Following our announcement of the Women in Defence Awards 2024 finalists, ADM will be introducing each of our amazing finalists across the categories in more detail. Today we are focusing on the finalists in Engineering.
In this category, the judges were looking for entries that exhibited outstanding engineering technical proficiency in 2022, above and beyond what would be expected by their position description. The finalists in this category all showed a dedication to their profession, and an enthusiasm to mentor and encourage younger women into the field. They also demonstrated a willingness to volunteer and promote STEM in Defence and Defence industry to a wider public audience
Nadya Haq WINNER
Systems Engineer
Downer Professional Services
Nadya Is the lead engineer for the Sea 2273 project for Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships. Her notable achievements include the design and authorship of a critical Uninterrupted Power Supply advice document that benefits multiple Royal Australian Navy ships. She also single-handedly conducted an Electromagnetic Compliance analysis to ensure adherence to stringent military standards. Nadya runs the Technical and Engineering Community of Practice, organising sessions on defence-oriented engineering topics including AUKUS pillars, integration of artificial intelligence, nuclear engineering, and other relevant defence subjects. Nadya is pursuing a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering while already holding a PhD.
The judges were greatly impressed by the depth and breadth of Nadya’s achievements in 2023, her commitment to extending and furthering her education, support of others in the Defence environment and her true passion for engineering. The references supplied by her supervisors, peers and those she mentors and supervises highlighted her achievements as a remarkable engineer.
Denise Lam
Algorithms Team Lead
BAE Systems Australia
Denise’s achievements in 2023 include leading the development and delivery of vehicle control computer algorithms for an uncrewed ground vehicle. She stands out from the crowd as someone who demonstrates not only technical prowess in her craft, but also has a deep understanding of the human side of engineering and leads the recruitment process for algorithm engineers within the team.
Shanae Ryan
Senior Hardware Engineer
CEA Technologies
As a Senior Hardware Engineer Shanae, was the lead, go-to person for a space-related technology in conjunction with NASA. In 2023, she spent time at the NASA facility in Pasadena, California, testing and proving that her prototype worked as intended. She has volunteered widely with the Robogals Society.
Lauren Skelly
Software Lead of Special Programs and Capabilities in Phantom Works Global
Boeing Defence Australia
Lauren Skelly is the Software Lead of Special Programs and Capabilities in Phantom Works Global. In this role, in 2023, during the missionisation of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, her exceptional leadership and technical execution propelled the effort forward, exceeding customer expectations. She is an Advisor for UNIQ You, helping girls in years 9-12 understand defence career opportunities, and sharing her own career path.
Isabella
Marine Engineer Officer Submariner
Royal Australian Navy
Isabella is one of the first six RAN Officers selected to train with AUKUS partners (and the only woman). She is part of the UK-based pioneer cohort of officers undertaking SSN training and will play a critical role in generating Australia’s future strategic deterrent, and in building Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capability.
We'd like to extend a huge congratulations to all our finalists. Make sure to keep an eye on our website – we'll keep sharing the details of the finalists in each category over coming weeks.
The winners and Hall of Fame inductee will be announced at a gala dinner at The National Arboretum, Canberra, on 17 October 2024. Book your tickets here – we hope to see you there!
