Mechanical engineering PhD student Susan Anderson has been awarded the Amelia Earhart Fellowship for her research into air flow turbulence - for the second time.
She is one of 35 fellowship winners this year from around the world.
Ms Anderson, 26, also won a Fellowship three years ago for her PhD research into the question of 'how heated jet flows mix with surrounding fluid'.
Due to complete her PhD next year, she said it was 'rather ironic' that one of her interests was to work in the field of aircraft crash investigations given the fact that aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart died in a plane crash in 1947.
Ms Anderson said she was also interested in learning to fly.
Zonta International awards the Amelia Earhart Fellowships to women pursuing graduate degrees in aerospace-related sciences and engineering.
As a member of Zonta, Amelia Earhart encouraged women to expand their horizons by exploring positions in generally male-dominated arenas such as the aerospace-related fields. The awards have been offered annually since 1938.
Ms Anderson has been interested in mechanical engineering since high school. She said the University encouraged the enrolment and retention of female students in engineering, resulting in the set-up of the Women in Engineering Centre in 1996.
The Centre was established to encourage female students and raise staff awareness of their needs. Initiatives have included a Jobs for the Girls information evening, staff workshops on gender issues, and the co-ordination of tutors for female engineering students.
The overall participation of female students in engineering at the University of Queensland rose from 14.4 percent in 1995 to 16.62 percent in 1997 - ahead of the Year 2000 target of 16 percent.
For more information telephone Susan Anderson on 3365-6997.
