Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Awards

Proud parents and friends attended the Dean's Awards Presentation where 117 students were applauded for their outstanding academic achievement. Now in their ninth year, the awards recognise those ranked in the top 2 per cent of all undergraduate Engineering students at UNSW.

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Graham Davies, who presented the awards, said that the achievements of the recipients in 2011 were particularly commendable.

‘Over the years, we have seen the entry requirements for admission to our degree programs continue to increase, reflecting the current strength of the engineering industry as well as the programs offered by the Faculty. This has also increased the level of competition among our students.'

The Dean thanked the official sponsor, Parsons Brinckerhoff, for their generous support of the Faculty's elite students.

Dr Phil Williams, Director of Strategic Consulting at Parsons Brinckerhoff, said that by sponsoring the Dean's Awards Parsons Brinckerhoff were showing their commitment to the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW and to seeking the most successful undergraduates.

‘It's part of our overall strategy to help our clients. Our clients demand the best and we look for the best talent, and that's why we're here. We look to recruit a significant number of graduates each year and we believe that UNSW students are amongst the best, if not the best.'

Pallavi Gosain, who is undertaking a concurrent Bachelor of Engineering program in Chemical Engineering and a Masters of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering, received her second Dean's Award.

‘Using engineering principles to solve biological problems appealed to me as a way of improving our quality of life. It's very encouraging to receive an award and to be in a meritocracy where high achievers are rewarded. It's also an incentive to continue to do well.'

Nick Webb from the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications won his fourth Dean's Award.

‘I am grateful for the awards and have enjoyed my studies. I like the technical aspects of the program and the challenge of converting theory into practice. The Dean's Awards have been encouraging and motivating for me.'

Third-time recipient Wei-Hua Chen, studying Mechatronic Engineering in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, said that it makes her proud to know that she is amongst the top group of students.

Wei-Hua holds a scholarship provided by private donor Warwick Klabe, a UNSW Faculty of Engineering alumnus.

‘She's clearly a wonderful choice for the scholarship, which I donate because much of what I learnt in Engineering, such as problem solving and logic, has helped me throughout my career.'

Professor Graham Davies, Dean of Engineering; guest speakers Dr Phil Williams, Director of Strategic Consulting Parsons Brinckerhoff and Ms Shweta Shrestha, Graduate Water Engineer Parsons Brinckerhoff; and Professor Richard Henry, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)