Monash Engineering Indigenous Perspectives Scholarship

Indigenous Engineering Perspectives – embedding the values and practices of the First Nation Australian Engineers into Monash Engineering Curriculum

The opportunity

Our engineering education needs the participation and perspectives from our First Nation Australians. The Indigenous Engineers, for generations, approached and addressed challenges related to transport, food, mining, sustainability and health in a different and unique manner. Understanding their cultural values and philosophical stance that influence and frame their problem-solving actions to deliver sustainable solutions is now paramount.

The proposed PhD project will aim to explore and understand the First Nation Australians’ cultural values, practices and world views on engineering design thinking, safety and sustainability; develop a framework for embedding Indigenous content and approaches in Engineering curriculum, informed by an understanding of Indigenous epistemologies and pedagogies; embed and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the framework in the engineering curriculum; recommend best collaborative practices to support the development of Indigenous perspectives at the institutional, course and subject level.

Curriculum and co-curriculum activities and course content will be developed to empower Indigenous and non-Indigenous students through knowledge and understanding of Indigenous peoples, cultures and world views to shape their understanding of aboriginal cultures and their relationship to engineering practice. Through a close collaboration with First Nation communities and people, this research will also aim to inspire the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The successful applicant with work together with Professor Nicoleta Maynard, leading researcher in Engineering Education Research Methodologies and Methods. Professor Nicoleta Maynard develops, implements and assesses innovative curriculum models aimed at enhancing engineering students’ design, teamwork, leadership and reflective practice skills. Professor Nicoleta Maynard’s work and contributions in educational leadership and teaching innovation have been recognised by a number of national and international awards. She is the recipient of the 2016 Caltex Award for Excellence in Teaching, a 2013 Australian Government’s Office for Learning and Teaching Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning and a 2009 Australasian Association for Engineering Education Awards and Engineers Australia Citation Award. Nicoleta’s work and research has been recognised nationally and internationally with peer review publications, presentations and invitations for participation in technical panels. She is also the Conceive Design Implement and Operate (CDIO) Chair for Australia and New Zealand.

Am I eligible?

You must meet the following criteria:

• Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply for this position as it is exempt under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic)
• Have a bachelor's degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant field, and which normally includes a research component in the fourth year, leading to an honours 1 in a relevant field; or qualifications which in the opinion of GRC are deemed equivalent
• Meet the minimum academic entry requirements and Monash English language proficiency requirements for 3291 Doctor of Philosophy
• Applicants must show excellent communication and inter-personal skills and be willing to participate in Faculty and Departmental Graduate Research promotional events when required
• Be willing to work on multidisciplinary problems and learn new skills / techniques
• Be able to demonstrate good organisational, record-keeping and time management skills, with the ability to work independently
• Short-listed candidates may be required to participate in an interview by phone / video conference call

An interest or experience in curriculum development or evaluation, social sciences, psychology or education will be considered favourably.

How to apply

1. Check your eligibility

Before beginning the application process, make sure that you meet our admission and scholarship requirements.

Applicants must also satisfy Monash’s English Language Proficiency requirements.

Monash Engineering is seeking high calibre engineering students to take part in our graduate research degrees. Your application will be looked upon favourably if you:

• Graduated in the top 10% of your year level
• Graduated from a well ranked university
• Have authored peer-reviewed research publications
• Possess excellent written and verbal English skills
• Scored well in a national graduate entrance exam

2. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form and select Professor Nicoleta Maynard as supervisor.

As part of the online EOI application, you will need to submit copies of the following documents* (where applicable):

• Official academic transcripts (tertiary level only) including grading scale and evidence of completion
• Q1 or Q2 1st or 2nd author publications. Conference papers can also be uploaded
• CV/resume, including publication record
• Evidence of satisfying English language requirements
• Current residency status
• Evidence of any scholarship currently receiving

* Please note: These documents will be used for an initial assessment and you will need to re-submit copies of these documents, along with other additional documents, should you be given the opportunity to proceed with a formal application.

You may be requested to attend an interview.

3. Complete the Engineering Indigenous Perspectives scholarship submission google form

Ensure you upload a cover letter that includes a brief statement of your suitability for this scholarship, a statement explaining your interest, expertise and experience in indigenous culture, research or education and address the eligibility criteria.

4. Closing date

All applications need to be submitted by 5pm 30 September 2025.

Selection process

Applications will be assessed based on meeting eligibility criteria, suitability to project and previous experience (as applicable) by a selection committee. An interview with the supervisor may be required.

Successful applicant

The successful applicant will be required to submit an application for candidature in 3291 Doctor of Philosophy via the My.App.

Please follow the instructions below (successful applicant ONLY):

1. Submit a Research degree and scholarship application
   Domestic applicants – R4/2025
2. Upload your scholarship offer letter