Deakin students awarded engineering scholarships

VICTORIAN energy network business AusNet Services has awarded scholarships to two female engineering students as part of the AusNet Services ‘Women in Power Engineering’ Scholarship Program.

The scholarship program in partnership with Deakin University is in its fourth year and aims to encourage and support women to gain tertiary qualifications in power engineering and prepare them for diverse and rewarding careers in an industry where women are under-represented.

The financial scholarships, valued at $10,000 over a normal period of study, also provide successful recipients with mentoring support, vocational opportunities and career pathways.

Deakin Engineering Students Mackinley Collins and Haoyue (Haley) Zhang were presented with the scholarships at an awards night at Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus on May 30.

AusNet executive general manager of regulated energy services Alistair Parker presented the scholarships.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of the energy industry, and engineers are at the very forefront of the changes in the way energy is created and managed. “

Ms Collins said she was grateful for being provided a platform to develop in engineering and contribute to her community and the future in the industry.

“I am confident this scholarship will be invaluable for industry opportunities and for establishing new relationships with Australia’s leaders in renewable energy, power generation and distribution.”

Ms Zhang said her life-long goal was to create designs that are revolutionary and long-lasting.

“To achieve this, I plan to study and grow within the industry and focus on the world’s emerging technologies. I would also like to complete a Master’s and PhD so this scholarship will help me as I work towards my goals.”

The two recipients for 2019 join five other recipients of the Women in Power Engineering Scholarship. The scholarships are part of a broader five-year partnership between AusNet Services and Deakin University that also includes two PhD scholarships and a postdoctoral research position.