Hi, I'm Lara!
I'm in my Third Year of a Bachelor's of Engineering (Honours) / Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics. I caught up with the Women in Engineering team to chat all things engineering and offer my advice to new engineering students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
Ever since I was little, I have had this need to know how and why things work. I grew up playing with circuits, dismantling devices and wondering about the construction and laws that governed them. Studying electrical engineering and physics means, that in some small way, I get to learn everyday about how things work and the laws of the universe around me. It is a joy to wake up and know that I will learn something I am truly passionate about; to be challenged and provided with the opportunity to positively contribute to society. So that is why I chose to study engineering.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
Electrical Engineering is objectively going to be one of the key occupations contributing to a liveable, affordable and sustainable future. Combined with physics, I chose to study it as it allows me to contribute positively to society and to investigate my interest in how and why things work. My main field of interest, quantum engineering is an emerging field of the future and one that I feel will be at the forefront of new quantum technologies with far-reaching applications in a variety of sectors.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
I wish I had realised sooner that engineers do more than just solve problems; they innovate, create and make the world and their communities better places. I wish that younger me had understood that better – that I am choosing a future where I can make a tangible difference in my community and have the opportunity for a diverse and multifaceted career.
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
Coming from regional Queensland I had to move away from home to attend university. I chose UQ as it was the university with the best campus and had the great research and community involvement. As someone keen on research and pursuing a postgraduate education, UQ stood out for its excellence, high standard environment and significant opportunities for growth and professional development.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
Get involved, try new things and don’t be afraid to ask for help! University can seem a scary place at first, but most people are super friendly and happy to help if you can’t find a class or are looking for general uni tips and advice. Try out clubs and societies, you’ll make your best friends there and form invaluable connections; and of course, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. University is quite different from high school, but it is one of the greatest times in your life and worth making the most of!
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
I can’t pick a single example; amazing engineering is all around us. In our bridges, and transport systems, the electricity grid and automated systems and machines. It keeps our world running and functional – I feel most feats of engineering are amazing.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
My dream job is to work as a quantum engineer in academia – bridging quantum mechanics and conventional engineering. Allowing me to combine my two degrees and love of detail and research and to hopefully contribute in an new and emerging field of study.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
I want to inspire regional kids like myself to dream. Dream for something bigger, to attend university, to succeed and to become the representation in STEM that they mightn’t have had when growing up.
