My name is Matilda Meppem and I grew up on a cropping and cattle property between Westmar and Meandarra, 3 and half hours west of Toowoomba. After attending boarding school from year 7-12 in Toowoomba, I then went on to study in Brisbane, where I am now in my fifth year of a dual degree in civil engineering and business management. Engineering seemed like a natural fit for me combining my passion for maths and science with a practical upbringing. During university I am involved in many roles such as women in engineering, a school outreach program to encourage more women in to STEM related degrees. Outside of university I love to travel, taking time in my university holidays to work in the Canadian ski fields for two seasons and a start-up company in Shanghai.
Having grown up on the land I have a deep appreciation for one of the lifeblood of the agriculture industry, water. I believe that it was this upbring that guided my interest and specialization in water engineering. As an aspiring civil engineer, the infrastructure and management of water is an area that I find technically very interesting and presents the opportunity for ongoing innovation to support the needs of the agriculture industry. Another passion of mine is bridging the connection between research and how to monetize this for stakeholders. When I graduate I would love to be in role where I can marry my technical engineering skills in a business orientated way.
I am extremely honoured to be awarded with such a well-regarded and prestigious scholarship that has been instrumental in opening doors for many students that have gone before me. I am most excited for the connection that I will make with my fellow scholars and the opportunity to grow from knowledge and network within the agriculture industry.
I am very excited at the prospect of working with GRDC because I have been in awe of their ongoing commitment to Australia’s grains industry through investing in Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) to generate innovative solutions for Australian grain growers.