Engineering a better world | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland

It's a long way from Remuera to the Kiribati Islands but one bright young engineer is bridging the distance with consummate ease.

Kirsty Laurence, who grew up in Remuera and attended Diocesan School for Girls, is studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) specialising in civil engineering and a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in economics and finance and has ambitions to work in geotechnical engineering and project management.

Last summer, she worked at engineering consultancy Beca in the ports and coastal team in Auckland, which included helping design and cost sea walls and embankments to stop erosion in Kiribati.

"It was very exciting to be able to see how everything we learn at university relates to the working world," she says.

Ms Laurence has been recognised for her potential to contribute to the future of the engineering profession in New Zealand, receiving a $2000 Beca Engineering in Society scholarship for University of Canterbury students.

"I am excited at the potential to work in a profession which finds practical solutions to the many complex engineering problems that society continually faces," Ms Laurence says.

 "I enjoy being challenged and I hope to work in an area of engineering that means I always have to test my thinking," she says.

The clubs and societies on offer at the University of Canterbury are an integral part of its culture and Ms Laurence has been an active member of the Engineers' Society and the Commerce Society, known as UCom, since she began studying.

Currently, she's the treasurer of UCom and she assists with planning social and academic events.

Her leadership roles extended into her time at College House hall of residence. Ms Laurence was a room leader and a tutor for her fellow students.

For 20 years Beca has rewarded young engineers for their academic success, cultural and sporting achievements and community involvement and this year's recipients join an elite group of past winners who have appreciated the financial award.

"Since 1990 Beca has awarded over $130,000 to more than 70 students as a commitment to developing the profession and encouraging good quality people to become engineers," Beca regional manager Craig Price says.

"One of Beca's core values is partnerships and long-term relationships and the scholarship programme is a special way to foster our industry and endorse excellence in the College of Engineering at the University of Canterbury," says Mr Price.

The scholarships take into account academic results, communication skills, leadership qualities, contribution to university and community activities and the candidate's potential to add value to the engineering profession.

"Beca looks forward to continuing to acknowledge and reward academic excellence and leadership among our engineers of the future," he says.