USC Science Deans Scholar student Tom Banks has received a tremendous boost to his aspirations of a career in biotechnology, thanks to a Renouf Family Scholarship worth up to $20,000.

The Golden Beach student who graduated from Caloundra State High School with an OP2 has just started an accelerated Science/Science (Honours) combined degree, an individually tailored program which allows students to complete two degrees in just three years.

The Renouf Family Scholarships were established at USC in 2008 by Sir Clem Renouf in memory of his parents for giving him the best educational opportunity possible under challenging circumstances.

Tom said he was thrilled to receive the award, which would allow him to focus on his accelerated double degree without having to worry about finances.
 
“Without the Renouf Scholarship, I would have had to work more hours at my part-time job while I was at university,” he said.

“Now I’ll have more time to study and hopefully really excel in my academic career.
“I’m only a few weeks into semester, but I’m really enjoying the independence we’re given and the fact that you have to take the initiative to get the work done.”

Tom chose to enrol in the Dean’s Scholars program after excelling in biology and chemistry at high school. He will major in biotechnology and has chosen genetics as his minor course of study.
  
Two Renouf Family Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students each year, with recipients receiving $2,500 per semester for the duration of their degrees.

— Gen Kennedy