In order to celebrate NAIDOC Week, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment Western Sydney University is featuring two of our Indigneous colleagues who are making impact to the school.
Miss Sharidan Kearney, Industry Engagement Officer
What's your position in the school?
WSU Industry Engagement Officer - School of Engineering, Design & Built Environment.
What drives you to work with the school?
My determination to assist EDBE students on internship and graduation position opportunities available to them suited to their degree drives me to work with the School of Engineering, Design & Built Environment.
Are you supported in the school?
I am strongly supported by the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment specifically by the Associate Dean Engagement Prof Olivia Mirza who I assist in connecting WSU with various industry partners and supporting the growth of the Indigenous Engineering ASPIRE Program. Through this job, I am also mentored by her on how to approach external partners.
How do you think your contribution can make changes towards the school?
I highly believe my contribution as the WSU Industry Engagement Officer can make great changes towards the School of EDBE as I am motivated to increase the engagement and participation of EDBE students in internships and work experience so they can gain valuable knowledge both practical and theoretical to profoundly enhance their passion for STEM and pathway to a great career and positive future.
Miss Emily Gilligan, Assistant Engagement
What's your position in the school?
My position with the school is Engagement Assistant. I work with the School of Engineering, Design & Built Environment and the School of Computer, Data & Mathematical Sciences.
What drives you to work with the school?
What drives me to work with the school is the that I have a team that are always supportive. The events we host for the younger generation gives me that feeling of success and it makes me see that we as a school have the ability to make the future so much brighter for all of the generations to come. Growing up with an Indigenous background I always strive to ensure that each young person is given that push to go down the right track and EDBE & CDMS always strive to do that.
Are you supported in the school?
I have unlimited support from each colleague. My supervisor Belinda always ensures I am praised for each job I do and the ongoing support from her and the team makes me feel like I can do more than just the “best of my ability”.
How do you think your contribution can make changes towards the school?
My mother and father brought me up to always make sure I do my best in life, so with that I think that my contribution can make changes towards the school because I have a strong work ethic, I am driven and I always put my all in to my role. I am very dedicated to the University and the two schools I work with as they are the reason I am where I am at today.