Bridge building is hardly the most common dream job for school-age girls, but this was precisely the career path that Louise McCormick was inspired to pursue.

Now working in the field of structural engineering she has been involved with the design and construction of hundreds of bridges through Queensland and the NT.

Have a read of her profile in the Brisbane Times.

‘Anything is possible when you follow your passion…’ That’s the message from the new campaign from the South Australian Government designed to encourage students to study maths and science and look to future careers in the field.

The campaign includes an interactive website, career ambassadors and a competition to win an ultimate worksite visit.

SA Deputy Premier, Kevin Foley announced, “We need more students thinking about careers in science, engineering and technology, as well as the mechanical, electrical and construction trades.” Adding, “Choosing the right subjects in the final years of high school is a vital prerequisite to working in these dynamic sectors.”

South Australia has a high demand for these industries, particularly due to defence, research, information technology and mining sectors.

This is an excellent resource for anyone considering their future. This campaign has the same core goals as EngVibe, so we’re big fans. Check it out, the main site is here:

 www.TheresMoreToIt.com.au

Overall, this is an outstanding initiative by the SA Government.

(Source: SouthAustralia.biz | Image: TheresMoreToIt)

Year 12 students who are considering a career in science, engineering and technology are getting a taste at the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF).

The NYSF is a two week program held at the Australian National Uni in Canberra where approximately 140 students get the opportunity to visit leading research institutions, meet scientists and engineers and gain a greater understanding on what options are available to them. 

The program covers pure research, applied research and engineering in both physical and biological sciences in equal doses. The focus for human biology is on biomedical research and biotech, so students come away with a broad appreciation of the profession.

After the intensive fortnight in January, students participate in uni seminars and industry site visits in March and April and remain in contact with the network of professionals and other students met throughout the program. 

These summer programs are a great chance to see firsthand the opportunities available. This forum looks similar to the Honeywell Engineering Summer School another great initiative. Good luck to everyone, coordinators and students – I’m sure everyone involved can look forward to a great couple of weeks of science ahead.

For more information about the program and for information about applying for next year (‘The people that go the NYSF aren’t your stereotypical science geek at all! – NYSF site) visit the official website. Fore more, read a detailed Wikipedia article and an article about one of the participants, Sophie Dawson (pictured), on the AdelaideNow website.

Undergrad students from QUT have developed a new hands-free computer system which makes computer use more accessible for the disabled.

The system utilises a camera to detect small movements, which are translated into the movement of a pointer on the screen. Voice commands such as ‘click’ and ‘open internet browser’ are also used.

The system differentiates itself from others hands-free systems (including systems which utilise eyeball tracking) by keeping the size of the unit and cost down, the whole system comes in at $200-$300.

Interactive media student, Herman Ngo and Deb Betts (pictured) are two students working on the project.

Herman said the refining the device and making it available for commercial release would be the next stage for the project. ‘Right now the project is completed and it works, probably a next stop would be removing the camera and putting in a gyroscope or something,’ he said, ‘we haven’t discussed distributing it, but we are open to offers.’

So get your offers in, or read more at an article by the Brisbane Times.

Like most organisations, we like to keep up with the current trends. My Grandmother tells me this new ‘facebook’ thing is the latest and greatest, so I figured we should get in on it.

Since there are no groups currently similar to Australian Engineering Students and Professionals, the EngVibe group goes by that name. We would like you to use the new group to give us feedback and to spread the vibe to others. Besides, not all the groups you join can be related to Chuck Norris, Borat or ‘Last one to post wins’.

Tell your engie buddies- invite early and invite often. The group is here.

University of Queensland student Jenny Riesz has won the top achiever award for her work in understanding melanin pigments and the role it plays in the formation of melanoma skin cancers.

Jenny’s work has been published in a range of science journals and has contributed with researches in the UK and USA.

With her thesis recently submitted, she is off to work with Roam Consulting where she will have the opportunity to pursue her interest in climate change and renewable energy. ‘This position will allow me to look at the really critical big questions facing our generation, investigating renewable energy and possible solutions to global warming.’

Well, even if solutions to global warming aren’t found – she should be fairly safe from the skin cancer side. More from the UQ press release here.

University of Melbourne research fellow, Dr John Papandriopoulos has developed an algorithm which may hugely increase ADSL speeds. 

Most ADSL connections are limited to between 1 and 20 Mbps, with electromagnetic interference (crosstalk), causing these limitations. The upper expected speed could be as high as 100 Mbps if successful.

John’s work, which scored him Melbourne Uni’s Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence and has two patent applications relating to the work, is off to the United States. He is proceeding to join a Silicon Valley start-up company, ASSIA who are developing ways to optimise these networks.

The algorithm involves managing interference to maximize data rate through a network. Time will tell whether this technology becomes widespread and whether or not it is a commercial success. Good luck to him. 

His website is here and an article from the Sydney Morning Herald is here.

AdelaideNow has a piece on one of the local competitors as part of the World Solar Challenge, Heidi McNamara, a mechanical engineering student from the University of Adelaide. 

The BioBike is Australia’s first biodiesel motorcycle and complies with Australian Design Rules.

Heidi said that participation in the World Solar Challenge while at school inspired her to study engineering. In a delightfully positive quote she says, “I didn’t really have any expectations about engineering but I hoped that some day it would get me back in the World Solar Challenge – and look at me now!” 

The World Solar Challenge showcases some great engineering, with a view to environmentally friendly processes. Good luck the BioBike team and others.

The AdelaideNow article is available here and the BioBike Team site is found right here.