11 Mar 2025
The Engineering New Zealand Student Ambassador Committee is here! Student Ambassadors represent students from universities across Aotearoa and act as the voice for our profession's bright future.
Left to right: Ken Storey, Sayeda Sumaya Afroz, Scarlett James (Secretary), Gemma Davidson, Jack Devane (Vice-Chair), Olivia Tilby-Adams, Nokutenda Mapokotera, Jenny Zhou, Josh Ferguson (Chair), Thomas Nguyen, Dhruv Sharma, Somya Kant, Russell De Villena.
The Student Ambassador Committee gathered in Wellington in January to discuss the year ahead, share ideas about events, how the engineering student body can be effectively represented and to create connections with other student leaders from across the motu. While they were here, we asked them about their drive to become a representative for their fellow students. They also nominated their Engineering Envy – a feat of engineering that inspires them or is of personal significance. Here's what they had to say!
Blake Tolmie – University of Canterbury (UC)
Mechatronics Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I put my hand up because I’ve seen how much of a difference industry exposure makes while you’re still studying. Being involved with Engineering New Zealand events helped me understand what engineers actually do day-to-day and where different career paths can lead. I’ve really valued the connections and mentors I’ve found through that, and I want other students to have the same access.
What’s your Engineering Envy?
Making the transistor. The transistor redefined what engineering could achieve. It’s simple in principle, yet underpins almost every modern system – from power networks to embedded electronics. As a mechatronics student, it’s hard not to be in awe of that breakthrough.
Dhruv Sharma – Unitec
Civil Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I became a Student Ambassador because I genuinely enjoy connecting with people and helping others feel comfortable in a new environment. Moving countries and starting something new can be overwhelming, and I wanted to be someone who makes that transition easier. I also see it as a chance to grow my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while representing engineering students in a positive way.
What’s your Engineering Envy?
The Millau Viaduct. As a civil engineering student, I find it incredible how it blends structural efficiency with elegance. It’s not just a bridge; it’s a statement of what modern engineering can achieve when innovation meets precision. The scale, height, and clean design really inspire me it’s the kind of project that reminds me why I chose civil engineering.
Gemma Davidson – University of Canterbury (UC)
Civil Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I found the role through my position in the Women in Engineering Club executive team at UC. The role seemed like a great way to help connect students with each other and industry professionals. I'm looking forward to planning fun events that I would've enjoyed and benefitted from throughout my degree.
What’s your Engineering Envy?
The flip phone... can we please bring these back in style?
Jack Devane – University of Waikato
Materials and Process Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I want to connect students with industry through meaningful events and opportunities. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between university study and the professional world so students feel more confident and prepared for their future careers.
What’s your Engineering Envy?
Lego!
Jenny Zhou – Massey University
Food Technology and Process Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I wanted to connect with others in the field and provide opportunities for fellow students to do the same.
What’s your Engineering Envy?
Freeze-dried ice cream.
Josh Ferguson (Chair) – University of Canterbury (UC)
Civil Engineering
Why did you become a student ambassador?
To help facilitate a smooth transition as students take the step into their professional careers.
What's your Engineering Envy?
Chinese megaprojects.
Ken Storey – NorthTec
Civil Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
It's a a fun way to meet people in the industry and connect with fellow students.
What’s your Engineering Envy?
Egyptian Pyramids.
Nguyen Dang Phuc (Thomas) – Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Construction Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I became a Student Ambassador because I want to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. I’m passionate about organising meaningful events where students can connect, share ideas and learn from one another. I believe networking and collaboration are powerful tools that help us grow, not just as engineers but as individuals who will contribute to the development of the country we work in.
What’s your Engineering Envy?
My Engineering Envy is to design a portable noise-control panel for shared living spaces that also transforms into a privacy screen.
Nokutenda Mapokotera – Wintec
Bachelors in Engineering Technology
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I became a Student Ambassador because I want to help make engineering feel less intimidating for other students. Being an ambassador allows me to share my passion for problem-solving and help fellow students navigate their own engineering journeys.
What’s your Engineering Envy?
The invention of the Blue LED. For decades, scientists struggled to create a bright blue light-emitting diode, which was the final piece needed to create energy efficient white LED light.
I’m particularly inspired by Shuji Nakamura’s work. He succeeded in using Gallium Nitride (GaN) when the rest of the scientific community thought it was a dead end. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most significant breakthroughs come from questioning established norms and having the grit to stick with a difficult material. Plus, it essentially revolutionized modern lighting and displays as we all know.
Olivia Tilby-Adams – University of Waikato
Civil Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
To support other students in engineering, help students to feel welcomed and connected to the engineering community at Waikato University and beyond, and create opportunities for students to continue to be inspired in their studies!
What’s your Engineering Envy?
Sponge cities, as they show how engineering can bring together the natural and built environments in a beautiful and functional way for our communities.
Russell De Villena – Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
Mechanical Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I became a Student Ambassador because I genuinely believe engineering is more than just calculations and design, it is actually about people, and making a real impact. When I first started, having guidance and support made a huge difference for me. I wanted to be that person for someone else.
Being an ambassador allows me to represent engineering students, connect with future learners, and show that engineering is creative, hands-on, and incredibly rewarding. It’s also a great opportunity to grow my leadership, communication, and professional skills outside the classroom.
What’s your Engineering Envy?
For me, it’s the high-performance automotive engines. The fact that controlled explosions, happening thousands of times per minute, can be harnessed so precisely to produce smooth, usable power is something I’ll never stop appreciating. It’s raw physics, thermodynamics, materials science, and precision manufacturing all working together in perfect timing.
Every time I look at a well-designed engine, I don’t just see parts, I see combustion cycles, valve timing, heat transfer, stress distribution, and years of engineering refinement. It’s such an elegant balance between chaos and control.
Sayeda Afroz – Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)
Civil Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I became a Student Ambassador to represent engineering students and encourage more students – especially women – to pursue engineering with confidence.
What’s your Engineering Envy?
The Great Pyramids of Giza. I’m fascinated by how ancient engineers achieved such precision, scale and durability without modern technology. It represents timeless structural innovation and human ambition.
Scarlett James (Secretary) – University of Auckland
Structural Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I became a Student Ambassador to gain a deeper understanding of the career pathways available within structural engineering and the broader industry. I’m interested in exploring where my degree can lead, and I want to help other students discover those opportunities too.
What’s your Engineering Envy?
Sagrada Familia.
Somya Kant – University of Auckland
Civil Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
To be part of a committee that supports students pursuing engineering across New Zealand and foster a sense of community!
What’s your Engineering Envy?
Rockets!
