Now 21, Polina Collins holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science from the University of Otago, majoring in Genetics, Reproduction and Development, and has been offered a place in the Master of Genetic Counselling at the University of Siena, one of only twelve places available to non-EU students. An exhibited artist, she became the first recipient of the Hope and Sons Art Awards Youth Category Award. This Grant supports her postgraduate tuition and living costs abroad. Polina aims to qualify as a genetic counsellor and to bring her expertise back to NZ.