Hi, I’m Lara!
I'm in my fifth year of a Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Mathematics – Mechatronics Engineering and Mathematical Physics. I joined the Women in Engineering Student Leaders to give advice about mechatronics engineering and mathematical physics and support future students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
I chose to study engineering because I’ve always loved maths and science. My school offered an engineering subject and taking that class confirmed my love for engineering. I really enjoyed the content, and I could see myself doing engineering as my future job.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I chose to study mechatronics engineering because I was always fascinated with how robotics work. I really enjoyed the electrical and mechanical subjects in my first year and I thought this discipline would be a perfect combination of those subjects.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
The content is fast paced, so you’ll have to keep yourself accountable and manage your time well. I quickly learned that it’s much easier to learn the material when you attend classes and watch lectures in person. It also is a great way to make friends and meet people who can support you throughout your degree!
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
I chose to study at UQ because I wasn’t completely sure which discipline I wanted to study, so the flexible first year was perfect for me. There’s always something happening at UQ, like clubs, events, industry nights, and UQ has great relations with industry partners which is incredibly valuable for engineering students. I also loved the facilities, especially UQ Innovate, where you can access tools and equipment you’d never expect to use, like laser cutters.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
Talk to everyone! Everyone feels a bit nervous in their first year of university and making new friends can seem daunting, but everyone else is feeling the exact same way. If you put yourself out there, you’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll find your people.
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
My favourite example of amazing engineering is autonomous mining machinery. The technology behind self-driving loaders and haul trucks is incredible, and the use of robotics in mining has improved the safety and reliability of the entire mining sector. It allows these machines to operate in areas that would previously have been extremely dangerous for people.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
My dream job would be to work in the mining industry on the autonomous loaders. It’s the perfect fit for mechatronics engineering, as I’ll be dealing with robotics on a huge scale!
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
I want to help first year students find their feet, feel more comfortable and settle into university life by connecting with other first years. I also hope to encourage women to pursue a degree in engineering and show them that it’s not as daunting as it seems. I’d love to be someone who offers support, encouragement and confidence throughout their engineering studies.
