Elevate Offshore has announced that Hans Elyar Ebrahim Schaeper has been selected as the recipient of the Elevate Offshore Scholarship for the MSc in Hydrography at the University of Plymouth. This newly established scholarship fully funds tuition fees and offers invaluable mentorship from the company’s experienced industry professionals.
The Significance of the Scholarship and Mentorship
This scholarship is designed to empower individuals pursuing careers in hydrography, addressing the increasing need for skilled professionals in this domain. Andrew Blears, Managing Director of Elevate Offshore, expressed his enthusiasm about Hans’s selection, stating, “This is just the first of many scholarship opportunities that Elevate Offshore plans to offer as part of our ongoing commitment to attracting and nurturing new talent in the industry. We are excited to support Hans in his educational journey and to provide a springboard for his career in the offshore sector.”
About Hans
At just 23 years old, Hans recently graduated with an Honours degree in Marine Biology and Oceanography from the University of Plymouth in July 2024. He is a certified HSE Professional SCUBA diver who gained significant research experience through a competitive internship at the Alfred-Wegener Institute. During this internship, Hans was part of a diving team focused on deploying and maintaining underwater sensors, leading a project aimed at reducing marine biofouling on in-situ technology. His dissertation was titled “A Novel Method to Reduce Biofouling on In-Situ Marine Sensors.”
In his final year, Hans demonstrated his dedication to environmental issues by earning second place in the Just Picture It: Our Changing World photography competition, which showcased the impact of human activities on seabirds, featuring a poignant photograph of Gannets nesting among fishing nets and plastics.
Hans’s Pursuit of Hydrography
When asked about his motivation for entering the field of hydrography, Hans shared, “I have a great interest in exploring the ocean, along with the drive to continue seeking new prospects and broadening my horizons. During my time at university, I had the chance to speak with lecturers and working professionals, and I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a competitive research institute, which further fuelled my curiosity about the ocean and its potential. By the time I graduated, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in hydrography to gain greater insight into the offshore world across all its sectors.”
Hans chose the University of Plymouth for his MSc in Hydrography because of its renowned teaching methods and the limited number of institutions offering this specialised program. “Having spoken to previous graduates, I found that the University of Plymouth was the best choice for me to receive the education necessary to reach my goals,” he explained. Tim Scott, the course leader, also emphasised the exceptional opportunity that the Elevate Offshore Scholarship offers.
Personal Significance of the Scholarship
Receiving this scholarship is particularly meaningful for Hans, who has navigated his educational path with dyslexia. He noted, “Having received guidance from the university throughout my undergraduate degree due to my dyslexia, I believe that the mentorship provided by this scholarship – from those with first-hand experience in the industry – will be invaluable in aiding my studies over the coming year.”
Hans is particularly enthusiastic about the diverse opportunities available in the offshore energy sector, stating, “The unique lifestyle of those in the offshore energy sector is something I hope to experience fully, allowing me the chance to explore the world while working on something I love.”
Future Goals
Upon completing his MSc, Hans intends to pursue a career in the offshore sector, leveraging the connections he will establish through Elevate Offshore and the University. He hopes to join an organisation that prioritises the ocean’s importance and is dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for the future.
Hans believes the mentorship from Elevate Offshore staff surveyors will significantly influence his learning experience and career progression. He stated, “Throughout university, I have benefited from working with industry experts in marine and sustainability sectors, which has allowed me to grow professionally. I hope to provide similar support to the next generation of surveyors and students in my career.”
Through initiatives like this scholarship, Elevate Offshore is committed to cultivating skilled professionals and promoting sustainable practices within the offshore energy industry. Please visit the University of Plymouth’s website for additional information on the Elevate Offshore Scholarship and the MSc in Hydrography program.
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