Innovators in cybersecurity and space tech honoured

  Three innovative engineers have been honoured at the 2024 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards – Canberra, held at the National Museum of Australia last night. “The Engineers Australia Excellence Awards showcase the outstanding work of engineers and highlight their significant influence on our world. These awards provide a space to celebrate innovation and excellence while also motivating future engineers to follow in their footsteps, ensuring the continued growth and success of the profession,” said Engineers Australia General Manager – Canberra, Angela Harrison. Local winners will go on to represent their division at the national awards’ gala dinner on 21 November at the Brisbane City Hall. Canberra Professional Engineer of the Year  Kate Yaxley – Department of Defence Kate Yaxley is honoured for her significant contributions to cybersecurity and drone technology across both military and agricultural sectors. With an impressive academic background, including a near-completion PhD, Kate has earned numerous accolades, such as the 2021 Australia-New Zealand Women in AI in Defence Award. Her groundbreaking research, which has enhanced agricultural practices and safety, has been featured on ABC national news. Kate’s leadership in AUKUS and NATO trials further highlights her expertise, while her commitment to fostering diversity and mentoring is exemplified through her involvement with Women in Engineering at UNSW Canberra. Kate’s dedication to advancing the engineering profession is clear in all her endeavours. Canberra Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year Teddy Zvidza – Nova Systems Teddy Zvidza is celebrated for his remarkable achievements in unmanned aircraft systems, hypersonics, and space technologies. He has pioneered innovative solutions, including developing a simulator for remotely piloted aircraft, and has been a vocal advocate for enhancing safety standards, earning recognition from industry regulators. His dedication to sustainability and excellence in engineering has been recognised with the prestigious 2023 Defence Rising Star of the Year award. Beyond his technical contributions, Mr Zvidza is deeply involved in the community, serving on the US Embassy Youth Advisory Council and leading Young Engineers Australia ACT. His passion for advancing STEM and inspiring future generations further exemplifies his status as an exceptional emerging engineer. Overseas Chapter Professional Engineer of the Year Mohamed Mustafa – STV Inc Mohamed Mustafa has demonstrated exceptional innovation and resourcefulness throughout his engineering career. As a Chartered Engineer, he has facilitated improvements in fire safety standards internationally, delivering economic, social, and environmental benefits to communities. Mr Mustafa’s active involvement in national and international technical forums and his development of tools to enhance project delivery have made him a leader in fire engineering and design across multiple sectors. Events like these are not possible without the support of our Excellence Awards category partners: Edith Cowan University – Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year  Bluebeam – Professional Engineer of the Year  Department of Transport and Main Roads – Engineering Associate of the Year  Metecno – Project of the Year  Engineers Australia is Australia’s national engineering body and champions over 127,000 members, providing resources, connections and growth for high-value work in  communities. For Editorial Inquiries Contact : Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]