Scholarship helps veterinary science student track wildlife

A scholarship is helping Jessica Davies continue vital tracking of wildlife.

The Bachelor of Science – Veterinary Bioscience (Honours) student has received Federation University’s 2026 Cyril Callister Scholarship.

She is the first in her family to attend university and is balancing study with work and volunteering responsibilities.

Alongside her studies, she volunteered at the Ballarat Wildlife Hospital caring for animals.

As part of the hospital and a Federation University research team, she also volunteered tracking wildlife movement across western Victoria, including koalas, echidnas and birds of prey.

Her work combined practical experience with field research, contributing to local conservation efforts.

“Alongside my studies, I volunteer on field research that involves tracking koalas, echidnas and raptors across western Victoria,” Davies said.

“That requires long hours of driving to remote locations for field surveys, as well as regular travel to and from university for classes and laboratory work.

“With fuel costs adding up very quickly, the Cyril Callister Scholarship has made it possible for me to continue both my study and this important fieldwork.

“I’ve always had a passion for working with animals and this opportunity has allowed me to gain hands-on experience while contributing to research that supports wildlife conservation in our region.”

She said she could not have done any of this without the university, Sarah Preston, the wildlife hospital and the people behind the scholarship.

This year $1,002,750 has been awarded across 232 Federation University scholarships in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland and Horsham.

Vice-chancellor Professor Duncan Bentley said the scholarships play a vital role in supporting both student success and community impact.

“Our students are achieving extraordinary things in their studies and in their communities and, thanks to the generosity of our donors, they can pursue those ambitions and create lasting impact,” he said.