An 18-year-old student has secured a significant career boost after being named the recipient of the 2026 Trevor Gerber SYD100 Scholarship.
Marino’s interest in the aviation sector dates back to her childhood, specifically to a flight she took from the Philippines to Australia at the age of seven. Following her family's relocation to Australia in 2015, she actively pursued her interest in the industry by joining the Australian Air Force Cadets, where she gained exposure to aircraft and professional aviation operations.
Supporting Diversity in Aviation
The SYD100 Scholarship was established in 2020 to commemorate the centenary of
Reflecting on the award, Marino noted that the scholarship provides the necessary support to transform a long-held personal interest into a professional career. To mark the achievement, Marino and her parents were invited to Sydney Airport for a behind-the-scenes tour of the airfield. The visit was facilitated by Jessie Huynh, a previous scholarship recipient who has since transitioned into a role within the airport’s operations team.
Industry and Academic Collaboration
The initiative highlights a strategic partnership between academic institutions and the aviation sector. Karen Tompkins, Group Executive at Sydney Airport, emphasized that such programs are essential for establishing clear entry points for young talent into the workforce. This sentiment was echoed by Associate Professor Cheng-Lung (Richard) Wu, the acting head of school at
