Statewide recognition for 'Smart' women
USQ now boasts two of Queensland's smartest women after senior lecturer Dr Yan Li and student Nicola Mead were awarded Queensland Government Smart Women-Smart State Awards at a presentation in Brisbane last week.
Both women were recognised for their achievements in non-traditional fields through the awards, which are given to women and girls who are leading the way in science, engineering and information and technology.
Dr Li was given the honour in the Women in Community/Public Sector – Information and Technology, for an innovative program, which has helped deliver fundamental improvements in teaching practices across USQ.
'The award was in recognition of the establishment of the USQ Cisco Network Academy, which introduced two new courses to the University's IT program that use Cisco products and technology within them,' Dr Yi said.
'Cisco is a global IT leader and represents the cutting edge in the industry, so it gives students the opportunity to use this technology.'
After being put up for nomination by USQ's Go WEST project, which establishes links between female USQ students and professionals, Dr Li said that receiving the award was a humbling experience.
'It was awesome for me to be able to meet with other smart and professional women.
'I also received strong support from the University and in particular Go WEST project leader Dr Jacquie McDonald who encouraged me to nominate and also helped me with my application.'
Meanwhile Engineering and Business student and Toowoomba Regional Council Engineering GIS Officer Nicola Mead walked away with the award in the Undergraduate Students – Engineering category for her work in an area that has been of particular relevance to the Toowoomba area.
She investigated domestic end-use water consumption in the garden city, with her results set to educate the community and also promote the importance of water conservation.
'I am still actually looking into my research and hope to have it finished by the end of October, but the pressure is on now!' Nicola said.
While confident in her research, the student who will finish her double degree in November, said that she was not expecting to win the award.
'I was really just happy to be there,' she said.
'One of the lecturers at USQ nominated me and they thought I had a good chance of winning but I was more hopeful than confident.'
The awards are handed out annually across the state, with nominations this year taken in 13 different categories.
Media Contact: USQ Media, Josh Ada, +61 7 4631 2559