Hi, I'm Zoe!
I'm in my Third Year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering in Electrical and Biomedical. 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?
Throughout high school, I participated in the Future Problem Solving program, which involved brainstorming innovative solutions to theoretical issues of the future. This sparked my love of problem solving, which alongside my interest in maths and science had me considering a future as an engineer. After talking to my grandfather, who was an electrical engineer, and engineering students from UQ who were working on amazing projects, I realised the breadth of opportunity for leadership and innovation that engineering offers and was completely set on my path to be an engineer.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I chose to study electrical engineering after completing a flexible first year and realising my passion for coding and electrical systems. Going into my degree, I was set on doing a biomedical engineering major, however, after a few courses I realised I was better suited to a computer engineering major as it opens up a number of interesting and diverse career pathways.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
Before starting university, it would have been amazing to know how much support is on offer at UQ. When I started my engineering degree, there were times when I felt like everyone else knew exactly what they were doing and I was completely lost. While I know now that almost everyone was as uncertain of themselves as I was, I also wish I’d made the most of the resources available to me and sought support. During high school, there was this myth that you wouldn’t be able to ask for help at university and even though uni life comes with a lot more independence than high school, support with your studies is always available from tutors, academic advisors, lecturers and the friends you make along the way. Never be afraid to ask for help along the way!
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
In high school, I participated in the Conoco Phillips Science Experience, during which UQ stood out for its amazing campus and the inspirational student leaders we met along the way. Another huge deciding factor was the flexible first year, which allowed me to discover what all the different specialisations entailed going into my engineering degree.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
Making new connections is super important so don’t be afraid to get involved; there are so many clubs and societies to be a part of and these are an amazing way to meet new people and make friends. Also embrace the opportunity to talk to the person sitting beside you in class. It may seem daunting at first but having someone to talk to about tutorial sheets and assignments is super worthwhile in the long run. Make the most of the FYLEC and the amazing tutors who are there to help and although it may seem obvious, make sure to go to all the classes and tutorials that you can; it makes a world of difference!
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
When I think of amazing engineering, I think of all the innovation that is helping to improve people’s livelihoods or contributing to a more sustainable future. One thing I’m particularly interested in is the use of different artificial intelligence techniques in disease diagnosis and the potential these technologies have to enhance healthcare.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
My dream engineering job has changed continually throughout my studies so far as each new course brings to light new and exciting career opportunities. That said, I have recently become involved with the Australian Power Institute’s Powerful Women Leadership Program and I am excited by the prospect of working in the power industry and even one day becoming a leader in ensuring Australia’s power needs are met in an effective and efficient way that ensures these needs can continue to be met into the future.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
At my high school, STEM often took a backseat, which is why I am so passionate about sharing my love of engineering and the vast and rewarding opportunities that come alongside it to young women interested in STEM, in the hope of inspiring them to pursue their goals with confidence.
