11 Mar 2025
The Engineering New Zealand Student Ambassador Committee is here! Student Ambassadors represent students from universities across Aotearoa and act as the voice for our profession's bright future.
Left to right: Josh Ferguson (Chair), Thomas Donnell (Vice-Chair), Jack Devane, Chris Nightingale, Amrita Maggu, Maria Odlum, Rebecca Coulson and Parsa Yazdi.
The Student Ambassador Committee gathered in Wellington in February to discuss the year ahead, share ideas about events, how the engineering student body can be effectively represented and to create connections with other student leaders from across the motu. While they were here, we asked them about their drive to become a representative for their fellow students. They also nominated their Engineering Envy – a feat of engineering that inspires them or is of personal significance. Here's what they had to say!
Amrita Maggu – University of Auckland
Third year, Engineering Science
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I found the idea of representing the engineering student body very exciting and I wanted to give back more.
What's your Engineering Envy?
ChatGPT.
Chris Nightingale – WelTec
Second year, Mechanical Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
It's a great way to make connections with people in the industry and other students from around the country.
What's your Engineering Envy?
Solar panels.
Jack Devane – University of Waikato
Second year, Materials and Process Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
After attending a few events last year, I wanted to give back to the people who offered me many valuable learning and development opportunities. Become a Student Ambassador allows me to support other students in making the most of the events offered by Engineering New Zealand.
What's your Engineering Envy?
Lego!
Josh Ferguson – University of Canterbury
Second year, Civil Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
To implement better representation of the student body for Engineering New Zealand and to educate more students on the opportunities available with Engineering New Zealand and future pathways.
What's your Engineering Envy?
Tauroa Reserve boardwalk – Havelock North. This project was my first exposure to engineering and inspired me to begin my journey as an engineer.
Maria Odlum – NorthTec
Second year, Civil Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
To help promote Engineering New Zealand to our Northland students, to increase awareness and to meet experienced engineers industry-wide.
What's your Engineering Envy?
Lightbulbs and aeroplanes.
Parsa Yazdi – University of Waikato
Second year, Civil Engineering (PhD)
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
To help engineering grow in New Zealand.
What's your Engineering Envy?
Too many to choose one!
Rebecca Coulson – University of Canterbury
Fourth year, Mechanical Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
I've been a member of UC Women in Engineering for a few years and saw they had an Engineering New Zealand Ambassador role open. I thought it would be cool to help organise some events for young student engineers and make the transition between uni and full time work easier.
What's your Engineering Envy?
Bullet train.
Thomas Donnell – University of Auckland
Third year, Chemical and Materials Engineering
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
To branch out and get involved in the wider engineering community.
What's your Engineering Envy?
The Haber-Bosch process.
