A group of environmental science students have had their hard work rewarded with scholarships from the Bermuda Zoological Society.

Caroline Alexander, Isabella Murdoch and Treiana Zuill were presented with Steinhoff scholarships and Freyja Kermode received the Pye award.

Ms Alexander, who will study climate change at University College London in the UK after she graduated from the University of Bristol, said it was an honour to get the award.

She added: “I would like to thank the scholarship committee for selecting me, as climate change is a very important global issue.

“I hope to use these degrees to be a part of positive change in Bermuda with regard to our carbon footprint as well as adaptation and mitigation to the impacts of climate change on island.”

Ms Murdoch, who is working towards a degree in environmental governance at the University of Guelph in Canada said she looked forward to studying on campus after a year of remote learning.

She said: “This has not been an easy year for anyone; thus, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to hold this award.

“I am excited to learn more about environmental governance to make meaningful change when I return to Bermuda.”

Ms Zuill, who is on course to graduate next May with a degree in coastal environmental science from Flagler College in Florida, said she was grateful for the help.

She said: “This donation will be of significant assistance towards my last year of studies.

“I would like to thank the scholarship committee for this as it will lighten my financial worries and allow me to focus on my schooling.”

Ms Kermode, who intends to finish her last year of university and achieve a master’s degree in marine biology, said her ambition was to educate other young Bermudians about the ocean.

She added: “I have been involved at BAMZ since I was a junior volunteer at 15, and their continued support in my final year of university and into my future endeavours makes a huge difference.”

The Steinhoff scholarship scheme, established by former BZS president Bob Steinhoff, has awarded more than $150,000 since 2009.

Several students have returned to the island to give back through conservation and research programmes.

The Pye Award, named after John and Karen Pye, usually offers financial support for a summer internship at the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo, but it was decided that the award would this year be used to help a Bermudian student study overseas.

Colin Brown, the BZS president, thanked the Steinhoff and Pye families for their support of environmental education.

He said: “Without them this scholarship and award would not exist nor the opportunity to assist scholars who are dedicating their postsecondary education to environmental causes.

“All four of our recipients this year are exceptional and impressed the committee in their academic excellence and perseverance towards their goals.”