Prize Winning Student Engineers Better Weetbix

Tuesday, 21 January 2014

Mechanical Engineering student Kai Ellmoos has won the Ian Henderson Award.

Competitors in the recent Engineers Australia's Ian Henderson Award were invited to speak on any engineering related topic. There were presentations on engineering standards and on engaging young people through landcare and catchment management, but first prize was awarded to University of Newcastle Mechanical Engineering student, Kai Ellmoos, who presented on ways to manufacture more consistent Weetbix.

Perhaps consumers might not notice if their Weetbix are a little lighter or a little heavier than usual, but for Kai's employer, Sanitarium, a more uniform product means reduced product wastage and production downtime.

Kai's presentation was based on his final year project, 'Controlling the Distribution of Wheat Flakes Across Conveyor Belts', for which he received top marks, positioning him to graduate with first class honours.

Organised by Engineers Australia, the Ian Henderson award is an annual public speaking competition for Young Engineers.

Kai Ellmoos 

Kai was presented with a cash prize, certificate and inscribed medal, which is in memory of Mr I F G Henderson who was employed by BHP Company Ltd for over 45 years. Mr Henderson was Chairman of Newcastle Division of Engineers Australia in 1955 and a Councillor of the Institution in 1974 before his passing in 1975.

"I was very happy to win the Ian Henderson Award," Kai said.

"It felt good to have all the work I put into the presentation recognised. It was also very encouraging that people enjoyed my presentation style and seemed engaged and interested in the content of the presentation.

"This award is going to be very useful for me when looking for employment as my prospective employees can see that I have advanced presentation skills which is important to have as an Engineer."

University of Newcastle students Jemima Jackson, Declan Clausen and Muhammad Yunusa also presented on the night. View their presentations on our Youtube channel.

To read more about the award visit the Engineers Australia website.


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