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Materials Engineering Alumni
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Allen Zheng
..Materials Engineering at Monash gave me lots of hands-on experience across various areas and in different directions, for example polymers, metals, composites, superconductors and dye-sensitised solar cells." |
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For Allen Zheng (2007), Materials Engineering at Monash was the first step on a long ladder.
‘It gave me an opportunity to work in the mining industry, and showed me the way to be an engineer,’ he says.
Today Allen is a graduate process engineer working on the reduction process at the biggest aluminium smelter in Australia, Boyne Smelters Limited, in Gladstone, Queensland.
‘As a result of Australia’s commitment to the Kyoto Protocol, my work has a lot of focus on projects controlling emissions, as well as on some routine measurements in order to gear up production,’ Allen says.
Materials engineering was always Allen’s first choice of career. He took part in the 2+2 undergraduate program, established by Monash and Wuhan University of Technology, China, which meant he completed his degree in two countries.
‘This enabled me to experience the combinations of various educational styles that are theory-oriented and application-oriented,’ he says.
‘In addition, Materials Engineering at Monash gave me lots of hands-on experience across various areas and in different directions, for example polymers, metals, composites, superconductors and dye-sensitised solar cells. This is good because materials is a very broad subject, and as an undergraduate I preferred my degree to be extensive rather than intensive.’
The Monash degree exceeded all expectations, Allen says.
‘As Einstein said, education is what is left after you have forgotten everything you learned at school. From that point of view, the course has been very successful, as it has shaped a strong habit of continuous learning as well as sparked my curiosity.’
The environment in the Department, Allen says, was always open, frank, fair and inspiring.
‘Support was always there in case of need. And as a faculty in the biggest international university in Australia, the diversity in the class helped widen our horizons dramatically.’
As for Allen’s current role, the best, and sometimes most bewildering part is the crossover nature of the work.
‘I finished a materials engineering degree, but I’m working as a chemical engineer,’ he says.
‘I had to work hard to catch up. Nevertheless, working in a different area doesn’t seem to bother me much. In fact, quite the opposite. I see it as a great opportunity to digest these two engineering subjects together, which should help me go further with my career.’
By the time he turns 30, Allen would like to have completed a master of engineering and master of management. |
Kenneth Cheah
‘The culture was the most enjoyable part of my time in the department. It was a close-knit community with very much an open-door policy. The lecturers were easily accessible and always willing to discuss their research interests and answer questions.’ |
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According to Dr Kenneth Cheah (1999), the most challenging part of his job is the fact he’s doing something no one has done before.
Ken is project leader of materials R&D at Solar Systems Pty Ltd, which designs and builds ultra-high-efficiency concentrated solar-power stations.
‘My work includes a range of projects on solar reflectors, photovoltaic cells, new materials development, optics and corrosion monitoring,’ Ken says.
‘It involves identifying new technologies and research partners, managing relationships to achieve the best outcome for the company, and problem solving materials-related issues.’
Ken’s work gives him the opportunity to contribute to a world-leading renewable technology.
‘We recently reported a world-record 35-per-cent-efficient concentrated photovoltaic receiver that we had developed, and work is under way to improve on that to ensure that we can compete with traditional power generating technologies in terms of cost,’ he says.
The materials engineering course at Monash allowed Ken to combine practical engineering and applied science. The highlights, he says, were the projects and electives.
‘Both allowed you to pursue your own areas of interests and creative problem solving. Often actual current research issues were discussed during the teaching and you were given opportunities to help solve the problem.’
The department itself was something of a revelation, Ken says.
‘It was surprisingly not as rigidly structured as some of the traditional engineering courses,’ he says.
‘Due to the small groups, it allowed for extensive discussion and debate of different ideas.
‘The culture was the most enjoyable part of my time in the department. It was a close-knit community with very much an open-door policy. The lecturers were easily accessible and always willing to discuss their research interests and answer questions.’ |
Alexandra Shekhter
‘It was exactly as I expected, and more. I did PhD by research in the department and enjoyed every minute of it.’ |
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Studying materials engineering at Monash was a life-changing experience for Dr Alexandra Shekhter (2003), a research scientist at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.
‘If I didn’t do a PhD in materials engineering, I doubt I would be in the job I am now,’ she says.
Alexandra began her studies at Monash in the Faculty of Science.
‘Following my honours year at the Faculty of Science, I had a choice of staying in the Department of Physics or going to Materials Engineering,’ Alexandra says.
‘My main motivation was the fact that I wanted to do research, and after finding a very appealing project I started a PhD in materials engineering.’
The highlights of those years were many, says Alexandra.
‘They included working late nights, talking research with other members of the department—not just fellow postgrads but also lecturers, research fellows and final year students—and sharing research experiences and being possessed by the research spirit.’
The environment in the department, Alexandra says, was extremely positive and inspiring.
‘There were lots of discussions, seminars, jokes and laughs,’ she says.
‘It was exactly as I expected, and more. I did PhD by research in the department and enjoyed every minute of it.’
These days Alexandra, who works in the Air Vehicles Division of the Metallic Airframes Materials branch at DSTO, is putting that learning into practice.
‘I’m working on the effects of corrosion on the structural integrity of airframe materials, doing technical risk assessment for new defences acquisitions, and I am also on the lookout for the new advanced materials and technologies for the military aircraft.’ |
Katherine Dean
‘The idea that the science I am involved in may one day make a significant impact on the environmental footprint we make as a society is a key driver for me.’ |
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Dr Katherine Dean (2002) fell in love with research during her honours year—now she is a research scientist with Green Materials, at CSIRO Manufacturing and Materials Technology.
Katherine’s role allows her to indulge a strong and longstanding interest in both the environment and science.
‘The idea that the science I am involved in may one day make a significant impact on the environmental footprint we make as a society is a key driver for me,’ she says.
Katherine is currently researching biodegradable polymer systems made from wheat, corn and soy.
‘We are working towards improving the mechanical, permeability, degradation properties, so that these renewable materials will have properties comparable to more traditional petroleum-based polymers,’ Katherine says.
‘I’m using all my skills in materials engineering and science to problem solve and truly understand relationships between structures and properties.
‘As well as key strategic research, I am also involved in commercial project development with a number of bio-based companies in Australia and internationally—this includes writing and costing proposals and delivery of the projects.’
One of the highlights of her time in the department was studying for four months in Lyon, France, as part of her PhD. Katherine did a double degree of Materials Science.
‘Studying materials engineering has enabled me to work in a field where I can undertake great science whilst working towards the development of environmentally sound materials and technologies,’ Katherine says. |
Edward Kosior
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Change is the only thing that doesn’t change, says Monash graduate Edward Kosior.
And he should know. After graduating with a Master of Engineering Science in Polymer Engineering at Monash in 1985, Edward has worked as director of the RMIT Polymer Technology Centre, and as national manager of research and technology at Visy Plastics, where he designed and supervised the construction of the state-of-the-art recycling centre for post-consumer plastics at Reservoir, Victoria.
Today Edward is managing director of Nextek Pty Ltd, a company he set up to provide solutions to the environmental and recycling challenges facing the polymer industry.
He is also technical director of Closed Loop London, which is establishing London’s first plastics recycling plant.
For many years, Edward was disappointed in the lack of producer responsibility shown by companies making plastics, especially those in the packaging sector.
‘My response was to focus my research and work into recycling these materials,’ Edward says.
‘This led to expanding my focus on separation science and the commercialisation of sustainable technologies.
‘Recent changes to the cost of petro-hydrocarbons has meant that the development of sustainable materials from plants will potentially yield a whole new generation of materials, so that developed and developing communities can enjoy a positive hope for a sustainable planet.
‘The development of solutions from laboratory to market place that minimise the impact of polymers and packaging is immensely satisfying, because real-world factors always leap out to hinder progress and teach us to be resourceful and innovative and to accept that we will always continue to learn new things every day.’ |
Alireza Kouklan
‘I believe that these days multi-skilled people are essential for any professional job.’
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Alireza Kouklan (2007) worked in the mining industry for about seven years before beginning a masters degree in materials engineering (corrosion) at Monash.
Today he manages a team of corrosion specialists at Tenix, Australia’s largest defence and technology contractor.
‘I am the manager of a corrosion group in Tenix Maintenance Services, involved with the maintenance and construction of the cathodic protection system in gas pipelines in Victoria,’ Alireza says.
‘I like the day-to-day activities of different projects, working in the field and office, and improving my management skills. The most challenging aspects of the job are cost estimation and bidding for new projects.’
Alireza’s career has changed and he has gained new skills and experiences in new areas, he says.
‘I believe that these days multi-skilled people are essential for any professional job.’
The highlights of Alireza’s postgraduate degree at Monash were many.
‘The best parts were my literature review for my research, and interaction with my industrial partner, who sponsored my scholarship,’ Alireza says.
‘The Monash staff were very supportive and friendly, especially my two supervisors.’
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Juri Jeske
‘The course at Monash was as I expected, challenging, and diverse enough to allow an informed choice for later specialisation.’
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Juri Jeske (2003) decided to study materials engineering after undertaking work experience with the ceramics industry in Modena, Italy.
‘During this experience it became clear that a more detailed understanding of materials was required for me to pursue my career in this field in some meaningful way,’ Juri says.
‘The course at Monash was as I expected, challenging, and diverse enough to allow an informed choice for later specialisation. The department provided a close environment in which to study, with access to lecturers and lab personnel with relative ease.’
During his last year of study, Juri switched from ceramics to another field of materials, plastics. Today, he is a technical services officer at Ico Courtenay Polymers.
‘I am responsible for overseeing R&D activities and projects for Australia, developing and implementing polyethylene and engineering polymers for rotational moulding, and developing quality-control processes for the manufacturing plants in Melbourne and Brisbane.’
Juri enjoys the diversity and challenges of his job. He likes dealing with a wide range of customers and imparting his knowledge to others on his team, as well as learning from them.
‘The most challenging part of my role is the management of activities according to the strategic business plan, as this often conflicts with immediate daily operations and customer service,’ he says.
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Kelly Tuck
‘After graduation I definitely wanted to find a job that would use the knowledge I had obtained while doing my degree. In my last year or so I thought that I would prefer a job within the manufacturing industry.’
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Kelly Tuck (2001) had few expectations when she began her materials engineering degree at Monash—today she works for the only polypropylene manufacturer in Australia.
‘The whole experience of starting university is very different and exciting compared to school life,’ says Kelly, a polymer chemist at Basell Australia.
‘After graduation I definitely wanted to find a job that would use the knowledge I had obtained while doing my degree. In my last year or so I thought that I would prefer a job within the manufacturing industry.’
Kelly’s first job was at CSIRO, where she worked on the production of nanoparticle additives and their use in polymers, coatings and sunscreens.
‘Although it wasn’t in the manufacturing industry, it was a great opportunity,’ she says. Kelly’s current employer, Basell Australia, is a global company that produces not only polypropylene but also polyethylene, advanced polyolefin materials and related products.
‘The PP pellets produced by Basell are sold to plastic product manufacturers who process them into products such as film, fibre, containers, closures, furniture and automotive parts,’ Kelly says.
‘In the laboratory we undertake quality control for both of our manufacturing plants, support the technical needs of our customers and provide support for the full range of local product developments. Testing conducted includes physical, analytical, rheological, small-scale processing, microscopy and video-imaging.’
From ‘friendly and personal’ Monash, where she enjoyed the hands-on experience in lab classes, Kelly has moved to an industry where she is often called upon to do urgent quality-control testing.
‘I enjoy the variety of work and the chances available to be involved with many different areas of the company, for example production, product development and technical sales.’
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Mark Forrest
‘A few materials science units I took were taught by materials engineering staff, and the range and scope of materials covered made the multidisciplinary nature of materials engineering appealing.’ |
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Research engineer Dr Mark Forrest (2001) takes body protection very seriously.
A research fellow at Deakin University, Mark is using composite materials to develop personal armour.
As project team leader, Mark finds problem solving within technical and budget constraints particularly rewarding.
‘Project planning and execution can be challenging in the academic environment, especially when milestones are involved,’ he says.
Mark decided to study materials engineering at the end of his science degree.
‘I had majored in chemistry with a focus on polymer science,’ he says
‘A few materials science units I took were taught by materials engineering staff, and the range and scope of materials covered made the multidisciplinary nature of materials engineering appealing.’
A highlight of Mark’s time in the Materials Engineering department at Monash was the large amount of interdisciplinary interaction between groups.
‘From a broad perspective, the course allowed me to define applied research areas as an area I wanted to pursue within the composite materials field, especially WRT fibre composites.
‘Materials engineering has given me more of an industrial focus and allowed more diverse industry engagement than I think I would have by simply relying on my chemistry background.’
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Dr Marcus Zipper
‘By acting as a bridge between the R&D at CSIRO and our key external stakeholders and customers, I can have an impact that will provide benefit to Australia and Australian industry.’
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Dr Marcus Zipper (1995) believes his job at CSIRO offers the best of both worlds: a commercial role in an organisation that focuses on R&D and science.
Marcus is Strategic Business Development and Marketing Manager at CSIRO Minerals, a role that allows him to use both his science/engineering background and his commercial and business expertise.
‘By acting as a bridge between the R&D at CSIRO and our key external stakeholders and customers, including industry, government, CRCs and so on, I can have an impact that will provide benefit to Australia and Australian industry,’ Marcus says.
Originally Marcus had enrolled in mechanical engineering at Monash.
‘I enjoyed materials science in second year so much that I changed my whole double degree to focus on materials science and materials engineering instead,’ he says.
‘I learnt a lot from my fourth-year major project. Most of the lecturers were excellent: friendly, approachable and knowledgeable in their field.
‘As it was a medium-size group of students, we formed a close working group—some of the people I am still friends with today, or I maintain professional contact with them.’
After completing his PhD in materials engineering, Marcus worked as a research fellow with the Cooperative Research Centre for Polymers.
‘This, in many ways, was an extension of the skills and capabilities I had developed during my BSc/BE and PhD, and allowed me to continue in an active role in the materials field’, Marcus says.
‘CSIRO Minerals focuses on minerals processing and metals production, and whilst slightly upstream from what I did in materials engineering still has a strong association and link with materials engineering.
‘I believe that I am still, and probably always will be, attracted to areas that have a materials-oriented focus,’ Marcus says.
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Jenny Law
‘Graduating as a materials engineer did not give me all the answers, but it certainly taught me how to find the answers. Engineers are great problem solvers. We love a challenge.’
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One of the challenges for Jenny Law (2005) is convincing people that research and development is not just about scientists in white coats.
‘It’s also about the incremental improvements, trying new ideas, pushing the boundaries,’ says Jenny, the R&D coordinator at Nissan Casting Australia Pty Ltd.
Jenny currently works part-time at Nissan Casting, helping coordinate the research and development activities.
‘We are working closely with CSIRO on developing a new vacuum system, repair of die waterways, environmental improvements, reducing soldering and improving die life,’ she says.
Jenny decided to study materials engineering during first-year engineering at Monash.
‘The interesting materials subject influenced my choice and also my career prospects,’ she says.
‘Materials engineering seemed novel, interesting and fun compared with the other engineering courses offered at the time.’
Jenny also has a BA (Japanese)/BE (Hons). ‘I wanted to work in the field of manufacturing as an engineer for a Japanese company,’ she says.
Life in the Materials Engineering department at Monash was great, Jenny says.
‘Being a small department, compared with the other engineering disciplines, enabled us to get to know well the other students, lecturers and postgraduates,’ she says.
‘Graduating as a materials engineer did not give me all the answers, but it certainly taught me how to find the answers. Engineers are great problem solvers. We love a challenge.’
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David Monk
‘Monash was a friendly environment to work in—the staff always had their doors open if you had questions or concerns. Having a student room for the final year developed a great team environment.’
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For materials engineering graduate David Monk (1998), it was a case of moving from one close-knit group at Monash to another in the refining industry.
David is Senior Reliability Engineer at Mobil Refining Australia, in Altona, Victoria.
‘I am team leader of a group that is responsible for the reliability and integrity of all fixed equipment at the Mobil oil refinery,’ David says.
‘We develop and implement programs and processes which monitor and assess the condition and risk of plant, in the area of materials, corrosion and inspection.’
In his role, David is often confronted with a range of technical challenges.
‘The oil refining process is a harsh environment, with temperatures ranging from sub-zero to more than 700°C, and we use various acidic and alkaline chemicals. It certainly presents its fair share of corrosion and materials degradation challenges.’
Studying materials engineering at Monash gave David more than an insight into his future career.
‘The course obviously convinced me to become a materials engineer in industry, because it clearly highlighted that there was a whole world full of materials-related challenges, the oil industry certainly being one of them.’
With the refinery operating 24 hours a day and supplying 50 per cent of Melbourne’s fuel supplies, any plant integrity issue that could affect safety or production puts David’s team in the spotlight.
‘Making good risk-based and technically correct decisions is vital,’ David says.
‘Attracting and maintaining good people is the key to this success.’
David originally chose materials because it was the engineering discipline with a science edge.
‘The classes weren't too big and it was a close-knit group,’ David says.
‘It was a friendly environment to work in—the staff always had their doors open if you had questions or concerns. Having a student room for the final year developed a great team environment.’
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Michelle Katz
‘Now I know that materials engineering is in everyday life, such as design of planes, cars, computers etc. These are the examples that I use when I explain materials engineering to people who have no idea what it is.’
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Before leaving work to look after her two young children, Michelle Katz (1995) worked in customer service and technical sales at Webforge, a specialist manufacturer of metal flooring and associated products. ‘My role involved detailed understanding of materials in the building industry—a breeze after a materials engineering degree—and being able to read drawings.
‘The job entailed giving customers knowledge of the products and the best price. A lot of product is custom built so good mathematical skills were also required, also a breeze after an engineering degree.’
Michelle didn’t know a great deal about materials engineering when she began her degree at Monash, but she soon learned all about its far-reaching effects.
‘Of course now I know that materials engineering is in everyday life, such as design of planes, cars, computers etc,’ Michelle says.
‘These are the examples that I use when I explain materials engineering to people who have no idea what it is. A lot have heard about metallurgy, but not about polymer engineering.’
Originally Michelle was interested in chemical engineering, but she soon had second thoughts.
‘My interest switched to materials engineering, mainly because I felt that it was most similar to science, and I believed that I was better at science than engineering,’ she says.
‘It was fantastic that Monash Uni gave one the ability to make this choice during first year, and not prior to starting the course.’
Although the course was nothing like she had expected, Michelle’s interest grew steadily.
‘The course certainly was more interesting as the years progressed, as I could specialise in what I was interested in. Also it was very exciting to learn about things that occurred in everyday life, like why bubbles form on the edge of the cup first, and tomato sauce being thixotropic.’
‘I enjoyed the research on my final year project, mainly because we set out with an aim to discover certain facts and managed to attain them with a great conclusion.’
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Campbell Thomas
‘The close day-to-day interaction with my fellow undergrads formed some life-long friendships. The academics were always willing to assist and generally showed an excellent level of professionalism in their lectures.’
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Campbell Thomas (1998) was intent on becoming a chemical engineer, and then he discovered materials engineering.
‘In first year I originally I thought I’d follow the chemical engineering stream,’ says Campbell, a technical service specialist with Qenos Pty Ltd.
‘I’d never heard of materials engineering but I realised I had a strong interest in products used out in the real world. The first-year subject helped cement my decision.’
The small-scale nature of the materials engineering course allows excellent interaction between undergraduates, lecturers and postgrads, Campbell says.
‘The interaction enables learning to be fostered and complicated concepts to be understood. Another highlight was the high practical component in latter years.’
Materials engineering at Monash was like a big family, Campbell says.
‘The close day-to-day interaction with my fellow undergrads formed some life-long friendships. The academics were always willing to assist and generally showed an excellent level of professionalism in their lectures.’
Campbell Thomas is a technical service specialist with Qenos Pty Ltd, Australia’s only manufacturer of polyethylene, the raw material used in everyday items such as packaging and automotive and industrial components.
‘I’m the technical interface between our plants and customers, providing technical support on the many grades of polyethylene we produce,’ he says.
‘I enjoy the variety of customers, both interstate and local, with which I interact on a regular base, running product trials and so on. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel overseas and meet on a regular basis with our parent company, ExxonMobil, in the US.’
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Rajkumar Gopiraj
‘I attended various career fairs and was informed that a double degree in materials engineering and science would be the perfect career path that encompassed my areas of interest. The degree was offered only at Monash University. |
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Rajkumar Gopiraj’s journey to materials engineering at Monash began back in secondary school.
‘Nanotechnology was the buzz word at the time,‘ he says. ‘After watching numerous documentaries and researching the subject I became interested in undertaking studies in the area.’
Rajkumar (2007) is today an engineering consultant within the Advanced Materials Group at Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, where he manages a number of national and international projects.
‘My work primarily involves developing client relationships, communication with contractors, and time and finance management of each of the projects,’ Rajkumar says.
‘I also scope and develop business relationships within the oil and gas and asset management sectors.’
Rajkumar says he was attracted to the materials engineering degree at Monash because it was unique, which meant that students would be highly sought after once they graduated.
‘I attended various career fairs and was informed that a double degree in materials engineering and science would be the perfect career path that encompassed my areas of interest. The degree was offered only at Monash University.
‘What was unexpected about the course was the ability of a materials engineer to move into management roles at a very early stage of his career.
‘I found this method of trialling different types of careers during the course allowed me to make the decision to go into a consulting and management role in my penultimate year of my degree,’ he says.
In his current role, Rajkumar enjoys streamlining project processes, resolving disputes and coordinating sub-contractors on projects.
‘Studying materials engineering at Monash provided me with an easy transition into a successful career, and with an excellent foundation for a successful future.’ |
Peter Mckenzie
‘The graduate process engineering role at Alcoa has provided me with the opportunity to use the analytical skills developed at Monash,’ Peter says. |
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For Peter Mckenzie (2003), life after Monash has been a melting pot.
Peter is a graduate process engineer at Portland Aluminium, where he works in Smelting Services, which monitors and, when necessary, repairs the fume-capture system that extracts gaseous products from the electrolytic cells in the plant’s potrooms. He also works in the ingot mill, where molten aluminium produced in the potrooms is cast into 22.5 kg ingots.
‘The graduate process engineering role at Alcoa has provided me with the opportunity to use the analytical skills developed at Monash,’ Peter says.
Peter enjoys working with the operators and crews at the plant. ‘Providing engineering support can be extremely rewarding when something is implemented to further streamline the process and make their job easier,’ he says.
His job includes reviewing engineering drawings, using key performance indicators to evaluate the performance of the ingot mill, contributing technical expertise to projects, chairing meetings, and providing performance updates on the mill’s performance to other technical staff.
The most challenging aspect of the job, Peter says, is ensuring that he prioritises his work. ‘Also, speaking with operators and interpreting their concerns correctly can be extremely challenging when it is not clear how to resolve a particular problem without assistance from contractors with more expertise.’
Peter’s future was set when he attended career days held at Monash. The meetings offered him the opportunity not only to speak with people from industry about future employment prospects, but also to understand how the topics taught as part of his materials engineering degree related to working in industry.
‘I always wanted to work in industry, even before I started the Monash course,’ says Peter, who completed his PhD in 2007.
Apart from studying a range of materials-related subjects, highlights of Peter’s time at Monash included working as a research assistant during his summer vacation, using the ECAP and electron microscope facilities, and receiving an award from the Metals Club for his final-year project. |
Niki Ritchie
‘From the operators to the sparkies to management, everyone is concerned about corrosion and what is being done about it. Part of my job involves going to toolbox meetings and talking about corrosion and our integrity programs, and it is one of the aspects that I really enjoy.’ |
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Niki Ritchie (2005) has come a long way since secondary school.
‘It is safe to say that I knew absolutely nothing about engineering, except for the fact that other people seemed to think it might be a good option, given that I was good at science and maths,’ says Niki, an integrity engineer at ExxonMobil’s Longford plant.
Today Niki is part of a team that looks after the mechanical integrity of fixed-pressure equipment (piping, pressure vessels, tanks and pressure-safety valves) in Longford’s three gas plants and crude stabilisation plant.
‘In integrity, you often have to make decisions quickly because unacceptable corrosion has been found and needs repair, or a piece of equipment is critical and needs to be back in service as soon as possible,’ Niki says.
Niki’s work involves planning risk-based inspections, reviewing the non-destructive testing results of the inspections, determining whether any defects present are fit for service or require repair, and then specifying the repairs.
Integrity has a high profile at all Esso sites, she says.
‘From the operators to the sparkies to management, everyone is concerned about corrosion and what is being done about it. Part of my job involves going to toolbox meetings and talking about corrosion and our integrity programs, and it is one of the aspects that I really enjoy.’
Niki also enjoyed studying materials engineering at Monash.
‘With only five to 25 people in each class, it was just like school. You knew all your lecturers, they knew you, and they were always willing to help out of lecture times.’
At the end of her fourth year at Monash, Niki undertook vacation work at BlueScope Steel’s research division at Port Kembla, where she explored the use of conducting polymer coatings for corrosion protection.
‘My interest in research began to waver. I realised that I was a destination person, not a journey person—the one discovery or invention in 100 that makes the big time meant 99 failures to me.
‘While this realisation was very disappointing, it was equally valuable in ensuring that I could make an informed decision about going into industry after graduation.’
An update from Niki:
"I changed roles a couple of weeks ago - I'm now no longer in materials and corrosion, but have become the process engineer for four platforms in Bass Strait - Bream A, Bream B, Perch and Dolphin. This means lots of new things to learn - from making improvements to the process, all the way to adding emergency bedroom lighting to come on in the night when the evacuation alarm goes off, to increasing the reliability of power to the two unmanned platforms Perch and Dolphin" . |
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