RMIT student awarded civil engineering medal
Final year RMIT Bachelor of Engineering Honours student Elizabeth Smolinska, was awarded the 2009 Rod McGee Medal at the Engineers Australia’s Civil College awards in Brisbane on Thursday 22 October.
The Rod McGee Medal was established by Engineers Australia to commemorate the contribution of Dr McGee to Australian public works engineering, and encourages final year engineering students to engage in career opportunities in public works engineering.
During her university studies Elizabeth has developed a keen interest in both water and transport engineering. For her final year project Elizabeth has conducted a stormwater harvesting and reuse investigation and design at Melbourne and Olympic Parks. The project’s aim is to aid in meeting the precinct’s very large water demand and to help secure a sustainable source of water.
Elizabeth also continues to be highly interested in volunteer work and while seeing engineering as an ideal avenue to contribute to the growth and development of communities within Australia, also plans to utilise her skills and knowledge to help in international aid projects.
Earlier this year Elizabeth participated in a research project held in Vietnam relating to flooding issues, adaptation measures and mitigation strategies, and she is very proactive is gaining support for the work of Engineers Without Borders.
In accepting the award Elizabeth said that she very much looked forward to entering the engineering field next year, and will continue to draw on the example and legacy of Dr McGee as an inspiration to young engineers.
“Rod McGee’s life story is a great example of the important and valuable work that can be done in public works engineering.
“His passion and commitment to public service and to ensuring safety and quality of work has been an inspiration to me, and I will continue to refer to Rod McGee as a benchmark for engineering excellence and service as I progress along my own career path,” Elizabeth said.
The award is jointly sponsored by the Tasmanian Department of Infrastructure Energy & Resources and Johnstone McGee & Gandy Pty Ltd. The prize includes an engraved medallion and a $2,000 prize.
The awards dinner also included the presentation of the Sir John Holland Civil Engineer of the Year Award 2009 to Chris Dann, Senior Principal with URS in Brisbane, and the 2009 Warren Medal for an engineering paper to the Sydney-based authors Dr Brian Burman, Mr Garry Mostyn and Mr David Piccolo.
Further Information:
John Bright -0407 234 490 / jbright@engineersaustralia.org.au / www.engineersaustralia.org.auEngineers Australia is the common name of the Institution of Engineers, Australia with a membership of 90,000.
