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I moved to Australia in 2017 following completion of my Bachelor of Engineering in Energy and Building Services Engineering at Ulster University. I spent the last two years of my degree working part-time as an Undergraduate Mechanical/Hydraulic Design Engineer for Caldwell Consulting in Belfast before embarking on my engineering career in Melbourne. On arrival in Australia, I quickly discovered there were numerous opportunities to develop and progress my career as an engineer.
I commenced my career in Australia in 2018 within the Building Services sector as a Graduate Hydraulic Engineer with Wood and Grieve Engineers. In 2019 I joined LCI Consultants as a Hydraulic Engineer.
In my role as a Hydraulic Engineer with LCI, I am particularly proud of the work we do in designing hospitals and healthcare facilities knowing that we are ultimately having a positive effect on patients, staff, and families in the healthcare system. I have been fortunate to have contributed to the design or upgrade of many hospitals, aged care facilities and medical research laboratories. I design and review drawings to obtain information on new and existing services, complete calculations and produce hydraulic drawings. I have developed a high-level of skill on IT based engineering design programmes such as Revit and AutoCAD.
As a female engineer in a male dominated industry, I have demonstrated my ability, innovation, and passion for my chosen career. I am always working towards further development of my knowledge and skills through continuous improvement. I am constantly keeping up to date on the latest thinking and new working practices in hydraulic engineering and apply this in my day-to-day activities. As part of LCI’s ongoing commitment to a sustainable built environment I have a responsibility to ensure I use renewable techniques and technologies in my designs. I also network with other engineers and professionals in the construction industry and am proud to represent LCI at industry functions and forums.
My Irish fiancé and I are looking forward to returning to Ireland for the first time since COVID for our wedding later this year. After years of living in “the world’s most liveable city” and enjoying the benefits of exceptional career opportunities we have applied for our Australian Permanent Residency. Having lived in Australia for over 5 years, we place significant value on our Melbourne-based Irish Community and the strong connection it gives us to our home.
Once we return from Ireland, I will commence the process to achieve my professional NER (National Engineers Registration) and then, eventually, my Chartership.
