Hi, I’m Siân!
I'm in my fourth year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering – Chemical and Environmental Engineering. I joined the Women in Engineering Student Leaders to give advice about chemical and environmental engineering and support future students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
Growing up in a regional area, I didn’t know any engineers - especially not women engineers. I loved maths and science (especially chemistry) but had no idea how to combine the two. I didn’t even know engineering existed until my mum mentioned it, and suddenly everything made sense. When I realised engineering could let me solve real problems and improve life for communities like the one I came from, it just felt right. I want to be the role model I never had.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I’m studying Chemical and Environmental Engineering because it sits at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and big-picture thinking. I love understanding how processes work from the fundamentals all the way through to their real-world impact, and I want to contribute to cleaner, more circular industry practices.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
I wish I knew early on just how important it is to get involved straight away. Join that club, play that sport, put your hand up for every opportunity - you’re never going to regret it. The more you say yes, the more you find your people and discover what you’re capable of.
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
I chose UQ because it had the exact major I wanted and offered strong opportunities in sustainability and engineering. And honestly, UQ’s reputation for excellence really stood out to me - it just felt like the right place to challenge myself and grow. Plus, the campus is beautiful, which definitely helped make the decision easier!
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
If you have no plans over your summer break, do a summer semester - future you will thank you! It’s quieter, the courses feel more manageable, and it takes so much pressure off your regular semesters. It’s one of the easiest ways to lighten your load later on. Don’t put yourself down for not taking a full-time workload – everyone learns at their own pace. And just as important: find your people. Uni feels so much easier when you’ve got a group to study, laugh, and occasionally panic with.
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
I’ve been following the rapid growth of renewable energy in Europe recently, and one example that really stood out is Switzerland installing solar panels between the rails of active railway tracks. It shows that amazing engineering isn’t always about extravagant new technologies - it’s also about clever, practical use of the spaces and systems we already have. That kind of creative thinking is what excites me most.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
I’d love to work in the renewable energy or sustainable process design space - somewhere I can be hands-on, help decarbonise industry, and work on projects that genuinely move us toward a more sustainable future. I’m also passionate about the humanitarian side of engineering and hope to use my skills to support communities that need sustainable and accessible solutions the most.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
I want to support young women who might not see themselves in engineering yet - especially regional students like me. My goal is to build confidence, create connection, and show future engineers that they belong here. If I can help someone feel seen, capable, and excited about their future, that’s a win.
