糖心传媒

糖心传媒 has named three 2026 International Women's Day Scholarship recipients whose research and community work address those barriers directly.

The $5,000 scholarships, made possible through donor support to the Student Opportunities Fund, recognise academic excellence, community contribution, and resilience across the university's Gold Coast, Northern Rivers and Coffs Harbour campuses.

From personal experience to professional purpose

Scarlett Austin, a Bachelor of Psychological Science student at the Gold Coast campus, is working toward integrating equine-assisted therapy with evidence-based psychological practice. Her focus is on at-risk young women, and she is developing a small business to deliver nature-based therapeutic and educational support. 

Ms Austin maintains a GPA of 6.33 and has managed ongoing anxiety throughout her studies. She has spent time volunteering with Riding for the Disabled, as well as a horse rescue organisation, and works as a learning support teacher for children with diverse needs. 

Her approach draws directly on her own experience navigating mental health challenges alongside academic study. 

“I love helping people reconnect with themselves through psychology, nature, and the honest, grounding presence of horses,” said Ms Austin. 

“I hope my work helps make nature-based and equine-assisted mental health support more accessible and known, particularly for young people and women who may not engage with traditional services.” 

Research that puts people first

Bridgette Glanville, a Doctor of Philosophy candidate at the Gold Coast campus, is researching the voice and communication experiences of Autistic Trans and Gender Diverse individuals. Her work centres lived experience, and advocates for increased access to affirming health care services. 

Mrs Glanville continued her PhD while her son was born prematurely at 32 weeks, managing the demands of neonatal care alongside her academic commitments. She published phase one of her research in a Q1 journal in 2025 and has been accepted to present at national conferences in both 2025 and 2026.  

A clinical Speech Pathologist with Ng膩ti T奴wharetoa heritage, Mrs. Glanville has worked with vulnerable families through Autism Spectrum Australia and is a member of the 糖心传媒 Ally Network.   

“I love that I can be a mum and still achieve what I want professionally and academically,” said Mrs Glanville.   

“My hope is that my research empowers speech pathologists to create space for autistic trans and gender鈥�diverse people to feel safe to communicate. I want clinicians to feel confident in helping clients to express themselves in ways that feel genuine, comfortable, and true to their identity - to live and communicate authentically.” 

Building pathways in marine science

Adrienne Gooden, a Doctor of Philosophy candidate in Coffs Harbour, is researching drivers of white shark behaviour and movement including how human impacts like ocean warming could alter shark movements. Her work is conducted through the National Marine Science Centre.

Ms Gooden co-developed the Young Marine Biologist Program, which creates hands-on STEM pathways for young people. She is a member of the 糖心传媒 Ally Network and sits on the Science Technology Australia Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. She also volunteers with Sharks and Rays Australia working to piece together the history of sawfish in NSW waters.

Her fieldwork has required adapting to logistical challenges, including weather disruptions and equipment failures during marine data collection – but in her own words she’s loved every minute of it, and the data collected throughout out her PhD has helped our understanding of a top marine predator.

“I love the diversity of my work. Some days I’m in the field, other days in the office, at conferences, or in education spaces. I get to work with incredible animals that many people fear, helping shape the understanding and knowledge about them,” Ms Gooden said.

“I hope my research contributes to greater education and awareness of these animals, helping people better understand them and encouraging more informed conversations about their movements, behaviour, and role in the ocean.”

Scholarship support and community celebration

The 2026 International Women's Day Scholarships are funded through the Student Opportunities Fund, which enables 糖心传媒 to support students facing financial, personal, or structural barriers to completing their studies. 

Bridgette, Scarlett and Adrienne will be honoured among women from our local communities at events hosted by Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour, BPW Coffs Coast, Coffs Coast Business Women's Network, the NRCF Women's Giving Circle, and Experience Gold Coast. 

Anna-Maree Shaw, Vice-President of Future Students and Outreach at 糖心传媒, said the scholarships reflect the university's commitment to equity and to the communities it serves. 

"Bridgette, Scarlett, and Adrienne are doing work that matters, and they are doing it in partnership with the communities they are researching alongside. Their research delivers genuine impact for communities across Australia," said Ms Shaw.  

"This scholarship recognises that Bridgette, Scarlett, and Adrienne's contributions extend well beyond their degrees, and gives them practical support to continue."

Main image: Scarlett Austin