Ecologically minded students win scholarships
The Bermuda Zoological Society has presented scholarships to three students as part of its efforts to inspire the next generation of scientists and environmentalists.
Loryn Ming and Ruth Mello-Cann were both awarded the 2025 BZS Steinhoff Scholarship, while Anabelle Morgan received an educational grant.
Ms Ming, who is studying wildlife ecology and conservation at the University of South Wales, spent several summers working at Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo through the Government’s summer employment programme.
“This field allows me to explore my passion for understanding and protecting wildlife while gaining the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in conservation,” she said.
Ms Mello-Cann, who is studying environmental sciences at Brigham Young University, also worked with BAMZ through the SEP and as an Ernest E Stempel intern.
She said the ocean was not just a background to her childhood, but an integral part of her identity and culture and played a critical role in sustaining life, which fuelled her passion for environmental stewardship.
Ms Morgan, meanwhile, is pursuing a degree in geography at Durham University.
Ron Lucas, a BZS scholarship committee member, said: “The scholarship committee was impressed with the dedication and passion of the recipients in the pursuit of their educational goals.
“It is clear that they have a genuine passion for making a difference in Bermuda and our island environment and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of them.”
Robert Steinhoff, a former BZS president and the scholarship’s namesake, said he was impressed by this year’s “outstanding” recipients.
“The Steinhoff Scholarship was created to encourage and support young Bermudians to become future stewards of our environment, and the commitment and passion of these awardees in pursuing degrees in environmental studies will help them achieve that.”