The 26-year-old received a severe brain injury in the 2018 accident, which left her questioning whether she should drop her studies and pursue a career that demanded less brain power.
She decided to continue with her studies, and now the genetics PhD candidate has received a Fulbright New Zealand Science and Innovation Graduate Award.
"Back in 2018, I would never have dreamed I would be getting an award like this.
"I’m pretty ecstatic. It’s a really incredible opportunity."
Miss Clark said what got her through the ordeal was finding ways to look at the bigger picture and think about how she could best lean on her strengths in order to make a difference.
She plans to use the award to research potential outcomes of genetic pest control at Cornell University, in New York, which will go towards her Otago PhD.
She is looking at a genetic pest control method called "gene drive" and how it could be used to control or eradicate invasive mammal species in New Zealand.
Despite present pest control systems, our wildlife continued to decline, she said.
"That’s why I’m interested in genetic pest control technology because it’s a different way of approaching our invasive species problem."
Miss Clark is one of five Otago graduates heading to universities across the United States after winning Fulbright New Zealand Awards this year.
Dr Will Flavell will study at the University of Massachusetts, Sophie Oliff will study at Harvard, Ngarangi Haerewahe will study at the University of California and Jordan Hamel will head to the University of Michigan, to undertake research and postgraduate study in their areas.
Established in 1946, the Fulbright programme is one of the largest educational exchanges in the world.
The five Fulbright scholars will be honoured at the Fulbright awards ceremony at the National Library in Wellington on June 27, and will begin their US studies in August.
Fulbright New Zealand executive director Penelope Borland said the awards would be "life-changing" for the talented group.
"I know that whatever the area of research, all the new grantees will uphold the key mission of the Fulbright programme — to enhance global and intercultural understanding and advance public good."
