Sweet dreams of engineering a better world

“I knew I enjoyed maths and the sciences, and I knew from around 15 years of age that I wanted to do ‘something’ where I could help make sure all people had access to water and that it was safe and clean to drink, but I didn’t know how.”

Sertorio now manages the Australian First Nations Program at Engineers without Borders and says engineers are well positioned to use their skills to tackle inequity.

“I believe engineers have a responsibility as stewards of technology to harness the potential of engineering to create an equitable reality for the planet and its people,” she says.

Engineers without Borders has a multitude of ways for Australia’s engineers to help turn these ideals into reality. They can participate in study tours or training programs, volunteer in local chapter of Engineers without Borders, provide technical support for one of the organisation’s project in Australia or overseas, or offer pro bono engineering services.

Sertorio’s role uses her skills to help deliver an engineering and infrastructure program that works in partnership First Nations communities.

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“What I am enjoying the most in my current role at EWB is learning and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about Indigenous knowledge, culture and connectedness to Country, water and community,” Sertorio says.

While it’s an opportunity not all engineers have today, she hopes one day that changes.

“I look forward to a future when Indigenous knowledge is embedded as a natural part of the knowledge required of all professional engineers in our work to ensure a world where technology benefits all,” she says.