LA Trobe University student Caitlin Buchan has been awarded a scholarship aimed at helping her continue pursuing a career in engineering.<\/p>\n
Ms Buchan is one of 25 people to receive a $20,000 Defence Women in STEM Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded to students demonstrating academic excellence and community leadership and engagement.<\/p>\n
The 19-year-old said the scholarship will help her complete her bachelor of engineering honours at the University\u2019s Bendigo campus while also completing work placement with the Defence, Science and Technology Group.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m excited for the direction this scholarship could take me. The opportunity to network with experts in my field of interest, while gaining experience helping solve real-world problems will be invaluable,\u201d Ms Buchan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis scholarship will be my first chance to witness first-hand a fast-paced technological environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Head of engineering and mathematical sciences at La Trobe Professor Wenny Rahyu said the scholarship is designed to encourage more young women to consider STEM careers.<\/p>\n
\u201cGender diversity in areas like science and engineering leads to innovations and ideas that might not otherwise be realised, which is incredibly important when it comes to addressing real-world problems,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike the scholarship we offer to women studying our master of internet of things, this initiative goes a long way to helping women like Caitlin pursue their passion, ultimately strengthening Australia\u2019s STEM workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Buchan said she hadn\u2019t considered engineering as a career until she was in VCE.<\/p>\n
\u201cUntil I was in year 11, I\u2019d been pursuing a career in performing and writing music. A teacher mentioned engineering to me, because of my interests and ability in maths and physics,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter looking into it further I realised engineering plays such a vital role in helping people make decisions and shaping our physical environment, and I wanted to be part of that.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m particularly interested in augmented reality; I see it playing a huge future role in how we live our lives, and I would love to be part of a team that unlocks its full potential.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LA Trobe University student Caitlin Buchan has been awarded a scholarship aimed at helping her continue pursuing a career in engineering. Ms Buchan is one of 25 people to receive a $20,000 Defence Women in STEM Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded to students demonstrating academic excellence and community leadership and engagement. The 19-year-old said the scholarship will […]<\/p>\n