Hi, I’m Ellie!
I'm in my fourth year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering – Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. I joined the Women in Engineering Student Leaders to give advice about chemical and biomedical engineering and support future students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
My path to engineering actually started with my mum. She grew up in Papua New Guinea, and while she was fortunate enough to have the essentials, she saw firsthand that clean water and reliable power were luxuries for many surrounding communities. Hearing her stories made me realise that engineers are the silent builders of the 'lifelines' that people depend on. That context, paired with my childhood love for building wooden models, made me want to be part of creating those solutions.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I chose a dual major in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering because it sits right at the intersection of sustainability and health - two things I care deeply about. Chemical engineering gives me the tools to understand process design and energy (like water treatment), while the biomedical side fascinates me with how we can apply those principles to the human body. I didn’t want to choose between saving the planet and saving lives; this discipline lets me work toward both.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
I wish I knew that you don’t have to give up your creative side to be a good engineer. In high school, my favourite subject was Visual Art, and I honestly thought my creativity would be a disadvantage in such a technical degree. I’ve since learned that engineering is deeply creative - it’s just a different medium. Whether it's structural investigation or process design, you need that creative spark to solve complex problems.
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
Beyond the incredible facilities like the Liveris Building, it was the sense of community. Engineering can feel daunting, but the student culture at UQ is so supportive rather than competitive. Between societies like the EUS, ChESS, and Women in Engineering, there is always a group of people ready to help you build your network, study for an exam, or just decompress. I wanted a university experience where I could build a team alongside my degree.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
You cannot pour from an empty cup. There is a myth that to be a successful engineering student, you have to be constantly sleep-deprived and grinding 24/7. My biggest tip is to give yourself permission to rest. You will be a better problem solver, a better teammate, and a better engineer if you manage your energy, not just your time. Protect your sleep and your hobbies fiercely!
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
I am fascinated by the mass manufacture and distribution of vaccines. It is one thing to discover a cure in a lab, but it is an entirely different feat of engineering to design the chemical processes, thermal regulation, and supply chains required to get that life-saving medicine into remote communities safely. It’s the perfect example of technical precision meeting human impact.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
My long-term goal is to work on the front lines of biomedical and chemical engineering. I want to design sustainable technologies that improve access to resources in underserved communities - whether that’s developing robust water treatment systems or designing vaccine delivery mechanisms for places like PNG.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
I came into this degree with a huge love for Visual Art, and I honestly worried that meant I wasn’t technical enough for engineering. I want to use this role to prove that you don’t have to fit a specific stereotype to succeed here. Engineering needs creative thinkers, and I want to help first-year students realise that their unique backgrounds are actually an asset to their work.
