RISE Fellowships to propel UniSQ trio’s research

Equal participation and leadership of women in STEM are known to boost innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

The University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) commitment to supporting women in STEM was underlined when all three of the 2024 RISE Fellowships from the Australian Composites Manufacturing (ACM) CRC were awarded to UniSQ PhD students.

The RISE Fellowships program is dedicated to advancing female representation in STEM and aims to bridge the gaps in STEM opportunities and progression by recognising and supporting outstanding women in the field.

Director of the UniSQ Centre for Future Materials Professor Allan Manalo congratulated the successful recipients – Zaneta Senselova, Ezgi Bal Yetim, and Chundu Tamang.

“We are proud of our students' positive impact and contribution to our communities through their research,” Professor Manalo said.

“This fellowship success demonstrates that UniSQ is a teaching and research environment that promotes a supportive and encouraging environment for women in STEM.

“We’re excited to see where these fellowships will take Zaneta, Ezgi and Chundu and their outstanding research.”

Ms Senselova, Mrs Bal Yetim and Ms Tamang received their awards at the ACM CRC Partners Meeting at Deakin University on Monday (November 25).

The fellowships provide valuable networking and professional development opportunities.

• Ms Senselova said: “A STEM career allows me to explore, create and expand my knowledge on composite materials. As a woman in STEM, I can become an ambassador to promote research on composite materials and manufacturing to encourage more women to pursue paths in engineering and science, making a meaningful impact on our field and the world.”
• Mrs Bal Yetim said: “STEM fascinates me because it’s where curiosity meets creativity, fuelling my drive to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a future with more advanced and sustainable solutions.”
• Ms Tamang said: “As a woman in STEM, I hope to contribute towards designing a more sustainable and equitable future. My strength lies in my commitment to foster inclusivity and embrace diverse perspectives, empowering us to co-create and develop solutions for a resilient and balanced next generation.”

Find out more about research at UniSQ’s Centre for Future Materials.