- When and where did you obtain engineering degree?
I graduated in 2004 after completing my Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) in four years from the University of New South Wales campus at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

- What made you choose engineering?
I wanted a career that would allow me to use my aptitude for mathematics and physics, while allowing me to work with people. A career as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) engineer seemed the most logical choice.

- What do you like about your job?
The variety of different opportunities available. I doubt I would have experienced such a variety of different engineering jobs in a civilian company so early in my career.

-Where have you worked since obtaining your qualifications?
I have been working at RAAF Base Edinburgh since I graduated. My first posting was to a Wing Headquarters, where I initially worked in the Maintenance Investigation Section investigating maintenance and engineering issues.

After that, I worked in the Aircraft Scheduling and Reporting Section of the same Wing. There I was responsible for overseeing scheduling of aircraft for tasks, liaising between maintenance venues and operational personnel, briefing Wing executives on aircraft status, and overseeing production of the monthly maintenance report.

I was then posted to the Aircraft Research and Development Unit where I worked on progressing the design of an adaptor to a test rig to increase the variety of items able to be used on the test rig for simulation of jettison of different objects from aircraft.

In January 2006, I began working in the section responsible for progressing Engineering Change Proposals in a System Program Office (SPO). Here I have been involved in many design changes, such as obtaining new equipment for the maintenance venues and modifications to the aircraft.

In 2006, I was also involved in coordinating a trial with Defence Science and Technology Organisation to investigate and identify means of reducing noise and vibration on turboprop aircraft.

My current position at the SPO also sees me responsible for the weight and balance of the aircraft. This involves providing advice to managers of all design changes and projects to be incorporated on the aircraft, overseeing the maintenance of weight and balance records for the aircraft and identifying and investigating any issues with weight and balance.

- What do you think would encourage more females to consider an engineering career?
I think it comes down to the individual. If engineering is promoted well enough, so that females know it is a viable career option, then the rest is up to them. If they are good at science and problem solving then engineering is probably be a career they should consider.