PhD candidate Adsheaya leads the way for women in STEM

“During orientation, I started to slowly make friends with classmates and got to know people in the student mentor program and signed up for it. After attending the Engineers Australia Expo, I managed to secure a civil engineering pro position with ACE Contractors. 

I joined the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Club at VU as well as the STEM Sisters program and go to gatherings at the Australian Computer Society (ACS) in Melbourne. 

I was actually quite an introvert at school. During university, I started to open up because we had to do presentations.” 

Now Adsheaya loves presenting talks and presentations – especially on the exciting, cutting-edge research she’s involved in. 

"My research [while studying a Masters at VU] was focused on how to use waste materials as an alternative to limestone, which is usually used to stabilise clay soils.”  

Instead of [certain materials]* going into landfill after they reach their lifespan or get irreparably damaged, certain non-toxic components of the waste can be used as aggregate to improve soil structure. This results in better water infiltration, aeration and drainage in clay-heavy soils, making it more workable.

Now a PhD candidate, Adsheaya is weighing up her next research ideas.  

“I’m planning to do something based on roads. I haven't decided if it's going to be based on sub-base or asphalt, but I'd like to see if I can use a more sustainable product that has not been used before.” 

*details redacted pending publishing of research.

Thinking about what advice she’d give to future PhD candidates, Adsheaya highlights the importance of genuine passion and drive.  

“Choose a topic that excites you! Research takes up your time so focus on something you’re passionate about. Stay resilient, be open to feedback, and remember that setbacks are a natural part of research. Consistency and curiosity will be your greatest assets. Also, be prepared to refine your topic as you progress – flexibility is essential in research.” 

Balancing study and other commitments in life is another important piece of advice she offers.  

"Always make sure to keep time for your social wellbeing. I personally try not to do research work on the weekends and at night, so I schedule myself accordingly. Surround yourself with a strong support system, like mentors, peers and friends who understand the journey.” 

“VU staff and the research ambassadors help you through your journey, including when you feel lost or unmotivated."

Adsheaya managed to get two leadership awards after only being here for a year. She credits this to her strong performance academically as well as her dedication to the student mentor program and getting involved in campus clubs and societies.  

“From being a student mentor to a student ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of guiding and supporting students, helping them navigate academic and personal challenges. 

Representing Enactus VU at the national level was a big highlight, where we focused on sustainability by recycling bottle caps into plastic plant pots. It really reinforced my passion for innovation and sustainability.” 

In 2024, Adsheaya served as the President of the Victoria University Postgraduate Association (VUPA)

“It gave me a chance to advocate for postgraduate students at the highest level, ensuring their voices were heard in decision-making forums such as the Academic Board and Learning and Teaching Quality Committee.” 

Transitioning from study to work is both exciting and nerve-wracking for a lot of uni students. It was no different for Adsheaya.  

“After my bachelor's, I stepped foot into work with CSEC Consultants in Sri Lanka for a $650million project called The Cinnamon Life Waterfront Project as a civil engineer. The first few weeks really shaped my learning experience.   

I was invited to join the CEO for a site visit just weeks after joining. He asked me technical questions about materials, costs, and equipment, and when I couldn't answer, he warned me that I had to improve or risk being reassigned.  

While this was a tough experience, it motivated me to bring my A-game and learn everything I could, consulting with mechanical and electrical engineers. Two weeks later, during another site visit, I confidently answered all his questions. From that point on, he regularly requested that I accompany him on site visits.” 

For Adsheaya, curiosity and analytical skills are key to a good civil engineer.

“I have always looked up to my father, who is also a civil engineer. Growing up, I admired how he viewed infrastructure differently, analysing buildings, noticing structural details and always thinking about improvements.” 

“I used to question him and learned a lot. Now I tend to analyse structure in a similar manner and I absolutely love it – ‘like father, like daughter’ as they say.” 

“Aside from the technical know-how, adapting to real-world challenges and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams has shaped me as both an engineer and a professional. Soft skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving are really important!” 

10 soft skills that boost your employability 

Adsheaya’s advice for other women looking to build a career in STEM?  

“If you want it, work for it and make it happen. Growing up in an Asian community, many disliked the thought of me considering a male-dominated field. 

But if you have a strong desire for something, never let it go! The same people who questioned my choice now cheer me on. If you follow your passion, things will fall into place. Keep optimistic people and mentors around who support your growth. Be proactive in learning new skills and don’t shy away from opportunities.  

Most importantly, advocate for yourself – your contributions are valuable and your voice matters.” 

Adsheaya with Chancellor The Hon. Steve Bracks and other students at Parliament House (Victoria), where she was invited to give a speech on her student experience and unique study journey at VU as an international student.

Adsheaya hopes to continue contributing to research and innovation that enhances community safety and sustainability. 

“There is still so much to improve in infrastructure, particularly in road and pavement sustainability. 

I also want to see more women in STEM and ensure that minority voices are heard in decision-making spaces.” 

"Civil engineering is part of everything around us. From houses to roads, bridges to dams, resorts to breakwater structures, it's a wide and important discipline."

Like Asheaya, you can discover your own path to success in the endlessly facinating, exciting and impactful field of engineering, with pathways for everyone at VU. 

You'll learn in state-of-the-art facilities with flexible learning options to suit different lifestyle needs and career-focused teaching from day one. 

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