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Author: Daisy Farthing

Dr. Marsilea Harrison – Alumni Stories

March 7, 2025

 For Dr. Marsilea Harrison, education has always been more than just a pathway to a career – it has been a gateway to discovery, personal growth, and a lifetime of opportunities. As a scientist, her academic journey has taken her across the globe, connecting her with like-minded peers and shaping both her professional and personal life.

“Education has helped me answer the curious questions I had about the world around me,” she reflects. “It allowed me to find what I enjoyed, and what I didn’t enjoy, and ultimately understand myself better. It also introduced me to lifelong friends from around the world and even gave me the opportunity to work overseas.”

Winning a discretionary award from the Kate Edger Foundation during her time at the University of Auckland (whilst studying a Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemistry and Forensic science) was a pivotal moment in her academic journey. While the financial support was invaluable, it was the recognition itself that had the greatest impact.

“I struggled with confidence in myself, and gaining the award helped me to feel braver,” she says. “It encouraged me to continue striving for excellence in my education.”

Now working as a senior research and development scientist, she applies the knowledge and skills gained throughout her education daily. Beyond technical expertise, she has also dedicated herself to supporting others in their academic and professional journeys, engaging in outreach to local communities, schools, and universities.

“I’ve had many conversations with early-career researchers finishing their undergraduate or postgraduate studies, helping them navigate the decision between academia and industry. I’ve been part of both, and actively strive to share my experiences to help others.”

She deeply values the work of the Kate Edger Foundation in empowering women through education and believes there is even more potential for impact. “What you are doing is fantastic—awareness, empowerment, and relieving financial stress all make a huge difference.”

Her advice for current and future scholarship applicants is simple but powerful: Believe in yourself and embrace the opportunities that come your way. Your education is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about growth, confidence, and opening doors to a future you might not have imagined possible.

Dr. Susan Nemec (BA, MA, PhD) – Alumni Stories

February 11, 2025

From Auckland to Africa: A Journey of Empowerment

Dr. Susan Nemec (BA, MA, PhD), a proud alumna of Kate Edger Foundation and the University of Auckland (UoA) with qualifications centered around Media and Communication, exemplifies how education can transform lives and communities. Reflecting on her academic journey, Susan shared that pursuing her PhD enabled her to critically engage with civic society and take practical steps toward creating a more sustainable and just world.

 

In 2006, Susan was awarded the Tressa Thomas Retraining Award from the Kate Edger Foundation. This financial award helped contribute in supporting her pursuit of academic excellence and professional growth. She recalls feeling deeply supported by the scholarship, particularly as her research at the time diverged from the university’s primary areas of focus.

 

Currently, Susan works at the University of Auckland Business School, where her career has focused on empowering Women, Māori, and Pasifika students. Her role as an educator and mentor underscores her belief in the transformative power of education. She credits her scholarship as a significant stepping stone in her journey, providing crucial support during a pivotal time.

 

Beyond academia, Susan is deeply involved in social justice and Treaty education as well as being involved in a ‘Project Moroto’ a programme in Uganda, assisting young women with their business ideas. She also takes pride in inspiring her two daughters, who are making their mark in the fields of medicine and business.

Dr. Susan Nemec’s story reminds us that education is a lifelong journey that extends its impact well beyond the classroom.

Sonakssi Ramilan – Awardee Speaker 2024

October 9, 2024

Kia ora and Vanakkam,

My name is Sona and it is an absolute honour to be here as the recipient of the Women in Medicine Award, and a privilege to see the strength and support here today. 

This afternoon, I’ve been asked to share my journey and aspirations, so I’ll start with a bit about myself. 

I am a fifth-year student, one year away from completing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Auckland. I’m currently doing clinical placements, rotating through hospitals and specialties. 

I’ve spent most of 2024 in the Counties Manukau District with placement at Middlemore Hospital being an eye opening experience, delving into diagnoses, diversity, and the systemic disparities that affect many in the region. As I move closer towards becoming a doctor, the balance between humanistic qualities and practical skills continues to amaze me with each specialty being uniquely empowering.

Being a science-oriented learner and a people person, going into health simply seemed to make sense. Since a young age, I’ve seen the difference doctors can make and I wanted to share my kindness and passion in such a way to help people when they’re most vulnerable. Many say Medical School isn’t easy, but it’s a rewarding challenge that has helped me grow through my early years of adulthood while simultaneously living life to the fullest with friends, family, and extracurriculars.

Every day is different, and being in such a career path is beyond a privilege as strangers trust you with the hope of health and healing. There’s always more to see, learn and do. This week, I’ve spent a day around those with intellectual disabilities, a few in the emergency department, and time with outreach immunisations as part of my paediatrics rotation. It’s inspiring to see the variety in career choices filled with ambition seen within this room, with Kate Edger and The Graduation Place bringing us together to celebrate success in the past, present, and future. 

As a doctor, I hope to empower and educate my patients, colleagues, and friends both within and outside the medical field. Being born in Sri Lanka, and raised in Aotearoa, Australia, and India has curated a passion for creating change on an international scale. As I advance in medicine, I want to combine my passion for creating systems level change with my interest in practical work to make a difference for my patients, communities, and wider populations as a future leader.  

Throughout my 5 years at Uni, I’ve seen the unequal representation of females in leadership and surgical fields and being a Director for the Women in Health Network empowered me to consider this. The Women in Medicine Award resonates this idea and has supported me as I continue to work towards success in the field as a young, female, Kiwi Sri Lankan doctor in training. I’ll end by saying a huge thank you to the Kate Edger Foundation, and I’m excited to see the multidisciplinary talent in this room shape the future of Aotearoa. 

Kind regards,

Sonakssi Ramilan