Milly building a solid career foundation with Women in Engineering Award
Designing a low-cost 3D-printed prosthetic limb for children in developing countries has earned CQUniversity Bundaberg student Milly Latcham a Women in Engineering Award.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads Women in Engineering (Regional Queensland) Bursary is presented in partnership with the National Council of Women of Queensland and aims to increase the number of women in the traditionally male dominated engineering profession.
Milly was honoured to receive the award and bursary and have her project recognised in a significant way.
“It has felt really great to be recognised not just for academic performance, but also for the projects I’m passionate about, particularly those that aim to make engineering more human-centred and inclusive,” Milly said.
“Coming from a rural area in Queensland, it also feels special to be representing young women in STEM from outside the city.
“I received the award for my academic achievements and my community-focused engineering projects. One of the most meaningful has been designing low-cost, 3D-printed prosthetic limbs for children in developing countries.”
During the project Milly partnered with the Rotary Club of Bundaberg Central to develop a 3D -printed prototype of an adjustable prosthetic arm for children in Nepal who needed assistance riding a bicycle.
More recently, Milly has been working with her former high school Kepnock State High School’s special support unit to co-design accessibility tools that support students with disabilities to better engage in mainstream education.
“These projects tie into my belief that engineering should empower people and solve real-world problems,” she said.
“I’m currently working part-time at a Bundaberg engineering firm (McMurtrie Consulting Engineers), to which I’ve applied what I’ve learned at CQU in everything I do. The hands-on, practical nature of the course, especially in civil and humanitarian engineering, has been vital for tackling real-world challenges.
“Whether it's understanding materials and structural principles for design or applying project management frameworks to coordinate with schools, CQU has given me a solid foundation.”
Now in her third year of CQU’s Engineering course, Milly is already looking to help more people in the future.
“In five years, I hope to be working on more civil and local humanitarian infrastructure projects, ideally prioritising sustainable and community-driven development.
“I’m passionate about ensuring that marginalised communities have access to essential services, whether it’s clean water, inclusive schools, or resilient infrastructure. I also hope to mentor young women entering the engineering space, particularly those from rural or underrepresented backgrounds.
“Engineering isn’t just about maths and machines - it’s about solving problems that matter. If you're curious, creative and want to make a difference, engineering is an incredible path.”
CQU Head of College Engineering and Aviation Associate Professor Benjamin Taylor coordinated collaborations with the Rotary Club of Bundaberg Central to create the opportunity for Milly and classmates Elizabeth Turner and Kieran Barrett to complete the prosthetic arm project.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Shameen Jinadasa (Discipline Leader Humanitarian Engineering) coordinated the collaboration with Kepnock State High School to create a domestic opportunity for Milly, along with Amelie Espinoza and Hope Finn.
Start your journey in Engineering like Milly.
