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UWA Albany student Eleanor Beidatsch was awarded the Dr Louisa Alessandri Memorial Fund Scholarship at a ceremony held in Perth this week. Ms Beidatsch was selected from over a thousand applicants from across Western Australia. Applicants needed to have completed at least one semester of tertiary or postsecondary education, and committed to an area of study that would lead to a possible career path in the future.

Ms Beidatsch is currently enrolled in the Albany Centre's popular UWA Smart Start program and is achieving outstanding results, having gained high distinctions in all the units she has completed so far. She has a strong interest in the biological sciences and palaeontology and plans to study a Bachelor of Science in the future.

This scholarship is intended to assist a student with a disability to achieve their career aspirations. Worth $8,000, the funds may be used for a variety of purposes, including course fees, equipment, support, interpreters and transport.

Ms Beidatsch, who has a severe muscle wasting condition known as Spinal Muscular Atrophy, requires a scribe to assist with note taking and a carer to help her with daily living.

"We're extremely proud of Eleanor's achievement. Her success is testament to her determination to pursue her dream," said Albany Centre Director Jennifer O'Neil.

Media references

David Stacey (Marketing and Communications) (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61) 432 637 716

Paula Phillips (UWA Albany Centre) (+61 8) 9842 0810