For the second year running, Lockheed Martin Australia and Edith Cowan University (ECU) are delighted to announce two of ECU’s brightest minds, Alyssa Booth and George Shomali, have been awarded Lockheed Martin Australia’s student achievement prizes for 2021. The prizes form part of a three-year partnership with ECU to nurture Australia’s next generation of computer science experts.
Alyssa Booth was awarded the Lockheed Martin Australia Women in Computing and Security Award; and George Shomali was awarded the Lockheed Martin Australia Computer Science Award recognising excellence across the fields of computer science and cyber.
Booth, one of ECU’s top 100 students in 2021, first became interested in advanced computing in Year 10. Alyssa said, “I love the endless possibilities of programming and the challenge of finding a solution and using my creativity to enhance the final product.” Further she said, “The degree challenged me to tackle complex computing concepts. With the support of my family and ongoing determination, it’s incredible to have been recognised by this award.”
As a young child, George Shomali has always been fascinated by how technology and computer science can shape the world. George said, “Witnessing the impacts that technological vulnerabilities can have on critical processes and infrastructure inspired me to choose computer science, so I can mitigate potential cyber threats and protect our way of life.” He said, “The award is a testament to the effort, perseverance and dedication throughout my studies. Being recognised for this achievement motivates me to strive further afield.”
Lockheed Martin Australia’s AIR6500 Capture Manager, Kendell Kuczma, commended the students and said, “I congratulate Alyssa and George on their remarkable achievement of demonstrating excellence within computer science. We are honoured to partner with Edith Cowan University, and universities across the country to grow Australia’s future STEM workforce needed to shape, deliver and sustain our nation’s cyber security initiatives.”
Professor Paul Haskell-Dowland, Associate Dean for Computing and Security in the School of Science at ECU, said “It’s terrific to continue our partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia in rewarding our high performing computer science and cyber students. These awards recognise the significant accomplishment and high calibre of our student cohort.”
In 2020, in support of ECU’s School of Science annual Prize Giving Award Ceremony, Lockheed Martin Australia donated $13,500 in prize money for three years to recognise top performing students in computer science and cyber. Lockheed Martin Australia is committed to creating opportunities for high-skilled, STEM entry level candidates by employing more than 94 Early Career employees, equating to nearly 8 percent of the company’s workforce across Australia.
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