Miranda is passionate about preventing and mitigating climate change through engineering and hopes she can continue this work through volunteering and her role on the Victorian committee. 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a civil engineering graduate working on Wurundjeri Country on water infrastructure projects. The water sector is inherently centred around sustainability and all about using creativity and problem solving to conserve this unique resource. Using these skills to help solve critical water issues facing our industries and communities has been extremely rewarding. I also volunteer on committees with the Australian Water Association and International Water Association. I find volunteering a wonderful way to meet like-minded people. 

And how you got into engineering? 

In high school I was an environment councillor, and at the same time started attending climate protests. This sparked my passion for preventing and mitigating climate change, and engineering seemed like the ideal skillset to make a positive impact. 

I chose to pursue civil engineering for its tangible impact on livelihoods. I coupled it with arts in a double degree (majoring in Indonesian and international relations). These degrees complemented each other in a unique and valuable way because I was able to hone my communication and critical thinking skills at the same time as my technical abilities. I really look up to engineers who can recognise the social and environmental value of clever engineering solutions, including outgoing Chief Engineer Jane MacMaster, who is a great example of this. 

What inspired you to join the committee?  

I volunteered on the Monash Engineering Students’ Society committee during university as I had been looking for a new way to continue creating opportunities for young engineers. I’m excited to be co-chairing the committee this year and I am inspired by the initiative our new committee members have shown already. As a team, we are planning exciting events for young engineers to connect with each other, network with mentors, and develop professionally. I’m particularly hoping we can empower young engineers to embrace sustainability across the profession. 

Why is it important for you to be involved with Engineers Australia? 

Engineers Australia’s mission to ‘advance society through great engineering’ spoke to my interest in the intersection of social and technical impacts of this career. I see Engineers Australia as an instrumental player in building the quality of engineering in Australia and promoting it as a limitless career. As the national voice for engineers, I am excited to be involved in an organisation trying to bring about change from the top.  

I believe in turning engineers from invisible heroes to visible leaders and am also keen to promote the notion that engineers make sound and trustworthy decision makers. 

Any advice for young engineers in a similar stage in their careers? 

Figuring out the recipe to success is a lifelong journey, but a few things that have served me well so far: 

1. Ask as many questions as you can. There’s no expectation for young engineers to have all the answers. 
2. Get involved, and don’t stop volunteering after university. Seek out groups that align with your values and keep an open mind as to what you might learn during the experience. 
3. Build your networks outside of your specific discipline and outside of your company... we are working in such an interconnected industry. 
4. Read (books, newspapers, anything). Our best ideas will only be as good as the ones we are able to communicate. 
5. Travel. Because we won’t be young engineers forever.