Research by a Charles Darwin University postgraduate student has been recognised with a prestigious Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Award.
PhD candidate, Sarah Hobgen is one of 20 successful Australian postgraduate recipients recognised among the best and brightest university students from Australia and Asia.
Currently undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy by research, Sarah’s thesis focuses on the Kambaniru River catchment in Sumba, Indonesia which provides the domestic and agricultural water for the town of Waingapu and the surrounding rice fields.
Her research is considered integral to reducing sediment loads and ensuring the prosperity of agriculture livelihoods in eastern Indonesia. Here she will work with local government, university and NGO counterparts to ensure her research meets the needs of catchment managers.
Sarah has previously been awarded an AusAID Australian Youth Ambassador Award and an Australian Postgraduate Award by CDU. She is also a member of the Hydrology Environment Life and Policy Forum.
As part of her scholarship worth $63,500, Sarah will have the opportunity to undertake an internship or work placement in Indonesia, at the completion of her study component at the Universitas Nusa Cendana.
The Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Endeavour Awards provide the unique opportunity for postgraduates and undergraduates to undertake international study and research, and aim to build deep and enduring education and professional linkages between Australia and Asia.