Two students who are driven to create a sustainable future have been awarded 2026 Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships.

Max Coten, who attended Corpus Christi College, completed a Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) in Mathematics and Statistics at The University of Western Australia last year.

The PhD student will focus on developing statistical machine learning methods for oceanographic applications, with an aim to better predict marine heatwaves on Ningaloo Reef.

Image: Max Coten and John Yaxley.

The North Fremantle local is a keen marathon swimmer and won the 35th Rottnest Channel Swim last year reaching the island in just over four hours – the eighth fastest crossing ever.

“Some of my fondest memories come from swimming in the ocean – from the freezing waters of the Southern Ocean to long swims off the shores of Rottnest Island – and I have developed a strong and enduring affinity for the sea,” Max said.

“This connection has shaped both my personal interests and my academic career. I am especially motivated by interdisciplinary research that bridges mathematics and statistics with meaningful real-world applications.”

John Yaxley completed a Bachelor of Science at UWA with a focus on agricultural science and applied human geography.

The Masters student is now developing a data-driven approach to help farmers identify what crops are most suitable to their land and how they can contribute to food supply and nutritional needs.

The Darlington resident, who attended Helena College, has met many rural communities around the world and witnessed both the beauty and hardships that come with smallholder farming.

“I aim to deepen my understanding of smallholder farming systems in the Asia-Pacific and explore how technology can support farm planning decisions to ensure harvests are sufficient, reliable and nutritious,” John said.

“I like to dream of a future where all landscapes are lush and rich and the smallholders that occupy them are thriving. It is a big dream, but I believe that the adoption of agro-ecological principles, coupled with good farm management, will help us get there.

“When I have the time, I try to put this theory to practice, cultivating a subtropical food garden on my own block.”

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship supports students looking to pursue postgraduate research or coursework in areas related to sustainability, technology and innovation, social change or Australia’s relationship with Asia.

The scholars receive funding for their study and living expenses, gain access to leadership and mentorship programs. They undertake overseas travel and participate in networking experiences with like-minded individuals, senior business leaders and industry-based experts.