Great start to 2003 for Bundy student
Published on 16 January, 2003
A Central Queensland University Bundaberg student has won a prestigious Australian scholarship to complete postgraduate studies.
Lionel Evans has been awarded the Australian Postgraduate Award, funded by the Commonwealth government, to complete his doctoral studies.
Mr Evans has just completed his First Class Honours Bachelor of Communication. This was another accolade after completing his undergraduate studies with Distinction.
His pathway to doctoral studies began after many years as a parks and gardens employee.
“In 1998 I was faced with the prospect of looking for a new career. A simple eye test revealed that I suffered from Keratoconus and would not be able to continue in the field I was working for 16 years – no more dust or dirt for me,” Mr Evans said.
“So I had to look at my strengths and interests to see what I could consider. After hours of contemplating and following my intuition I decided to complete a university degree. I graduated with a degree majoring in Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies. After I graduated I stayed on the learning curve completing my Honours late last year, with a thesis on ‘What makes the news in the Federal electorate of Hinkler'.
“To win the Australian Postgraduate award is great, what a fantastic way to begin the New Year. I had never imagined myself in this area, for as long as I can remember I was always interested in gardens, my first pocket money was from helping out in my Uncle's garden maintenance business as a kid.
“It is only through the excellent support from my family and university staff that I achieved such great results. I will never forget the words from Dr Karl Nuenfeldt who told me that my work was of such a good academic standard that I should consider going on to do a Ph.D. That was something I never once had thought of doing and I was really surprised at the advice.
Mr Evans will be working in conjunction with the Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services and the Queensland Department of Disability Services to complete his doctoral studies. The research will involve examining the effectiveness of how government departments distribute information to people living in rural and remote areas.