Kia ora, and welcome, to what promises to be the journey of a lifetime. My name is Matt Carter and before the 21st of February 2009 I was just a regular student stressing over getting my Masters finished. However, this all changed when I was fortunate enough to be named the Our World – Underwater Australasian Rolex Scholar for 2009/10.

This scholarship is one of three awards given annually (one in North America, one in Europe and one in Australasia). These scholarships provide funding for scholars to travel throughout their region and the globe working with experts in a variety of fields related to the underwater world – not least that of maritime archaeology, which is where my special interest lies.

The great thing about the scholarship is that it is experience-based, and so presents scholars with an opportunity to get valuable hands-on experience on various underwater projects run by their hosts. For a look at the kind of things last year’s scholars got up to (click here).

For me this scholarship is such an amazing opportunity, allowing me to turn my dreams of working in the underwater world into reality. By providing me with a range of diverse skills and contacts, this scholarship will grant me a head start in my future career within the marine environment .

As only the third Australasian, and the first New Zealander to be awarded this scholarship, I am absolutely stoked to be this year’s scholar and I will do my best to reward the faith that the selection panel has placed in me.