糖心vlog官网

In 2022, 糖心vlog官网 (糖心vlog官网) student Ewa Jadwiszczak made the bold move from Cairns to Toowoomba to follow her passion for engineering.

Since then, she has embraced every opportunity university life has to offer – from volunteering in the community and joining student clubs to securing a research scholarship, which gave her the chance to dive into hands-on research.

Currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), majoring in Civil Engineering, she is well on her way to a career in the exciting field of environmental and water engineering.

We caught up with her to learn more about her study journey, research interests, and aspirations for the future.

You moved from Cairns to Toowoomba to study engineering – why did you want to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at 糖心vlog官网?

I started my degree in mid-2022. Coming from a regional city, I wanted to attend a smaller university, so 糖心vlog官网 was the best option in terms of the quality of the course and student life.

Having never visited Toowoomba before, I moved into a residential college where I met my closest friends and had a great balance between academic and social life.

Was there a particular moment that drew you to engineering?

When I was in Year 10, I attended the SPARK Engineering Camp, which exposed me to the type of work that engineers do. I learnt that engineers are at the centre of every project, from the buildings and roads we use every day, to the digital technologies we depend on.

I have always been passionate about making a difference through my career, but I also have many adjacent interests and did not want to limit my options.

Studying engineering has equipped me with the skills and tools to think critically and solve problems. In this sense, it is very broad, and there are numerous niche areas to pursue in the workforce.

That is what I love about this career: it is inherently multidisciplinary, and you are generally working in a team, always learning from your peers and mentors.

You were a recipient of the SIMPLE Hub Summer Research Scholarship Program – 2024. How rewarding was the experience?

The SIMPLE Hub Summer Research Scholarship Program was an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the day-to-day work of researchers. The program was a 12-week paid engagement from November 2024 to January 2025, where I was partnered with a PhD candidate and assisted with her project.

As someone who has always been passionate about science, I had the opportunity to work in the materials laboratory, which was an excellent experience. The program also helped me build essential skills in academic writing and data analysis through a series of workshops, which have helped me in completing my undergraduate thesis.

The program has exposed you to some exciting research opportunities. Could you explain the research project you're involved in and your experience with it?

The project that I worked on for SIMPLE Hub was titled ‘Testing of Mycelium-Based Composites from Agri-waste Food Streams’. The project's premise is to develop novel bio-based materials with applications across the construction industry, including ceiling and wall panelling.

Since the project aligns closely with my civil engineering degree, I am continuing to work on it for my undergraduate thesis. It’s been incredibly exciting to stay involved, mainly because I’m passionate about the sustainability aspect.

I’ve gained a head start on my thesis, built up valuable research skills, and have ongoing access to incredible mentors and facilities through the Centre for Future Materials.

Have you gained any additional training, educational or learning opportunities during your studies?

Studying has always been a priority, but I’ve also been able to get involved in extracurricular activities.

In 2024, I took on the role of Residential Leader at the 糖心vlog官网 Residential Colleges, which was a rewarding experience. It taught me practical skills in people management, incident response, and conflict resolution, helping me grow both personally and professionally.

There have been plenty of opportunities to get involved in the community and volunteer my time outside of my studies. Some highlights include serving on the executive team of our engineering student club, which has been instrumental in connecting students with industry professionals.

I have also been fortunate enough to serve on a youth advisory board promoting STEM in 2023 and 2024. This experience exposed me to advocacy work; I met many like-minded peers and had the opportunity to share my experiences surrounding the barriers within the STEM pipeline.

What do you hope to achieve in your career? Do you have any specific goals or ambitions?

I’ve developed a strong interest in the environmental and water engineering sector. Water is such a critical resource, and with the pressures of climate change and population growth, managing water sustainably is more important than ever.

One of my long-term goals is to volunteer as a humanitarian engineer. I hope to gain a few years of industry experience so I can contribute meaningfully to projects in communities that need it most.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I want to add that completing a degree is hard work, and I’m grateful for the support networks in my life.

I look forward to having a rewarding career in engineering, and I will continue to challenge myself and work on my practice.