Victorian chemical engineering student awards announced
5th June 2014
Three standout chemical engineering students have been recognised for their active commitment to the profession at the inaugural Victorian Chemical Engineering Student Encouragement Awards presentation in Melbourne, Australia.
The inaugural winners – Callum DeMaria from RMIT University, Michelle Tie from The University of Melbourne and Jerard Koon from Monash University – were each presented with a certificate and A$500.
Launched in 2013 by the Victorian Joint Chemical Engineering Committee (JCEC), the award was established to recognise chemical engineering students who participated in, and who made meaningful contributions towards their profession and the wider community. Each university was invited to nominate three students in their penultimate year, addressing set criteria that also included a student essay on: ‘The role of the Chemical Engineer in Society’.
Essay themes highlighted the key role a chemical engineer has in tackling the world’s resource challenges and how innovation and 'thinking outside the box' have brought about new technologies. Other issues explored included how chemical engineering contributions have advanced society’s development and that engineers should be proud of what they do and the difference they can make now and into the future.
Victorian JCEC representative and IChemE Australian board member, Paul Taranto said: ”We are very fortunate to have many bright upcoming chemical engineering students who are active within their communities and student bodies. It is important that they are recognised and rewarded for their contributions.
“Rewarding young talent will encourage others to set their sights higher and excel in the discipline as they go on to become tomorrow’s leaders and problem solvers.”
The Victorian JCEC operates on behalf of the IChemE’s Victorian State Member Group and the Victorian Chemical College (Engineers Australia).