South Australia’s top engineering students from 2016 have been recognised for their academic excellence, character and leadership at the recent Sir Eric Neal Address.
Three students have been awarded a University Medal on behalf of Engineers Australia and the respective South Australia universities. Meet the 2016 South Australia University Medal recipients.
Dan An Nguyen GradIEAust
2016 Arvi Parbo University Medal, University of Adelaide
Why did you decide to study engineering?
I chose to become an engineer because I want to create things that can bring happiness to everyone! I have now completed a Bachelor of Civil and Structural Engineering.
Since completing your degree, what have you been up to?
I have been working as a graduate engineer at Aurecon for the past three months. Despite being here for a very short time, I have been working on some amazing projects and I am always impressed by the innovative capacity of the engineers I work with.
What advice do you have for those considering studying engineering?
If you love learning new things every day and are not afraid of facing challenges, then engineering is the pathway for you.
In your opinion, what has been the greatest piece of technology invented throughout history?
The light bulb, as pulling an all-nighter would not be possible without it!
What is your favourite quote?
"Everything popular is wrong" – Oscar Wilde.
Robert Trott StudIEAust
2016 University Medal, Flinders University
What does it mean to you to receive this award?
The medal is significant because it represents five years of dedication and hard work. It is great to be recognised for this effort.
Have you completed any vocational work? Tell us about your experience.
I completed my Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at the Bloorview Research Institute of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto, Canada.
This experience gave me a strong foundation in research while providing exposure to machine learning and Brain Computer Interfacing, all in an outstanding organisation.
What advice do you have for those considering studying engineering?
Engineering is a great profession with an enormous scope and high impact. Engineers not only produce the product of research but also create a lot of the tools used in research.
What are your goals now that you have completed your degree?
I am pursuing further studies with a PhD in biomedical engineering, focussing on rehabilitation robotics. I will be utilising the skills and knowledge gained through my double degree in mechanical and biomedical engineering in this work.
Chelsea Matthews StudIEAust
2016 Keith Johinke Medal, University of South Australia
What experiences at university have you valued the most?
The most valuable experience was learning that I really enjoy learning. I want to continue learning for the rest of my life in all areas, not just engineering, as it keeps me motivated and excited.
What advice do you have for those considering studying engineering?
Don’t think that you’re not smart enough or that the maths will be too hard. Although it may be challenging, engineering, particularly civil engineering is just as much about working with people and problem solving.
What is your favourite engineering project throughout history?
The Snowy Mountains Scheme was an impressive project for its sheer magnitude and the technology invented during its construction. The rock bolt and the jumbo (a rail mounted rock face drill) were both invented for this project and are still used today.
The Snowy Mountains Scheme is not just an impressive engineering feat, as it is also a brilliant example of harnessing renewable energy in a time when this was not the norm.
Since completing your degree, what have you been up to?
I have been working at Greenhill in Adelaide since March 2017. I love working in such a friendly and supportive workplace and aim to learn as much as I can from my colleagues, and working towards attaining Chartered status.
To find out more about the awards, visit the Engineers Australia University Prizes webpage.
Image: 2016 Keith Johinke Medal recipient, Chelsea Matthews StudIEAust and Engineers Australia South Australia Division President, Niki Robinson FIEAust at the recent Sir Eric Neal Address.