With the support of a Williams Hicks Scholarship, the 20-year-old has been able to turn that passion into reality by taking her first steps toward a career in engineering.
“Having financial aid enables me to spend less time working and more time to focus on my studies,” Imogen says.
The Williams Hicks Scholarships are built on the history of two trailblazing female engineers, Flight Lieutenant Robyn Williams and Officer Cadet Deborah Hicks.
Each etched their name in history as the first Australian women to become pilots in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Deborah was the youngest female pilot in Australia to fly solo, and Robyn was one of the RAAF’s first female engineers.
These scholarships reflect our commitment to supporting talented individuals from underrepresented communities.Angela Wiggins, Chief People Officer at BAE Systems Australia
Imogen is among four recipients from NSW, Victoria and South Australia to be awarded the scholarship, with the financial support enabling each student to settle into university life and focus on what matters most, their studies and doing their best over the life of their chosen engineering course.
A high achiever in STEM, Imogen received awards in both mathematics and STEM subjects at high school, all while excelling as an AFL player and selected for the GWS Giants Under 23’s AFLW side at just 17. She worked as a part-time grocery manager and spent 12 months as a Jillaroo on a cattle station, an experience that helped build her independence and resilience. Now studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Newcastle, she’s bringing those diverse skills and experiences into this new chapter of her life.
The scholarship funding is helping Imogen cover relocation costs and university expenses, giving her the opportunity to fully focus on her education. With a strong interest in energy, after graduation she hopes to explore a career in the defence sector.
Like Imogen, the Williams Hicks Scholarship empowers Cat to move closer to RMIT University in Melbourne and dedicate more time to her studies – an opportunity she describes as “once in a lifetime”.
Cat’s aptitude for physics and mathematics shone during her school years, earning the young student numerous academic achievements including the Deakin University School of Engineering Award in Year 11, College Dux, and the ADF Future Innovators Award in Year 12.
She maintained her academic excellence while juggling part-time jobs as a waitress and supermarket cashier and dealing with a chronic illness that requires regular treatment and specialist appointments.
Living in regional Victoria meant a 2.5 daily commute to university, and moving closer wasn’t an option – until the scholarship unlocked new opportunities.
Now studying Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Engineering at RMIT, Cat can fully immerse herself in university life without the pressures of work and commuting. She’s particularly excited about the prospect of undertaking internships with BAE Systems Australia, describing it as a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience.
“The ability to defend the nation is one that must be taken seriously. In a world as unpredictable as ours, it is essential to be prepared in order to prevent conflict and protect our way of life.”Cat, Williams Hicks Scholarship recipient
BAE Systems Australia is incredibly proud to support young Australian women, including Cat and Imogen, as they begin their journey in engineering. Through the Williams Hicks Scholarship, the company has pledged to help nurture potential, strengthen diversity, and ensure more voices help shape the future of defence and innovation in Australia.
As their studies progress, we’ll continue to follow and celebrate the achievements of Imogen, Cat, and all our scholarship recipients as they forge their careers in engineering.