Sophie Broun - Scholarship Recipient - International Institute of Women in Engineering
Engineers Australia, Women in Engineering National Committee are proud to announce the winner of the International Institute of Women in Engineering (IIWE) scholarship recipient. There was such a high calibre of entrants that the judges were challenged to identify the most suitable candidate. Rolfe Hartley, National President of Engineers Australia and a member of the judging panel was extremely impressed with the applications and he indicated that it was good to see such a high standard coming out of University into the workforce in 2008.
Sophie Broun is in her final year at the University of Western Australia completing her Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) Hons/ Bachelor of Science (physics, applied mathematics).
The IIWE scholarship is an annual bursary of $5,000 provided to a female student in their final year of University to attend a summer forum in Paris, France. This is an annual scholarship provided by the Women in Engineering National Committee on behalf of Engineers Australia. The IIWE forum’s goal is to present the challenges women face as international engineers and prepare them for the future.
In 2007, the IIWE will emphasize the engineer’s role in the creation of an energy efficient future. The IIWE program also includes examples of engineering in a variety of countries and geographic areas.
Students actively participate in these presentations. IIWE 2007 also focuses on helping participants to discover their real values, and shows aspiring engineers how to balance their professional and family lives.
Sophie will be representing Engineers Australia and on her return will write a piece for Engineers Magazine, highlighting the 3 week program (7-27 July) she will participate in.
Sophie said that winning this scholarship will allow her to further explore ideas on how to boost participation rates in engineering among females and minority groups. She also indicated that it will be of interest to see how Australia’s attitude towards women in engineering compares to the rest of the world.
Engineers Australia wish Sophie all the very best of luck at this International forum and hopes that she enjoys this incredible and unique experience.
