Student Journal - UWA Student Chapter - 2025 Reflection
This year has been full of meaningful challenges and rewarding growth, both academically and professionally. As a postgraduate student majoring in Mining Engineering at The University of Western Australia (UWA), I have had the opportunity to grow my technical knowledge while also engaging with the wider resources community in ways that have been both enriching and inspiring.
Academically, the year has been intense yet fulfilling. My coursework has covered a wide range of topics including surface and underground mining, mineralogy, structural geology, mine optimisation, and resource modelling. These subjects have helped build a solid foundation in mining methods, scheduling, and mining economics—skills that are essential for becoming a well-rounded mining engineer. Additionally, I took a unit in financial accounting, which has expanded my understanding of corporate financial statements and the role financial literacy plays in strategic decision-making within the mining sector.
In April, I had the privilege of joining the 2025 UWA Industry Advisory Panel as a student representative. I presented my perspectives on the current mining engineering curriculum to the department head and a panel of industry professionals. It was a valuable platform to share ideas and advocate for stronger links between academic training and practical engineering capability. I was able to contribute suggestions on how both industry and university initiatives can better prepare students for the real-world challenges of our profession.
Through my role on the committee of the AusIMM UWA Student Chapter, I’ve been fortunate to help organise several key events, including a record-breaking Student Meet Industry Night and a number of successful sponsor events. I also had a blast competing in the King of the Pits mining games alongside other committee representatives—an experience that tested both our technical knowledge and teamwork under pressure.
Outside of university, my internship at SRK Consulting has been an incredible learning experience. I have been involved in scoping and feasibility studies across a range of projects, and I’ve gained greater confidence working with industry-standard mining software such as Whittle and Deswik. The support and mentorship I’ve received from experienced engineers at SRK have been invaluable—watching how they approach problems and interact with clients has helped shape my own developing professional practice.
In parallel with my technical development, I’ve also remained active in promoting diversity and sustainability within the sector. As a committee member of the WA Division of WISER (Women in Sustainable Energy and Resources), I participated in this year’s Hot Girl Walks, a follow-up to last year’s successful Perth walk. These events provided a space for exchanging ideas on gender equity in the energy and resources industries and offered me the chance to hear from inspiring female leaders committed to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Looking back, the key themes of my 2025 so far have been growth—both as an aspiring engineer and as an individual. I am grateful for the challenges I have faced, the people I have met, and the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to and learn from our vibrant community.