"It's crucial for diverse people from all walks of life to be part of this industry. The industry's changed more in the last 10 years than it did in the 100 years before that. We're trying to fly an airplane while changing its parts out midair and to succeed, we'll need diverse thinkers to develop the multifaceted and complex solutions our industry requires."

Daena Ho

Senior Engineer

WHO ARE THEY: I'm a senior engineer in the Operational Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Management team at AEMO, leading investigations on the impact of DER on the power system and designing integration solutions. My path to engineering started because of an inspiring math teacher I had in Year 12. I'd been planning to do an economics degree, but she made maths so elegantly easy to understand I decided to study engineering instead. Shoutout to Ms Amanda Martin from Shenton College, if you're reading this - thank you, you're a legend!

KEY STRENGTHS: Distributed resources, DPV, power system modelling, data analytics, communication, UFLS, stakeholder engagement, project management

WHY CHOOSE THIS DEGREE?

Australia's power system is at the bleeding edge of change. We need people with technical skills to guide us through this world-leading transformation, and we also need communication, finance and legal know-how (to name just a few!) If you want to be part of the change, there's absolutely something in the power sector for everyone.

My Journey

Where it all started for me

Once I’d decided to study engineering, specialising in sustainable energy was a natural next step. We’re building the world of the future, and we’ll need power for that transition.

Chemical (or process) engineering is really about systems thinking. Even though the power industry is a bit different to process engineering, that training to think about whole-of-process impacts set me up really well for my current role.

What did I end up studying?

Studied at University of Adelaide

Entering the industry

The endless possibility of it all! We’re still discovering the types of problems we need solutions to. Right now, we’re designing the future.

My previous work experience

My work placement experience

What I'm doing now

My advice for anyone looking to get into the industry?

Take advantage of as many work placements and industry speakers at API events as possible - so you can get a good understanding of the many areas you can specialise in.

How to connect with

Daena Ho

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Abby Biles

"As we confront Australia's national skills shortage and the pressure to achieve Net Zero, the inclusion of women in the power industry becomes even more crucial. By leveraging diverse talents and perspectives, we can address these challenges. There are so many incredible women out there who's skills are needed in this space they just need the industry to support them in return."

Liana Lidden-Verney

"There is no gender monopoly on the skills needed in the industry. By having a workforce with diverse perspectives and experiences, we fuel innovation and innovation is exactly what this industry will be reliant on for generations to come."

Katrina Thomlinson

"There is value in every industry from diversity of thought and one way to bring diversity is employ more women in the workforce. Women bring different values, perspectives and approaches to solve the problems of today and into the future."

What can I do next?

No matter if you're at high-school or at university, we have great programs and resources to get you started on your journey towards power engineering!

High School Students

University Students

Daena Ho

Abby Biles

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Liana Lidden-Verney

"There is no gender monopoly on the skills needed in the industry. By having a workforce with diverse perspectives and experiences, we fuel innovation and innovation is exactly what this industry will be reliant on for generations to come."

Read more

Katrina Thomlinson

"There is value in every industry from diversity of thought and one way to bring diversity is employ more women in the workforce. Women bring different values, perspectives and approaches to solve the problems of today and into the future."

Read more