For Madeline Macalister, engineering brings together her curiosity for science and passion for problem solving. As she prepares to graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, with a major in Nuclear Engineering, Madeline is helping shape the next generation of Australia’s nuclear engineering workforce.
“Studying engineering allowed me to satisfy my love of maths and physics while providing job stability and opportunities for continual growth across a variety of fields after graduation. I wouldn’t be the engineer I am today without Flinders,” she says.
As the only university in South Australia to offer the Nuclear Engineering major, introduced in response to Australia’s growing need for nuclear engineering expertise, the major prepares graduates for careers across the energy, defence and advanced technology sectors, including supporting future AUKUS submarine capabilities.
A standout feature of the program is its tri-nation partnership with the University of Rhode Island in the United States and the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, giving students the opportunity to undertake international study and exchange experiences.
For Madeline, that exchange became the highlight of her degree. She gained hands-on experience operating the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Centre’s research reactor, an opportunity rarely available to undergraduate engineering students.
Alongside her studies, Madeline balanced full-time university with part-time work while living independently, developing the resilience, discipline and time management skills that have prepared her for life beyond graduation.
As she prepares to begin her career, Madeline is excited by the role nuclear engineering can play in Australia’s future energy mix.
“It is beyond exciting to be working on Australia’s next step in acceptance of nuclear power and extending our nation’s defence capabilities.” Madeline says.
For students considering a career in engineering, Madeline’s advice is to embrace every opportunity to learn, both inside and outside the classroom.
“The connections you make early in your career are incredibly valuable. Take every opportunity to network through career fairs, conferences and professional events,” she says.
“Give your studies your best effort and make time for your wellbeing. Exercise, sleep well and spend time outdoors. Discipline should extend to all areas of life, not just your studies.”
Asked who she’d most like to have dinner with, Madeline’s answer is Marie Skłodowska-Curie, a Polish-born French physicist and chemist who became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (physics and chemistry).
It’s not only Curie’s scientific achievements that inspire Madeline, but also her resilience, intellectual curiosity and unwavering dedication to discovery.
“I’d love to talk to her, not just about her achievements, but to understand the mindset, values and determination that shaped her extraordinary life,” Madeline says.
It’s a fitting reflection of Madeline herself. As one of Australia’s first undergraduate Nuclear Engineering graduates, she is forging her own path while helping inspire future generations of engineers, particularly young women considering careers in STEM.
Find Your Fearless Study Engineering
Find Your Fearless Major in Nuclear Engineering