You might be asking yourself where a career in Engineering could take you. Maybe it could be a space station sending rockets into the universe or many kilometres underground working in a mega-mine.
For Robert Makepeace, a UNSW engineering degree has led him beyond civilisation to one of the most far-flung places in the world – Antarctica. In a remote camp surrounded by snow, sea ice, penguins and seals, this UNSW alum works for the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology as an Engineering Technical Officer. As one of just 25 people at the Davis Station, Robert is proof of how far a UNSW degree in Engineering can take you.
Robert studied a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) at UNSW and graduated in 2014. We spoke to him about his time at UNSW and what life in one of the most remote places on earth is like.
What led you to study at UNSW Engineering and why did you choose your particular degree?
Growing up, I was always curious about how things work and got excited by solving different problems. I choose to study at UNSW Engineering because of their highly regarded academic program and their strong focus on developing practical skills. I studied electrical engineering as it empowers you with skills to work on anything that uses or creates electricity from tiny computer microchips to massive power stations.
What have you done since graduating from UNSW?
I worked for a control systems company that work on critical infrastructures such as power stations and wastewater treatment plants. I’ve worked all over Australia from commissioning software upgrades to Snowy Hydro’s hydroelectric turbines to designing and commissioning networks on a new efficient gas power station in the Pilbara.
Tell us about your current role.
I work with the Bureau of Meteorology as an Engineering Technician at Davis Station in Antarctica. Davis Station is an Australian year-round scientific research station.
Antarctica is a challenging environment with extreme climatic conditions, limited equipment/spares with only one opportunity for resupply a year. Over winter, there are 25 of us at the station, from the chef to the doctor, tradespeople to keep the station running and scientists.
