Hi, I'm Mikaela!
I'm in my Final Year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace. I caught up with the Women in Engineering team to chat all things engineering and offer my advice to new engineering students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
I have always had a natural curiosity about science, the mechanisms in the universe, and how machinery fits together and functions. Throughout high school I also discovered my passion for both physics and maths, which lead me to study engineering, a career path in which the optimisation and advancement of machinery and technology can be achieved.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I was always excited and interested in the aerospace and space field of engineering and science, so mechanical and aerospace engineering became the obvious choice for my studies.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
One thing about university that I wish I had known earlier, was all the locations that I could receive help from in regards to various aspects of university life. For help outside of tutorials there is the first-year engineering learning centre (FYELC) and for help with courses and program structure there are academic advisors who can help guide which courses are best to take.
There are also many other support networks and university clubs to help guide the transition between school and university life.
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
Before choosing a university to attend I visited many different campuses for universities across the country and the UQ St Lucia campus left a lasting impression on me. From the beautiful sandstone buildings in the Great Court to the innovative advanced engineering building, the UQ campus and the resources that UQ has was one of the contributing factors towards my decision of university.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
My best advice to first-year engineering students would be to immerse yourself in the university experience. I have personally found that attending all tutorials, practicals and lectures in person makes the learning process easier and this is also where you will meet your peers who you will be working alongside throughout your degree.
Since engineering is a heavily team based degree, making early connections with fellow students is a great way to gain peer support, make friends and makes teamwork easier
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
One of my favourite examples of amazing engineering is the Concorde, a commercial plane that not only was able to break the sound barrier, but also allow its passengers a pleasant experience whilst on board.
Prior to any incidents that occurred, this plane was a huge advancement in the commercial airline industry, with various engineering aspects and mechanics that have never been used on commercial planes.
This type of engineering inspires me and is a great example of what a team of engineers can achieve with a common goal in mind.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
My dream job after graduating is one in aerospace engineering, specifically in the hypersonic or space industry. I am excited about the prospect of working on a new project with new technology that could advance the aerospace and engineering industry.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
As a WE student leader I hope to inspire young women to pursue engineering and assist those who have already chosen to study engineering with the transition between school and university life.
I believe that engineering is such a versatile degree and I hope to have the opportunity to share my passion for the degree with others who may also grow to love engineering and perhaps those who have not considered it yet.
In the position of a student leader, I aim to create connections with current and future engineering students whilst supporting my peers and promoting the role of women in engineering.
