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Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Oxford scholarship follows career ‘punt'
University of Otago master's graduate Joseph Balfe has received a University of Oxford scholarship. PHOTO: SUPPLIED From musician to neuroscientist, an Oamaru man's career change has paid off. Former Waitaki Boys' High School student Joseph Balfe has been awarded the prestigious Clarendon Scholarship at the University of Oxford in England. About 38,000 graduates apply each year for the fully funded scholarship at the collegiate research university. Mr Balfe was one of only 200 people selected worldwide. Mr Balfe, 25, attended WBHS from 2012-16, and achieved his master's of science (with distinction) in neuroscience at the University of Otago last year. He will undertake his PhD in psychiatry at Oxford. Mr Balfe said he was astounded to receive the scholarship. "I'm very surprised but absolutely grateful at the same time because it was definitely a lot of work to get to this point. "I'm really looking forward to being surrounded by very like-minded people who are working very hard and excited and passionate about what they do." After completing his bachelor's degree in music he was "at a bit of a crossroads" and said he "kind of fell into neuroscience". "It was a bit of a punt because I wasn't really a science person, but I just gave it my best shot and now it's gone pretty far obviously, and my life has gone in a completely different direction." WBHS rector Darryl Paterson said the school community was "incredibly proud of Joseph" as they were of "many old boys who are changing the world". "To be recognised for such a prestigious scholarship is an amazing achievement and a tribute to his talents." Being a prefect, Mr Balfe was an outstanding student as well as a talented musician, public speaker and sportsman, Mr Paterson said. "Speaking with many of his former teachers, and having met him in 2017, he is a most humble and hardworking young man, highly respected by all." After graduating, Mr Balfe completed an internship in cancer diagnostics at Pacific Edge Ltd, where he now works as a clinical trials associate in the Centre for Innovation. He is also a part-time research assistant at the University of Otago. Over the past two and a-half years, Mr Balfe has been working on developing a novel wearable smart device to detect and relieve asthma attacks by harnessing the interconnectivity of the nervous system. "A lot of what has driven me forward academically has been what I've done with Otago through this device that I'm developing with my supervisor, Associate Prof Yusuf Cakmak, called the VentiMate," he said. Mr Balfe will join Oxford's Translational NeuroStimulation Laboratory, where he will investigate a novel form of brain stimulation for the treatment of depression. His concern for mental health sparked his initial curiosity for neuroscience, after he worked in a support role in residential colleges and met many young people with mental health issues. He said it was a tremendous advantage to continue to work on novel technology that had the potential to make a difference for people who were suffering daily. "That's an enormous privilege and I'm quite humbled to be a part of such an important mission." Born in Portsmouth, England, Mr Balfe moved to Oamaru with his Filipina mother and British father at the age of 6. He "owes everything" to his parents, who were excited for him to attend Oxford. Mr Balfe said music would always be a part of his life. He had a couple of "cool shows" coming up in Dunedin, before he moved to Oxford in mid-September to begin his scholarship course in October.
Otago Daily Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Sri Lanka trip ‘awesome experience'
Former WBHS pupil Ben Sinnamon (second left) with New Zealand Under 85kg team player Josh Gellert (left), fellow coach Will Henry (a former North Otago player) and Simon Sia. PHOTO: JOHNNY HENDRIKUS / NEW ZEALAND RUGBY From Oamaru to Auckland and as far away as Sri Lanka — rugby has taken Ben Sinnamon across the globe. The former Waitaki Boys' High School head boy has made a name for himself in the coaching ranks. He recently returned home from Sri Lanka where he was an assistant coach for the New Zealand Under-85kg team. While Sri Lanka is not known as a rugby-mad country, Sinnamon said the locals got right behind both games. "It was an awesome experience. They're such friendly people and they're really trying to grow the game of rugby over there. "We really didn't appreciate how much they love rugby in Sri Lanka until we arrived. "We certainly felt their love and their connection to the game and I think we had crowds of about 25,000 people at both our matches so it was a really cool experience." Their first match in Kandy was particularly special, he said. "The ground was almost like a cauldron effect. The crowd was really close and really noisy. "It was just one of those moments that make the hair stand up on your neck, just the noise and the atmosphere and the positivity of the place — I'll never forget that. "It sort of took me back to the old school days in New Zealand when the crowds were allowed to storm the field and the crowd was really close to the action." Sinnamon hoped the tour could spur even more growth in under-85kg rugby. "It's an established grade but it's one that's growing pretty fast. It's really an opportunity for players that might not have continued playing rugby after their 20s or after high school. "It's a different brand of rugby, as well. It's faster, it's obviously lightweight but it promotes free, flowing rugby and I think it was on display in Sri Lanka." He enjoyed getting out into the community as they ran coaching clinics for local players and coaches. Sinnamon was also announced as Auckland Storm head coach for this year's Farah Palmer Cup after serving as an assistant last season. "It's a campaign I'm really looking forward to, diving into. We've got a big challenge ahead, but it'll be cool." Their squad will be on the younger side as Black Ferns players are unavailable due to the Rugby World Cup, but Sinnamon said it would still be an exciting and talented group. He got his start coaching, coincidentally, in the under-85kg grade for the Ponsonby Rugby Club. "I've really enjoyed coaching; I found it was a way to stay in touch with the game after hanging up the boots myself." He has been in Auckland for 11 years. He and his wife have three children. Both his parents and some of his extended family live in Waitaki. "We definitely see ourselves moving down south at some point, but for now we're pretty entrenched in Auckland. "It's amazing how quick time flies. I didn't anticipate ever calling myself an Aucklander, but I'd better watch out."
Time of India
07-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
WB HS result 2025 out for class 10 & 12: Check direct links and steps to download WBCHSE HS 10th & 12th result 2025
WB HS result 2025 out for class 10 & 12: The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has declared the WB HS Result 2025 today, May 7, at 12:30 PM through a press conference in Kolkata. The results are for Class 10 and 12 students of the 2024–25 session. Students can check their scores online from 2 PM on and About 8 lakh students appeared for the exams held from March 3 to March 18, 2025. To view results, students need to enter their roll number and date of birth. The results include marks and pass/fail status for Science, Commerce, and Arts streams. Students can also get their results via SMS or DigiLocker. Physical marksheets and certificates will be available at schools from May 8, 2025. Direct links to check WBCHSE HS Result 20255 Here are the direct official links to check the WBCHSE HS Result 2025 for Class 10 and 12: How to check WBCHSE HS Result 2025 online? Below are the steps to check WBCHSE HS Result 2025 online: Visit the official website or Click on the 'Higher Secondary Examination Result 2025' link. Enter your roll number and date of birth. Submit the details to view your WB HS Result 2025. Download and print the result for future reference. WB HS Result 2025 via SMS Students can also check their results by sending an SMS in the following format: Type WB12 and send it to 5676750 or 58888. The WB HS result via SMS will include subject-wise marks and qualifying status. WB HS Result 2025 marksheet collection Students can collect their original WB HS Result 2025 marksheets and passing certificates from their respective schools starting May 8, 2025, after 10 AM. FAQs 1. When was the WB HS Result 2025 declared? Answer: The WB HS Result 2025 was declared on May 7, 2025, at 12:30 PM via a press conference, with online results available from 2 PM. 2. Where can I check the WBCHSE HS Result 2025? Answer: WBCHSE Results 2025 can be checked on the official websites and 3. What details are required to check the WB HS Result 2025 online? Answer: Students need their roll number and date of birth as mentioned on their admit card to log in and view the WB HS result 2025. 4. Can I get my WB HS Result 2025 via SMS? Answer: Yes, by sending WB12 followed by your roll number to 5676750 or 58888, you can receive your WB HS result via SMS. 5. When and where can I collect my original WB HS marksheet? Answer: Original WB HS 2025 marksheets will be available for collection from respective schools starting May 8, 2025, after 10 AM. For more news and updates from the world of Education, keep reading at Indiatimes.
