The College of Engineering and Computer Science held a morning tea to recognise all the applicants of the Natasha Linard Scholarship for Women in Engineering and Technology, for their commitment to the advancement of women in engineering and technology.

The scholarship honours the late Dr Natasha Linard, a member of the first undergraduate engineering intake at ANU. Dr Linard dedicated herself enthusiastically to mentoring young women, both as students and professional engineers. She was an inspiring role model and her contributions to the profession have been conspicuous and copious.

Keith Linard, Natasha Linard’s father was in attendance, and was delighted to acknowledge the exceptional pool of applicants, and the extraordinary talent of the cohort including significant commitment to student organisations.

“You all have a bright future ahead of you in your careers” he said.

Keith also reflected on how the participation of females in Undergraduate Engineering has steadily increased since Natasha’s time, commenting on the vital work of groups such as Fity50 in improving diversity.

College Dean, Prof. Elanor Huntington was also at the morning tea, and took the chance to recognise the hard work of all the applicants, and the importance of encouraging women to consider careers in Engineering and Computer Science.

Liz Cowling, was the successful recipient of the scholarship, and she said aside from the financial assistance that the scholarship provided, it also shows solidarity.

“I think the importance of this scholarship in particular is that it recognises progress in addressing the challenges facing women in Engineering and Computer science and provides a platform to build on addressing those challenge” said Liz.

The College is committed to addressing diversity in Engineering and Computing and is taking active steps towards gender equity.