STEM Awardee Olivia set sights on a career in geoscience

Olivia Bennett is a 20-year-old Environmental Geoscience undergraduate from Truro with a strong passion for Cornwall’s geology, mining heritage, and renewable energy.

Inspired by a family background in deep geothermal energy, Olivia aspires to build a career in Cornwall’s geo-resource sector while promoting STEM opportunities for young people. As president of the Lyell Geoscience Society and a member of Women in Geothermal (WING), Olivia actively encourages others to engage with geoscience. Their goal is to become an ambassador for Cornwall’s STEM pathways and to help advance the county’s vital geo-resources.

Last year, Olivia was awarded £2,000 from the Young & Talented Spirit of Trevithick Award, she told us:

“Growing up in Cornwall, I’ve been surrounded by interesting geology and mining heritage which has led me to pursue my keen interest in the geoscience sector by studying Environmental Geoscience at Royal Holloway University. During this time, I have had the opportunity to explore exciting places on fieldwork trips and undertake research in areas I am passionate about.

I’ve loved my time at Royal Holloway University and I am continuing my education with a Masters by Research at the same university. I’ve also been fortunate to be a recipient of the Spirit of Trevithick STEM award in 2024, which has been incredibly helpful to achieve my research aspirations. I would definitely encourage anybody interested in geoscience to follow their passion as there is so much to be unearthed and studied!”

Applications for the next round of funding are open now, don’t delay, applications close on 12th September. Apply now.