Hi, I'm Tahnee!
I'm in my Second Year of a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours), majoring in Mining Engineering. I caught up with the Women in Engineering team to chat all things engineering and offer my advice to new engineering students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
Engineering always seemed like the logical path to combine my curiosity about the world we live in and my academic pursuits. I’ve always liked the idea of turning imagination into tangible solutions and have so far found engineering the perfect fit for me.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I chose mining engineering after joining UQ’s Mining and Metallurgy Association on my first day of university. The people there were awesome, and after attending their weekly BBQs, I landed a vacation placement as a mining engineer at the end of my first year. That hands-on experience sold me on the field. Being part of a dynamic industry and applying mining principles in the real world felt like the right path.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
I wish I knew that you didn’t have to be the best in university to be a great engineer. Coming to university, I held the mindset that I had to be spot-on first try but I couldn’t have been more wrong. After my time here, I made use of all the resources UQ has to offer and have come to find a much healthier balance between studying and personal time. Understanding that education is a journey, not a singular destination, has allowed me to appreciate the learning process and development that occurs throughout my time in Brisbane.
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
I chose engineering at the University of Queensland for a combination of personal experience and the program's reputation. Having competed in the Australasian Brain Bee Challenge at UQ during high school, I was intrigued by the campus's stunning sandstone buildings and the wealth of knowledge it housed.
The high calibre and global recognition of UQ’s engineering degrees were huge positives, and the resources available and student societies were also key factors in my decision.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
Seize every opportunity! Form study groups, enjoy the snags at UQ MAMA BBQs, and become a student member of Engineers Australia. Dive into free technical talks and join organisations aligned with your interests. Explore student societies to make new friends and gain insights into your chosen industry. University offers a wealth of resources and experiences, so take advantage of them and make the most of your time here.
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
The use of autonomous loaders in underground mining. The ability to control these machines remotely from the surface, essentially like playing a video game, really shows the remarkable advancements in technology and engineering. It’s amazing how much they not only enhance efficiency in mining operations but also significantly reduces the risks of accidents and injuries underground. I find it intriguing how this ties in with the other operations underground and the complex communication and control systems!
What’s your dream engineering job when you graduate?
When I graduate, I want to work on site in the mines. I am very interested in the constant innovation occurring within the resources industry as we target a net zero future. Being part of that transition and helping change mindsets from the inside interests me.
While I’d like to work in a smaller or rural town, I also want to work in a position that allows me to travel. I’d like to work as a mining engineer because while it’s often a challenging role, the diversity and solutions in work is also very rewarding.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
My primary goal is to serve as an inspiration for other girls and women, demonstrating that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Having grown up in a rural area, I personally experienced moments of doubt about pursuing higher education. My aim is to specifically encourage girls from rural areas to attend university and pursue further education.
I want to share my journey and provide support to those facing similar challenges, showing them that geographical barriers should never limit their aspirations. By fostering a sense of empowerment and breaking down barriers with the help of the WE program, I hope to contribute to a future where every girl, regardless of her background, feels confident in her ability to pursue and excel in engineering and beyond.
