Disappointment as AUT students let special intern scholarships slip away

Disappointed AUT professor Patria Hume had no interest from AUT students when she presented a scholarship opportunity to be involved in the 2024 Z Manu World Championship.

Hume says that she wanted to target AUT students studying sport and exercise sciences so they could get real life experience for their degrees.

“I advertised for AUT students, and we had a scholarship for AUT students, and no one applied, we don’t know why…

“I’m passionate about AUT and I was really disappointed.”

Hume is responsible for the technology that was used to measure and score contestants splashes by the height, width, and volume of water from each jump.

She was approached by event organiser Scott Rice to create the ManuTech because of her experience in biomechanics and knowledge of using technology to evaluate human movement.

“I want to use AUT students because it is the Auckland University of Technology, and that applied work is really useful for students”.

Patria Hume and her University of Auckland interns using the ManuTech to measure the size of the contestants splashes. PHOTO: Jamie Lawlor

But another opportunity is coming as both Hume and Rice have big plans regarding the future of the Z Manu World Championships and the ManuTech technology.

“We have plans to expand the event and network for next year and try to get into the nook and crannies and take the event to the people,” says Rice.

This year Hume plans to improve the ManuTech by incorporating Artificial Intelligence to help judge the splash size and the style of contestants manus.

Once again she is advertising internships, scholarships, and master’s opportunities in an effort to attract AUT students to get involved.

“It is a great opportunity for AUT students learning, in terms it is actually working with community to provide a solution, so you are applying your skills and trainings, they get to apply and see that it is going to be used”.

Hume is not just seeking students with an interest in biomechanics and sport and exercise sciences, but undergraduates that are looking apply their skills and interests on industry projects.