Engineering meets leadership: Ryan’s path to impact

From designing wind turbines to working on next-gen battery technology, Ryan is shaping a future in engineering driven by innovation and meaningful impact.

When Ryan Murphy left Coffs Harbour to study at the University of Newcastle, he was looking for more than just a degree. Drawn by the University’s hands-on engineering programs and the welcoming, vibrant community in Newcastle, he quickly found a place where he could grow both personally and professionally.

“I moved to Newcastle from Coffs Harbour due to the good reputation for engineering and the Newcastle vibe,” Ryan says.

He loves being outdoors and keeping active, so Newcastle was the perfect fit.

“I love hiking, going to the beach, cooking, going to the gym, and playing sports.”

Ryan entered university through the University’s Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) which provides eligible Year 12 applicants an offer of admission prior to the release of their final results and ATARs in December. Receiving an early offer gave Ryan confidence in his plans and helped make the transition to university less stressful.

Now in his final years of a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business majoring in Leadership and Management, Ryan’s studies have helped him combine his love of science, maths, and innovation with real-world experience and career connections.

“I have always loved science and maths and engineering,” he says.

Ryan’s time at university has been packed with opportunities to put theory into practice. One of his favourite experiences so far was a class project that brought together everything he’d learned.

“My favourite class that I have done is probably Mechanical Design 2, when we had to design a wind turbine to go in a car park. From analysing the welded plate on the ground to the internal brakes and gears that generate electricity, it was great to combine a lot of different analysis’ I have learned in my studies into one project.”

His degree has also opened doors beyond the classroom.

“I got my current job as an engineer at Allegro Energy from my university connections and networking,” he shares.

Through a career-ready placement, Ryan started as a technician at Allegro Energy, working on grid-scale battery storage technology. His skills and work ethic quickly made an impression.

“I started as a technician at Allegro Energy making subassemblies for their grid scale battery storage and from my time there, my hard work and skills were recognised, and I was asked to stay on as an undergraduate engineer.”

Now, Ryan works with a team on the forefront of renewable energy innovation.

“I am very proud of where I work and the positive impact my work has on the world around me,” he says.

Reflecting on his journey, Ryan credits the hands-on learning and access to industry-standard facilities for helping him transition smoothly into work. From the advanced labs and makerspace on Callaghan campus, he could develop practical skills and apply what he was learning in his degree.

“The quality of my education has been fantastic, and it has directly helped me as I transitioned into work as an undergraduate engineer.”

Beyond his studies, Ryan has built lasting friendships and found community through campus life.

“I have formed several valuable friendships and have played a number of sports at the university such as ultimate frisbee, volleyball, mixed netball and basketball,” he shares.

He also makes the most of university spaces like The Forum and the Auchmuty Library, which support his wellbeing and study routine.

Ryan is a proud Student Ambassador and has enjoyed helping others discover what’s possible at university.

“I have loved getting to meet so many young people and their families with all their aspirations, they're all so full of potential and being able to hear their experiences and to share my own experiences to help them is a uniquely privileged position,” he says.

The role has also helped him develop valuable communication and leadership skills.

“My public speaking and presenting skills have improved, as well as an appreciation for hearing other people and their stories. Helps me to be grounded in my life, it’s not just helping a name, I'm helping to communicate information with actual real people.”

After graduating, Ryan has a clear plan.

“My career goals after I finish uni are to work as an engineer for some time to develop some good technical skills and experience before I eventually transition into a leadership position such as an engineering project manager or product manager,” he shares.

His advice for future students is simple.

“Get involved. Join clubs, go to networking events, apply for those internships early and try to build connections. You can never know too many people and there are so many amazing people to meet and experiences to be had out there.”

The quality of my education has been fantastic, and it has directly helped me as I transitioned into work as an undergraduate engineer.