Hi, I’m Matisse!
I'm in my third year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering). I joined the Women in Engineering Student Leaders to give advice about mechanical and aerospace engineering and support future students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
My favourite subject in school was always maths. I love how it explains patterns and the world so clearly. Engineering uses maths to bring powerful and abstract ideas to life in a way that blends creativity and logic, fitting my motivations ideally. It feels like a field where I can constantly be learning, solving important problems, and building a genuinely exciting career for myself.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I’ve always been fascinated by flight and the physics behind it. Studying aerospace engineering really allows me to explore that curiosity in a deep and meaningful way, and gives me the opportunity to one day contribute to the exciting future of aviation and space.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
I wish I knew earlier just how many opportunities there are to socialise at uni, as it really makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable. Having peers to connect with and relate to, both in and outside of engineering, is a great way to make your workload feel lighter, build community, and take some of the stress off your studies. Engineering especially has a great social scene!
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
UQ stood out to me because of its strong reputation and the in-depth theoretical foundation of its engineering degree. The combination of practical experience and theory that the degree offers helps you to build real confidence in your skills, both as a student and a future engineer. Beyond this, UQ’s industry connections, professional pathways, and incredible clubs and student teams, create an environment where you are constantly supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
Take advantage of all of the tutorials that your courses offer. Not only are they a great way to deeply understand the content in your course, but they’re also a great way to make friends in your degree, which helps so much in tough periods. And make sure to try everything at least once! Whether it’s clubs, events, or projects, stepping outside of your comfort zone is one of the easiest ways to grow.
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
One of my favourite recent examples is the Northrop Grumman undersea project, the Manta Ray. It’s a large uncrewed underwater vehicle that combines hydrodynamic gliding, buoyancy-driven propulsion, and a low-drag body design to essentially glide underwater with an extremely high energy efficiency.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
I’d really love to work on cutting-edge aerodynamics, the kind of engineering that designs jets to push the boundaries of manoeuvrability and speed. I want to one day be part of the teams designing aircraft that redefine what’s possible in aerospace.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
As a WE student leader, I hope to help build a community where students feel supported, confident, and genuinely welcomed. My goal is to inspire others, share what I’ve learned, and continue learning from the people around me. I want to contribute to a culture where students feel empowered to grow and can see themselves thriving in engineering.
