Caleb was one of this year’s GradConnections Top 100 Future Leaders finalists and is an avid volunteer for the engineering profession and within his community. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering? 

What inspired my career in engineering was the potential the field holds for creating real-world solutions to issues that are facing society. The prospect of developing technology to address pressing challenges such as climate change and to protect biodiversity has always been something that I have been passionate about. Engineering provides the opportunity to bring together these technical interests with my passions for sustainability and exploration to combine them into a diverse and never boring career. 

What did you learn from the experience of being one of the finalists for the GradConnections Top 100 Future Leaders Awards? 

Participating as a finalist in the GradConnections Top 100 Future Leaders Awards was a great experience. It provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with peers and industry leaders who shared a common drive for positive change. Through this experience, I gained insights into the significance of effective leadership and collaborative problem-solving, recognising the power of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and progress. I would recommend that everyone apply for this award as the experience is invaluable. 

You are a keen volunteer within your community through mentoring roles in the Enitiate program and Unimentor. What inspires you to give back? And what do you get out of it? 

Participating in volunteering and mentoring roles within my community has always been important to me. Through programs like Enitiate and Unimentor, I've had the opportunity to offer guidance and support to others. Seeing the growth of mentees as they pursue their aspirations is an incredibly rewarding experience. Moreover, I believe in the ripple effect of these actions; by investing in individuals, we contribute to a larger movement of empowerment and community support. Each positive interaction creates a ripple that goes beyond the present situation, fostering a culture of collaboration and support. 

What are your goals for the future? 

My long-term goals are centered around making a significant impact in the fields of aerospace engineering and security through sustainable and innovative technologies. I aim to strengthen the aerospace industry in Australia by integrating near-space and unmanned aerial systems into critical sectors like agriculture, mining and emergency services. This, I hope, will enhance productivity, reduce emissions, and improve climate resilience, promoting future economic growth and sustainability. Moreover, I plan to engage in policy discussions and advocate for supportive regulatory environments, ensuring that Australia can leverage aerospace technologies for economic and environmental sustainability. 

In the immediate future, I am looking forward to continuing my studies and engaging in the amazing opportunities that the UWA community has to offer. I am actively pursuing opportunities in volunteering and industry internships which have so far provided me with great learning experiences.