From Antarctic Research to the Classroom: Inspiring Future Women Engineers

On Thursday, 5 March 2026, UCT-MARiS was invited to participate in a special outreach event at Springfield Convent Senior School, where Grade 11 and 12 learners gathered to celebrate Women in Engineering in honour of World Engineering Day (celebrated on 4 March) and explore future opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Representing UCT-MARiS were Early Career Researchers (ECRs) Sarah Tallack and Tristyn Ferreiro, who volunteered their time to share their experiences as female electrical engineers and polar researchers. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to engage with young women considering careers in engineering and to challenge common misconceptions about the profession.

Reflecting on the experience, Sarah and Tristyn shared:

"We had a wonderful time engaging with students at a local high school, sharing insights into what being an engineer really looks like. We spoke about how engineers are not just the stereotypes – people who are simply good at mathematics or science. Engineers are also creatives, innovators, hard workers, and interdisciplinary collaborators. Most importantly, we highlighted that engineers are women too."

As two female electrical engineers working within the marine and Antarctic research space, Sarah and Tristyn showcased the diversity of engineering careers and the many ways engineering contributes to solving complex global challenges. They highlighted how engineering intersects with disciplines such as oceanography, marine sciences, climate science, and Antarctic research, demonstrating that engineering is both dynamic and impactful.

The presentation was warmly received by the learners, who engaged enthusiastically and posed many thoughtful questions about studying engineering, career pathways, and research opportunities. The interaction created meaningful conversations about the possibilities available to young women interested in STEM fields.

Teacher Sally Bodington expressed her appreciation to the UCT-MARiS team for sharing their expertise and experiences with the students:

"It is so important that our pupils have an understanding of what engineering actually is (and what it looks like) before going into university. The pupils who were at the talk told me how valuable they found it to hear from both Tristyn and Sarah and to be exposed to that level of science. I know a few of them are currently looking at engineering to study post-school; so to hear the differences between engineering at the various institutions is also very helpful."

Outreach initiatives such as these play an important role in inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. By sharing their personal journeys and experiences, Sarah and Tristyn helped demonstrate that engineering is a field open to diverse talents, perspectives, and aspirations, no matter where you come from and what you may look like.

UCT-MARiS extends its sincere thanks to Springfield Convent Senior School for the invitation and to Sarah Tallack and Tristyn Ferreiro for serving as outstanding ambassadors for both engineering and ocean research. Congratulations to both researchers on inspiring future generations to pursue their passions, challenge stereotypes, and explore the many exciting opportunities that engineering has to offer.