The American Australian Association is delighted to announce the selection and award of the following scholarship recipients. Meet our scholars and find out more about their career aspirations below.
Michael’s research interests focus on advancing electric vehicle technology through improved battery systems, aerodynamic optimization, and material research. Building on his background in computational fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, he is looking to expand his expertise in these fields to support enhancements in safety, efficiency, and performance in EV’s as well as internal combustion engines. At the University of Sydney, he plans to collaborate with engineering faculty and the Formula SAE EV team to experiment with battery cooling systems and aerodynamic design. Following completion of his master’s degree, Michael aims to return to the United States to pursue an engineering role developing or designing electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle power units.
During her undergraduate studies, Cecilia majored in Aquatic Biology and explored anthropogenic impacts and dispersal patterns of reef organisms through diving-based research. Driven by a passion for coral reef ecology she moved to Australia to complete a master’s at James Cook University, where she is now continuing this research through a PhD. Her research aims to clarify ontogenetic shifts in habitat use, diet, and morphology in rabbitfishes, and so predict how habitat loss will affect juvenile and adult assemblages and the ecological functions they provide. Cecilia’s ambition is to uncover the ecological drivers of habitat shifts and so advance our understanding of future population dynamics and ecosystem connectivity.
Rebekah is a Master of Public Health student at the University of Sydney. Her academic focus centers on global women’s health, healthcare access, and the role of telemedicine in advancing equitable healthcare. Her thesis project aims to develop and pilot a telehealth prototype designed to support the diagnosis and management of chronic gynecological conditions, specifically endometriosis and PCOS, in reproductive-aged women residing in rural NSW. The platform will provide symptom tracking, evidence-based health information, and referrals to medical practitioners to improve access, with Rebekah’s ultimate aim to adapt the framework for use in underserved US communities, beginning in central Illinois, where similar challenges to women’s healthcare access exist.
Alec is a marine scientist with nine years of experience in the field, including a Master of Science in Environmental Science from NSU and extensive experience in both laboratory and field research through work across the U.S., Bermuda, and Australia. His PhD will focus on crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) and improving the effectiveness of culling, detection, and surveillance of CoTS populations in response to environmental change. His research aims to address knowledge gaps in understanding CoTS behavior, effective population detection, and climate change impact, informing and improving population control measures throughout the Great Barrier Reef.
Clara Chanisheff investigates the ways in which olfactory perception shapes human experience, identity, and its relationship to language. Drawing from her training as a perfumer, she combines technical skills with scientific methodologies to investigate the commodification of sensory experiences and the diminishing presence of natural olfactory cues in an era of hyper-sanitation and digital mediation. Training at the Institute of Art & Olfaction (IAO) will enabling research to advance the practice of scent as a critical artistic medium. Outcomes will inform a new body of olfactory-sculptural work and public programming in Australia, specifically exhibitions and workshops that translate this research into interdisciplinary olfactory experiences.
Qiancheng Gong is a Classical Guitarist From Melbourne, Australia, currently perusing a Bachelor’s degree with full scholarship at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, under the guidance of Mark Delpriora and David Leisner. He plans to commission new works with his school professors, refine his teaching practice, and record a debut album featuring both established repertoire and newly commissioned pieces by Australian composers such as Anne Cawrse, Ross Edwards, and Richard Charlton. Qiancheng’s long-term goal is to become a leading performer and educator who bridges Australian and international communities through touring, recording, and establishing a mentorship program for emerging guitarists back in Victoria.
Helen Morgan is an emerging artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans etching, installation and photography. Helen holds an MFA from the National Art School, supported by the Jenour Foundation and Mark Henry Cain Memorial Travel Scholarships. She has undertaken residencies including Cill Rialaig (Ireland), Gallery Lane Cove, Loreto Kirribilli, and Sydney Catholic Schools, and has exhibited widely in NSW. Through the Kala Artist-In-Residence Program Helen will explore advanced etching techniques, supported by separate but concurrent mentorship from master printer Courtney Sennish.
Aiden Moroney is a jazz guitarist from Western Australia, currently pursuing a Master of Music in Jazz Performance at the Manhattan School of Music. A graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, where he studied with Fred Grigson, Kristian Borring, and Harry Mitchell, he was awarded the Best Jazz Recitalist Prize in 2023. Moroney’s artistic vision centers on expanding the role of the guitar in improvised music, blurring the boundaries between composition and free improvisation, and developing a distinct, forward-looking voice in contemporary jazz. The Manhattan School of Music curriculum balances rigorous conservatory training with constant real-world performance, and equally important, the program’s focus on jazz pedagogy and its “Musician as Educator” training will prepare Aiden to share what he has learned upon his return to Australia.
Felicity Nicol is an award-winning artist who has been creating work with marginalised communities for 15 years. An emerging artistic leader, Felicity is a multi-grant awardee and has been an artist in residence at sites around Australia and Europe.A graduate of NIDA (Directing), Felicity has collaborated with prominent artists from around the world, including Ontroerend Goed (BEL), Punchdrunk & Gecko Physical Theatre (UK), and Mammalian Diving Reflex (CAN). She has created work for Dark Mofo, Sydney WorldPride (AUS), Cork Midsummer Festival (IRE), and Wiener Festwochen (AUT). She will undertake a 3-month mentorship/residency program in New York focusing on LGBTQIA+ and Disabled Direction & Dramaturgy Techniques with world-class companies – Tectonic Theatre Projects & Ping Chong & Company. Her long-term goal is to establish her own company, one that sits at the intersection of artistic innovation and social impact to lead large-scale, inclusive projects that champion the voices of queer and disabled people.
Dario Scalabrini is a clarinetist hailing from Brisbane who has featured as a solo artist with Castlemaine State Festival, Melbourne Recital Centre, Brisbane Music Festival and recorded for the Australian label, ABC Classic. Dario works with organizations including the Melbourne, Tasmanian, Auckland, Kuopio and Jyväskylä Symphony Orchestras. Currently completing master’s studies at the Sibelius Academy in Finland, Dario will travel to the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music to study under the tutelage of esteemed pedagogue Yehuda Gilad. Gilad’s studio at USC is world-renowned for its successes, and this selective program will enable Dario to perform and network with some of America’s leading artists, ultimately allowing international development, collaboration, and performance to continue upon his return to Australia.
Aiden Belevich is a United States Coast Guard veteran and served eight years from 2017 to 2025 with specialist roles including search and rescue, emergency medical transport, and maritime law enforcement. In February 2026 he will commence studying at the University of Sydney’s Bachelor of Nursing Advanced Studies program, allowing placements with the Aboriginal Medical Services and NSW Air Ambulance. Upon graduation, he plans to utilize his training to work among U.S. public health outreach groups such as the American Public Health Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Ultimately, Aiden views specializing in critical care and community health as a continuation of his service, ensuring a better future for those both within his community and his country.
Natasha is a U.S. Air Force veteran, discharging as captain after nine years of service from 2013 to 2022.
She holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology, a background reflective of her strong commitment to understanding the intersection of mental health and the justice system. She is a current Master of Social Work (Qualifying) student at the University of Sydney, focusing on supporting women and children impacted by trauma, displacement, and systemic inequality. Following graduation and qualification as a social worker, she intends to dedicate her work to advocating for vulnerable families and creating inclusive, culturally competent support systems that promote healing, safety, and long-term well-being.
AMERICAN AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS ARE PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
