"[I was] pretty shocked, I'd almost forgotten that I'd entered," she said.
She is one of seven finalists in the competition judged by actress Christina Hendricks, from the TV series Mad Men, and Kate Hawkesby.
The competition aims to find New Zealand's most stylish specs-wearer and help them start a modelling career.
Miss Hughes said it was the first time she had entered a modelling competition and that she had been encouraged by a friend.
"You just have to upload a photo from Facebook, it was just quick and easy so I thought why not," Miss Hughes said.
The overall winner, announced at the end of this month, will win a trip to Los Angeles for a photoshoot, to meet Ms Hendricks and a 12-month modelling contract with 62 Models & Talent.
Although Miss Hughes is hoping to win the competition, she is not sure if she wanted a modelling career.
"I've had offers in the past from agencies but I've always been quite career-driven with my science," she said.
"It's something I wouldn't mind doing but I definitely love what I do now."
As a finalist, Bec won $500 cash, two pairs of glasses from Specsavers, and $500 to be donated to a charity of her choice. She chose the SPCA.
"I'm an animal lover and it was the first thing that popped into my head."
