Hi, I’m Sienna!
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?
Choosing a direction after high school felt daunting because there were so many possibilities. The turning point for me was attending the WE Spring into Engineering camp. It completely reframed how I viewed engineering. Suddenly, it wasn’t just equations and theory, but a space where creativity and technical problem-solving work together. That experience made me realise this was the path I wanted to follow.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
From a young age, I was captivated by space and the mysteries beyond our planet. I spent nights peering through a $20 Kmart telescope, covering my ceiling with glow-in-the-dark stars, and collecting images of distant nebulas and planets. Choosing aerospace engineering feels like a continuation of that early curiosity – an homage to the younger version of myself who dreamed big without knowing what was possible. Studying this discipline allows me to turn those childhood dreams into something real and meaningful.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
I wish I’d known how normal it is to feel overwhelmed or unsure at the beginning. When I started at UQ, I wanted to develop my skills and meet people, but I didn’t know how to put myself out there. I delayed joining organisations because I felt unqualified, but once I joined Leaders at EAIT, UQ Space, and a range of student societies, everything changed. Those experiences helped me build confidence, leadership skills, and meaningful networks. Looking back, I’d tell myself to be patient, seek support, and say yes to opportunities earlier, even if they seem daunting at first.
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
I chose UQ because of its strong engineering reputation and the supportive community I discovered in high school through the WE Spring into Engineering camp. That camp showed me how engineering combines creativity with practical impact, and UQ felt like the perfect place to nurture those interests. Living nearby and having previously engaged in UQ events, I knew I’d be joining a familiar environment that encourages growth both academically, and personally. Plus, UQ’s opportunities to get involved in exciting areas like Hypersonics research really drew me in, as I’m passionate about aerospace and mechanical engineering, and eager to contribute to cutting-edge fields.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
University is a fresh start, so make the most of it. Explore campus until you find study spots that motivate you and help you stay focused. Don’t feel pressured to stay within your high-school bubble – branch out, meet new people, and get involved. Uni isn’t just about lectures and assignments; it’s also about growing into the person you want to become.
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
My favourite example of amazing engineering is the rise of reusable and catchable rockets. There’s something incredible about watching a booster return from the edge of space and land upright with metre-level precision. It goes against decades of “use once and discard” thinking and proves what’s possible when engineers challenge the status quo. Beyond the spectacle, reusable rockets make space exploration more sustainable and accessible, two values that inspire me and align with the kind of aerospace engineering I hope to be part of in the future.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
I’ve always been fascinated by space and the ways we explore it, but I’m just as passionate about doing so responsibly. My dream job would allow me to work in aerospace while designing systems or technologies that prioritise sustainability. I want to contribute to a future where innovation and environmental responsibility work hand-in-hand rather than compete.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
As a WE Student Leader, I want to help create an environment where girls entering engineering feel confident, capable, and supported. Many female students arrive feeling a step behind their peers, particularly the boys who had earlier exposure to technical subjects. I want to actively challenge that narrative by showing them that they belong in engineering, they are just as capable, and they can thrive in any discipline they choose. My goal is to create experiences that make engineering feel accessible, relatable, and exciting, helping girls see that they belong in this field long before they set foot on a university campus.
