Dr Julia Howitt Legacy Scholarship Fund
Dr Julia Howitt was a highly respected Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and a Researcher at Charles Sturt University. Her career passion covered the field of Environmental Science with a focus on Limnology, also known as freshwater research.
Tragically, in 2020, we lost Dr. Howitt to breast cancer at the young age of 43. Her absence has been keenly felt by the Charles Sturt University community, where she was not only deeply respected but also dearly loved by all who knew her.
In 2022, as a tribute to her remarkable contributions, we united with Dr. Howitt’s family to establish the Dr. Julia Howitt Legacy Scholarship. The aim was to carry forward her passion for science and support aspiring minds in their pursuit of knowledge.
Since its inception, the scholarship has supported three deserving Science students. However, our collective vision extends beyond the immediate. We aspire to create a perpetual legacy that will continue benefiting future generations of science enthusiasts.
To achieve this, we need to raise $83,000 in capital funds. With the generosity of many, we've already reached $67,000, a remarkable achievement.
Today, we appeal to you for support to fulfill the remaining $16,000 needed to ensure the perpetuity of the Dr. Julia Howitt Legacy Scholarship.
About Julia
Dr. Howitt’s impact on the scientific community was profound and widespread. Her journey was one of incredible dedication, from her educational pursuits at Monash University to her significant contributions at Charles Sturt University. Her work in environmental chemistry and her role in various research teams across different institutions is a testament to her unyielding commitment to scientific exploration.
Dr Howitt's passion for science was evident in her remarkable journey. From her pioneering research on the electrochemistry of ruthenium dyes for solar cells to her ground-breaking work on the interactions of dissolved organic matter with iron oxide, she left an indelible mark in environmental chemistry. Her dedication extended to her involvement in cross-disciplinary research teams, particularly in her efforts to understand the carbon cycle in aquatic food webs.
Her contributions continued as she delved into water quality assessments, environmental impact studies, and her integral role in supporting the monitoring of ecosystem responses in the Murray-Darling Basin. Dr Howitt's commitment to science earned her recognition, including the University's Vice-Chancellor's Award for Research Excellence in 2015.
Her efforts played a pivotal role in the revitalisation of Australia's rivers and wetlands, a global example of how science can steer policy for the betterment of our environment. Dr. Howitt's dedication earned her accolades and awards, yet her true legacy lives on in the hearts of those she inspired through her passion for science.