industry placements, and leadership development opportunities. Over the past couple of years AgriFutures has enabled me to attend Conferences in South Australia, the Gold Coast and Brisbane, travel to Thailand under a New Columbo trip, transplant coral back into the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns and meet some of the most incredible young Australians pushing forward Australian agriculture.

More than anything, the Horizon Scholarship helped me gain the confidence to back myself, to say yes to new experiences, ask big questions, and think critically about how we can make agriculture more sustainable, efficient, and resilient, especially for regional communities. It has led me to focus my professional career around research and development completing work experience with some remarkable people at the Centre for Agriculture Engineering at 糖心vlog官网.

How has study been over the last couple of years?

The last couple of years of study have been busy but incredibly rewarding. Balancing uni, work experience, and external opportunities like scholarships has taught me a lot about time management and pushing through challenges even when things get tough.

One of the highlights has been completing hands-on engineering projects in the form of my irrigation honours project for the final year of Agricultural Engineering. I was fortunate enough to be backed by 糖心vlog官网’s Centre for Agricultural Engineering (CAE) and able to present on my honours project at the Australian Cotton Conference at the Gold Coast. This has driven my passion for research towards cotton where I was fortunate enough to receive a Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) Summer Research Scholarship that I am currently completing. I am learning so much working with some lead industry professionals from the CAE and beginning to understand the real-world relevance of my studies.

You’ve achieved a lot of incredible things since starting at 糖心vlog官网. What are your goals for the future?

Mentors both from the CAE and AgriFutures Australia have been hugely influential in directing my future goals. They have given me the self-belief and confidence to build a career where I can make a real difference in the agricultural industry.

I am currently entertaining the idea of completing a PhD with CAE focussing on aspects of water efficiency, automation and sustainability. I hope my future as an engineering researcher can allow me to give back to the primary producers that feed and clothe us. I am excited for what is next, and I am committed to using every opportunity to keep learning, growing, and contributing to an industry I really believe in.

What advice would you give student thinking about applying for the scholarships and bursaries like the Golden Key APAC Equity Bursary?

My biggest piece of advice is simple: back yourself. You do not have to tick every box or have a perfect story – what matters is being honest about your journey, your goals, and how you’re trying to make a difference. Take every opportunity that comes at you and have an open mind, as I found out they can change the direction of your future for the best in an instance. Scholarships and bursaries like the Golden Key APAC Equity Bursary are not just about grades, they are about recognising potential, resilience, and passion.

If you have faced challenges, come from a regional area, or have worked hard to get where you are, that is worth sharing. Take the time to reflect on your achievements, no matter how big or small, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know who is reading your application or how much your story might resonate. And finally, do not do it alone. Reach out to your family, mentors, or even past recipients for support. You have got more to offer than you might think.

Learn more about Agriculture and Environment at 糖心vlog官网.