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February 11, 2025

How UOW engineering student is challenging gender norms

Isabel Gill is determined to challenge the male-dominated field with passion and skills

In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (UOW) is highlighting female achievers in STEM, showcasing their contributions to traditionally male-dominated fields.

Among them is Isabel Gill, a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) student from Bega Valley, whose journey in mechatronics engineering demonstrates the changing landscape of STEM education. Growing up on her family's rural farm, Isabel's early exposure to engineering came through time spent in her father's workshop.

"I was surrounded by interesting mechanisms and electronics at my dad's farm," she said.

"Watching my dad build and repair things sparked something in me—a desire to understand how things work and create solutions."

In her rural community, where engineering careers were rarely discussed, this hands-on experience would later shape her academic pursuits.

Isabel found her way to mechatronics engineering through UOW's Early Admission program. Mechatronics is a cutting-edge field combining mechanical engineering, electronics, and robotics. While studying, Isabel’s natural leadership abilities quickly emerged, particularly through her involvement with the UOW Rover Team.

_{Isabel (centre) at the rover competition in Adelaide. Pic credit: The Australian Rover Challenge, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of Adelaide}

"I never expected to be a team lead in the UOW Rover Team so early in my journey," she said.

"The experience with the UOW Rover Team taught me that leadership isn't just about technical knowledge—it's about using communication and working together to come up with possible solutions to problems as a team."

As one of the few women in her program, Isabel sees both challenges and opportunities.

"The industry and environment are changing, but slowly," she said.

"Each woman in engineering brings unique perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. Our diversity strengthens the entire field."

Her passion and curiosity to learn have led to an internship at Delta Electronics, an energy storage and power conversion electronics solutions company based in Sydney.

"Working with electrical systems has shown me how theoretical knowledge transforms into real-world solutions," she said.

"I'm developing expertise that will allow me to make meaningful contributions to the industry."

Isabel's journey extends beyond her personal achievements. Last year, she received a scholarship to study Cyber Security in China as part of the New Columbo Plan (NCP) which she said, “was an incredible experience for both Chinese technology differences and culture.”

As she advances in her studies and career, Isabel continues to learn while actively mentoring younger students, particularly young women interested in STEM careers. Her message to aspiring female engineers remains clear: "The field needs your voice, your ideas, and your perspective. Don't let anyone define your limits—engineering needs diversity to solve world problems."

UOW Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor Eileen McLaughlin, a scientist herself, said Isabel's journey is part of a larger narrative of change in STEM fields.

"Isabel represents the future of engineering – innovative, motivated, collaborative and diverse,” Professor McLaughlin said.

"Her success challenges outdated perceptions and opens doors for others to follow."

"Engineering isn't just about technical skills, it’s about creativity, persistence, and the courage to challenge conventions. When you're passionate about something, gender shouldn't be a barrier."

Professor McLaughlin’s own background is an example of the career opportunities that STEM degrees can lead to. Her interest in science was sparked by her father’s encouragement for her to enter university and their joint exploration of the natural world in one of the most beautiful countries in the world – Scotland.

As the first in her family to go to ¾«¶«´«Ã½ and graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in molecular biology from the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of Glasgow and with a PhD in Reproduction from the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of Bristol, UK, her career as a scientist began at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine at the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of Bristol before she moved to Australia for a postdoctoral position at CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems in Canberra Australia – developing novel methods of animal reproduction control to reduce the impact of feral animals on agriculture in Australia.

She has since held senior leadership positions at universities in Australia and New Zealand and is always excited to assist UOW students and staff deliver projects with real impact on the human health, economy and environmental wellbeing of Australia.