Hi, I’m Uhansa!
I'm in my third year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering – Electrical and Biomedical Engineering. I joined the Women in Engineering Student Leaders to give advice about electrical and biomedical engineering and support future students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
In year 11, I attended a biomedical engineering workshop where we used sensors to measure heart activity. Watching my own heartbeat appear on a screen made me realise engineering isn’t just circuits and code, it’s a way to understand the human body and improve people’s lives. That moment sparked everything.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I chose biomedical engineering because it blends everything I care about: problem solving, healthcare and making a meaningful impact. I love that the work engineers do can help someone walk again, hear again or recover faster.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
I wish I knew earlier that you don’t have to have everything figured out. Engineering can feel overwhelming at first, but no one starts out knowing how to solve every problem. Asking questions, working with others, and taking things step-by-step is all part of the journey.
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
I first came to UQ for swimming lessons in primary school and later attended high school programs like the Junior Physics Olympiad and Queensland Mathematics Summer School. Those experiences gave me a taste of the hands-on, inspiring learning environment, and by the time I chose a university, UQ felt like the perfect place to grow academically and personally.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
Don’t be afraid to start imperfectly. Engineering is full of things you’ve never seen before, and that’s completely normal. Ask questions, try the practice problems, go to workshops, and make friends who panic-study with you. Progress matters more than perfection, and you’ll be surprised at how much you grow without even noticing.
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
My favourite example of amazing engineering is bionic limbs. I love how sensors can translate tiny muscle signals into real, intuitive movement. The idea that engineering can help someone pick up a cup again, open a door, or hold someone’s hand is incredibly powerful. It’s technology driven by empathy, and that’s the kind of engineering I want to be part of.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
I’d love to work with medical devices, somewhere between hands-on testing, design and real-world clinical impact. Whether it’s R&D or clinical engineering, I want a role where I can help develop technology that genuinely improves patient lives.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
I want to help bridge the gap between what students think engineering is and what it actually looks like. As a WE student leader, I hope to design hands-on activities, share real engineering examples, and give students a chance to explore STEM without pressure. If I can help even one student find excitement in something they didn’t expect to enjoy, that would mean a lot.
