A Bermudian pursuing geography studies overseas has been awarded a “one-time only bursary” by the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

D’Angele Symonds received the Teddy Tucker Centennial Bursary of $10,000 to aid her completion of final-year studies in geology and physical geography at Keele University in Britain.

The award was made in honour of Mr Tucker, an ocean advocate and one of Bermuda’s early underwater explorers who was a founding trustee of the BUEI.

He would have celebrated his 100th birthday on May 8.

Ms Symonds also plans to pursue a master’s in geology engineering and the BUEI said her “fascinating environmental science subjects” relate closely to the island’s natural history.

The institute said Ms Symonds credits her participation in BUEI’s Youth Climate Summit as the catalyst for her choice of academic and career goals.

Ms Symonds said: “YCS was my first relevant exposure to environmental sciences in a professional setting, engaging with the local community, global youth activists and subject matter experts.

“I remember thinking ‘I can do this for a living.’

“Through YCS, I collaborated with like-minded students and non-governmental organisations equally committed to protecting Bermuda’s environment.

“YCS was my first experience applying what I had learnt in a real-world context.

“The transition from learning to doing was almost immediate, and I gained an understanding of how much my actions can make a difference to our environment.”

Ms Symonds said the BUEI believed in her vision of furthering her education in engineering geology.

She said: “I’m not sure I can say ‘thank you’ enough for the encouragement.

“As I enter my last year at Keele University, the Teddy Tucker centennial bursary motivates me to continue striving for academic excellence.

“I would also like to thank my family for their continuing support.”

Alan Gilbertson, the BUEI’s board chairman, said: “D’Angele has been interning at BUEI throughout this summer and was nominated for this special centennial award by her managers.

“After meeting this phenomenal young lady and learning of the impact BUEI had on her educational experiences, it was evident that she was an ideal nominee for this special award.

“D’Angele is a well-rounded and composed individual who is driven and committed to excelling in her studies.

“She has made meaningful contributions to BUEI’s visitor services and education departments during her internship, and there is definitely a bright future ahead for her.”

Wendy Tucker, Mr Tucker’s daughter who serves as an honorary member of BUEI, said her parents loved the ocean.

She said: “They were also advocates for education and provided numerous opportunities for generations of Bermuda’s youth to learn about the sea, develop an appreciation for the marine environment and go forward with the knowledge to protect our ocean.

“I am delighted that BUEI’s board of directors have chosen to recognise my father’s contributions to the BUEI and celebrate his centennial by making this generous award to D’Angele.

“BUEI was an influence on D’Angele, which made it clear to me that she is a perfect candidate for this special award.

“Not only would my parents have been pleased to support D’Angele’s development and university studies, but I am as well.”

The BUEI said most of the precious artefacts Mr Tucker recovered from shipwrecks around Bermuda’s reefs are proudly displayed in its Teddy Tucker Shipwreck Gallery.

It said this was a “true testimony” to his legacy and the island’s extensive maritime heritage.