Meet Sophie - Mechanical Engineering Student and WiEIT Faculty Scholarship Program recipient

A more inclusive future in Engineering

It all began when Sophie found out about the Women in Engineering and IT (WiEIT) Faculty Scholarship Program on the UTS website. It was this remarkable opportunity that would forever alter the course of her academic and professional pursuits. Intrigued by the scholarship's potential benefits, Sophie eagerly applied, hoping to secure the $10,000 grant. After the interview process, Sophie was granted this scholarship. “It has allowed me to cut some shifts from work and focus on university life and my studies”.

In Year 10, Sophie attended the Engineering Link Project, where she built a bridge in teams. She recalls the lack of female representation, saying that “It was then I realised that I wanted to be heard, break down gender barriers and stereotypes and create a more inclusive Engineering and IT space for all.” Sophie recalled this experience to the panel as a part of her scholarship interview.

Her inquisitive nature has been the driving force behind her endeavours at UTS. 

In High School, I did Engineering studies. I’ve always been very curious, and I’ve always tinkered with things. 

Sophie is enjoying her learning experience at UTS

“Everyone here is friendly and if you ever need help with anything there is always someone there, particularly amongst our Women in Engineering and IT cohort”.

Sophie has interned at a UTS startup company, Parking Spots, where she worked on mechatronic, hardware and completed some back end engineering and marketing. “I love how UTS provides opportunities for innovation”. Sophie will be completing a Global Shorts Program and going to Singapore next month to study 3D printing and manufacturing. “I am looking forward to my studies there as well as learning more about Singaporean culture. Without this scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to go”. Later this year, Sophie will be representing UTS in a Stanford Program in the Netherlands. There, she will work with leaders and academics in her field with the goal of finding new ways to implement innovation at UTS.

To make the most out of your time at UTS, Sophie says “get involved in everything, there are so many opportunities to take up”.

Her advice to current year 12 students is “take a breath, calm down, everything will work out”. She stresses the importance of balance, being organised and pacing oneself.

Recipients of the Women in Engineering and IT (WiEIT) Faculty Scholarship at UTS are awarded up to $10,000 to contribute to the first year of their Engineering studies, and benefit from being a part of the WiEIT program.