Top mechanical engineering prize to Malaysian student

UQ international student Aiza Zaidin has been awarded the University’s most prestigious prize in mechanical engineering.

Ms Zaidin, from Malaysia, is the second woman to win the KBR Prize, which has been presented annually since 1983 to the student who completes the best thesis project in mechanical engineering as nominated by the Head of the School of Engineering.

The $5000 prize and certificate were presented to Ms Zaidin by Mr Anthony Goodwin from engineering firm Halliburton KBR at a ceremony held at UQ’s St Leo's College.

Mr Goodwin said the KBR Prize emphasised analysis and clear communication of complex engineering projects.

"Ms Zaidin’s thesis was methodical and her level of communication was of a very high, professional standard," Mr Goodwin said.

In receiving the award, Ms Zaidin thanked her thesis supervisor Professor Ross McAree, mechanical engineering staff and her student colleagues.

Ms Zaidin studied Australian Year 12 at Taylor's College in Malaysia before enrolling at UQ.

She graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) with first-class Honours.

Media: Alice Walker at the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (07 3346 7696 or a.walker1@uq.edu.au)