CQU is engineering sustainable futures for students
CQUniversity’s Engineering students are developing honours thesis projects not only aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but also making themselves more attractive to employers with innovation in mind.
The UN’s 17 SDGs were the focus of the recent SDG Summit in New York.
CQU Head of College for Engineering and Aviation Associate Professor Benjamin Taylor said the Sustainable Development Goals were one of the foundations of the University’s Engineering courses, and impressed upon students from Term 1 of their studies.
“Our Engineering courses include several project-based and theory-based units purposefully aligned with the United Nations’ SDGs to foster contextual learning of engineering and sustainable development,” he said.
“We also have many first-year students contributing to the SDGs through the Industry Project Experience unit. One team designed and 3D-printed a prosthetic arm for children, to help them ride bicycles in Nepal. This project was supported by Bundaberg Rotary.
“Continuous learning through the sustainability lens from the first term culminates in students demonstrating tangible contributions to the SDGs for our local communities through individual Honours Thesis projects.”
Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Civil) student Brooklyn Davis said innovation and sustainability were reasons she chose to study at CQU.
“Every engineer has an impact on the world through the work they do, whether that be a good or bad impact, but I am dedicated to solving problems in a way that sustains,” she said.
“In everything I do, I bring my essence and as such, I will pursue my engineering passions with my current employment and explore different 'forks in the road'.
She said CQU’s training was vital to her current role with GHD Engineering.
“Throughout my course, there has been a high focus on sustainable development from the very first subject to the last. This focus comes with the understanding and importance of my engineering practice to promote sustainable development. This teaching formed part of my decision to have a thesis topic focusing on sustainable futures. CQU will have one foot forward in sustainable development when it comes to supporting the eco generation,” she said.
“If you want to have a real impact on people and the community through the work you do in your lifetime, I highly recommend gaining these skills through CQU. Whether you stay in engineering for the long haul or not – the skills you gain are unmatched.”
William Sloan is studying a Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Resource Systems) while he works for Kestrel Coal Resources as a Gas Drainage/Mining Engineer.
“As a mining engineer, I am directly involved with developing systems to make mining operations more sustainable, which is something I have become more appreciative of throughout the completion of my degree,” he said.
“The Resource Systems Major provides a unique opportunity to learn about mining engineering, data science and electrical engineering, which is a good combination of skills where data science and automation technologies can be applied to mining systems to identify and develop automated systems that promote sustainable development in the mining industry.
“I am keen to utilise my unique skill set of mining engineering, data science and electrical engineering to enhance the safety, environmental and operational aspects of the underground coal mining industry in Queensland.
“CQU provides a unique platform where a student can study and work in the industry. This has given me a kickstart to my career, and I urge anyone who enjoys the challenge to study engineering at CQU and find a place of employment that will kickstart their own engineering career.”
Assoc Prof Taylor added that this emphasis on SDGs was preparing CQU’s Engineering students for careers in the industry and that the industry itself was focused on sustainability.
“The engineering industry is committed to a transformation driving society towards sustainable development through technological innovations underpinning and interconnected with all seventeen SDGs,” he said.
“CQUniversity’s undergraduate engineers must continually demonstrate such innovation, making them future-focused, job-ready, and able to bring fresh thinking, new strategies, and experience to create and exploit opportunities for economic, environmental and societal betterment.”
