A passion for robotics, product design and innovation has made engineering a natural career path for Braeden Leung, the latest recipient of Top Energy’s Engineering Scholarship.
A student of Kerikeri High School, Braeden is preparing to attend the University of Canterbury, where he will study for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree in Mechatronics.
Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical systems, electronics, and computer technology to create smart, automated devices. It’s used in robots, modern cars, and appliances, where machines work with sensors and computers to perform tasks more efficiently. Essentially, it's about making machines smarter and more capable.
Braeden’s interest in engineering began at a young age.
Always building things, his curiosity was piqued when he built his first game console and case for a school project. The game was truly on when he applied for a software and integration engineering internship at Merlin Labs, an aerospace startup with test facilities in Kerikeri. The hands-on role gave him the opportunity to work on projects developing flight simulators and advanced aviation systems.
Braeden, a prefect at Kerikeri High School, has earned top academic honours throughout his schooling. His involvement in extracurricular activities, such as the Rotary Science and Technology Forum and regional auctioneering competitions, demonstrates his desire for personal growth and leadership opportunities.
Russell Shaw, Chief Executive of Top Energy, emphasised the high calibre of applicants this year, noting that Braeden’s academic record and commitment to engineering made him an outstanding candidate.
The Top Energy Engineering Scholarship provides a one-off payment of $10,000 for a Far North school leaver wishing to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). It will help cover Braeden’s first-year university costs.
Mr Shaw encourages Far North students with a passion for engineering to apply for the Top Energy Engineering Scholarship.
The programme is open to school leavers intending to study at the beginning of the year following application, at the Universities of Waikato, Auckland or Canterbury, and will cover relevant holiday work where possible.
The student must have a genuine interest and passion in studying engineering and continue working in that field upon completion of their studies.
The scholarship is part of a suite of sponsorship initiatives offered by Top Energy for the benefit of the Far North community.