Four students have been given Bermuda Government bursary awards as they embark on courses in engineering, nursing, environmental health and the environment.

The Public Service Commission announced the successful recipients this year are Doreen Burgess, Tabia Butterfield, Malik Richards and Dessiree Waldron.

The award are given annually by the PSC to selected applicants studying at a university, college or other training institution.

Recipients must be Bermudian and studying for professional or technical qualifications deemed essential for appointment to specialised posts within the public service.

Below are profiles on the recipients provided by the government:

Doreen Burgess

Burgess was granted a 2½-year award by the Environmental Health Section of the Department of Health. She has a genuine interest in working in environmental health and has been exposed to all aspects of the field by working as a summer student in the section. Working as a health inspector solidified her desire to make an impact within our community. Ms Burgess will be attending Kean University in New Jersey, studying for a BA/MPA Combined Honours Programme in Public Administration.

Tabia Butterfield

Ms Butterfield was granted a four-year bursary by the Department of Public Works. Ms Butterfield’s fascination with architecture and design led her to pursue a career in civil engineering, specifically structural engineering. She volunteered to work without pay for in Public Works during her Christmas break and she is currently employed there as a summer student. Ms Butterfield is attending Cardiff University in Wales, where she is pursuing a Masters of Engineering degree.

Malik Richards

Mr Richards was granted a three-year award by the Planning Section of the Ministry of Environment. Mr Richards loves the outdoors and aspires to work in a field to make a positive and lasting impact on our environment. He is currently studying geography at St Mary’s University in Canada. Once he obtains his Bachelor of Arts degree, he hopes his experience in planning will help to improve the quality of our island home, as well as move us in a more sustainable direction.

Dessiree Waldron

Ms Waldron was awarded a three-year bursary by the Department of Health in the Ministry of Health. Ms Waldron, who will be a third generation nurse, obtained her Certificate in Nursing Assistant from the Bermuda College in 2016 and will be attending Winston Salem State University in North Carolina, where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Ms Waldron believes through nursing, she will connect with people which will fulfil her life’s purpose.