Chunhua has studied Geographical Information Systems (GIS) at the South China Agricultural University in her hometown of Guangzhou and a Masters of GIS in Canada at the University of Calgary.
Chunhua moved to Queensland with her partner and then to Sydney to take up a job at Hills Council where she produces maps based on geographical data.
The maps assist Council staff with town planning, strategic planning, environmental mapping, infrastructure planning and more.
She also applied for the Endeavour Scholarship which is offered to high-achieving students throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
It offers students the opportunity to travel abroad and complete their education on a full scholarship while strengthening bonds between Asia-Pacific nations.
Chunhua said she was honoured to be selected for the Endeavour Scholarships Prime Minister’s Award and planned to use the education to move a step closer to her dream of becoming a Professor of geographical information systems.
“I really am honoured to receive the scholarship,” Ms Zhang said. “I came to this country to further my education and experience in GIS. I really am honoured to be chosen to be recipient of the scholarship.”
“Education has taken me from being a humble village girl to becoming an international student. I’m living my dreams through education and if I can do it, many other young people can too. It just takes commitment.”
“I want to be an ambassador for Australian education in my home country of China.”