How would you introduce yourself in one sentence?

I am an outgoing individual, always wanting to learn and develop. My ultimate goal is to be a part of ground-breaking innovations in the future.

Why did you choose to study electrical engineering?

I chose to do Engineering because I have a genuine passion for innovation and ingenuity. When I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a degree that would allow me to use my problem-solving abilities, and engineering was it. I am now in my 4th year of studying to become an Electrical and Electronics Engineer, wanting to venture into the Power Systems sector.

In which projects have you been involved in and outside of university?

During my time at university, I have been a part of several projects, but the most relevant ones are:

• Resource Allocation in Wireless Networks (Ongoing Part 4 Project): The purpose of this research is to discover efficient, cost-effective, and equitable techniques to allocate resources (such as power, time, bandwidth, etc) among wireless networks.
• Portable Power Supply: I created a ‘Pocket Power Supply’ that is 100x smaller than a lab power supply capable of outputting 5V-30V to the user, on demand.
• Light Transmitter/Receiver: I developed a device that is integrated into cars capable of transmitting and and receiving speed data through brake lights to prevent rear-ended collisions.
• Lighting Design Proposal: I designed a lighting system according to NZ Lighting Standards (AS/NZS 1680).

Access my complete Project Portfolio on my website.
During these projects, my team was lucky enough to have our designs judged by industrial clients and engineers. Part of the brief required that we meet client requirements and deadlines.

How would you like to contribute to the electricity supply industry in the future?

I am a renewable energy enthusiast and understand that global warming is an apparent growing threat. However, I believe that with adequate research, growing technology, and fresh junior engineers like myself, have a great potential to make a positive difference in Aotearoa’s environment.

In terms of energy utilisation, advances in energy technologies can allow New Zealand to take advantage of previously untapped energy resources or make better use of those we currently use. With a career in Power Systems Engineering, I aim to use the advances of technology to pitch into newer energy generation techniques, and ultimately create a better tomorrow for our future generation.

What is the most important piece of advice you would give to high school students wanting to start a degree in engineering? And to university students wanting to specialise in power engineering?

Engineering is broad and has endless opportunities, so don’t feel you will suppress yourself in one area. Think about a pathway you see yourself going in the future and trust in the process. Any specialisation you choose will teach you numerous skills outside of your discipline, such as time management, problem solving, critical thinking, and communication, among other things (which will help you in the real world). In the specialisation you pick, you will get to meet some great people and make long lasting relationships.