Serkan Ates

Serkan Ates chose Lincoln University for his studies after a research training trip brought him to the institution in 2004 to study pasture improvement.
 
His New Zealand studies had given him a new perspective on agricultural science.
 
Serkan studied animal science subjects at university in Turkey and completed his masters’ degree in animal feeding and feedstuffs in 2002. He then went on to work for the International Agricultural Research Institute in Central Turkey.
 
“New Zealand is regarded as one of the most advanced countries in the pastoral sector by Turkish authorities, and it was they who first sent me to Lincoln University.   After that visit I wanted to return for my PhD studies. Besides the quality of the education, the best things about the institution I selected are the friendliness of the lecturers and the facilities to assist my studies, which are second to none.”
 
The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship recipient says that the international nature of the university has made him aware of different cultures and broadened his horizons in different ways.
 
“Such an international environment provided me with the chance to meet my Indonesian girl friend, whom I married in 2006. She is on a NZ Aid scholarship and also studying at the University.”
 
With most farming in Turkey still at subsistence level, the potential for pastoral farming in Turkey is very high, Serkan believes, although not without its problems.
 
“I am grateful to Lincoln University for giving an opportunity to young researchers whom I believe can make a difference in the world.”