Women in engineering shine at University of Newcastle’s Callaghan graduation

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

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Graduation is a moment in life we rarely forget, and for Haley Redfern and Sophie Sorensen, the day will be particularly special, as they each receive a University Medal, recognition awarded to just a handful of students each year.

Graduates

With over 1,000 graduates set to cross the stage, over three days and seven ceremonies, at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus this week, Haley and Sophie will be two of more than 40 women graduating from engineering degrees, adding to a growing cohort entering the traditionally male dominated field.*

In 2026 the university enrolled its highest-ever number of women in the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, with women making up 24.3% of the cohort.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky, AO said this milestone demonstrated the university's sustained commitment to advancing gender equality in STEM disciplines.

“The university is actively reshaping the future pipeline of engineers, and that’s evident both in the graduates crossing the stage this week and in those just starting their higher education journey.”

“We’re incredibly proud of the 40 women graduating in engineering this week – and of every single graduate who’s worked so hard to reach this moment.”

Crossing the stage on Thursday, Haley Redfern will be graduating from a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with Class 1 Honours and a University Medal.

Haley said the University of Newcastle was the perfect place to immerse herself in campus life after moving to the city to give her dream of a university degree a second chance.

"I was really thankful for the opportunity to give university another go and, found a really encouraging environment of female academics and students within chemical engineering," Haley said.

After completing Open Foundation in 2020, Haley’s brave move proved rewarding, she excelled in her undergraduate studies and is now undertaking a PhD in Chemical Engineering, researching cleaner ways to produce iron for steelmaking and reduce global carbon emissions.

“Ten years ago, I didn’t think I was going to be someone who could graduate, and now to be someone who has succeeded really well at university, receiving a University Medal, starting a PhD and graduating with a bunch of friends, I am really looking forward to celebrating,” Haley said.

University medals are presented to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement within their program, less than 1% of graduates receive the prestigious award each year, making Haley’s achievement all the more impressive.

Maitland local Sophie Sorensen was drawn to the combined Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Environmental Engineering thanks to her strong design and maths skills.

“Putting my best foot forward is important to me. Sometimes it's long hours, but I think coming to the end of it was all worth it,” Sophie said.

It was this drive that fuelled Sophie’s success, earning her two University Medals, one for each of her engineering degrees, solidifying her undergraduate career as one to be immensely proud of.

“I really valued having access to all the labs, bouncing ideas off my peers and connecting with my lecturers, they were all so supportive,” Sophie said.

“I learnt to take the opportunities as they come and just make the most of every situation, graduating is such an achievement and I’m really thankful to have made it the whole way through.”

After a completing a Career-Ready Placement at the Bloomfield group, Sophie has accepted a role at the company, contributing to the field that plays to the strengths she identified in high school.

Professor Zelinsky congratulated all the graduates’ achievements, acknowledging the role they will now go on to play in shaping the region’s future.

“Graduation is always an incredibly special milestone – not just for our students, but for their families and our staff. It’s a time to pause and celebrate every students’ achievements as they embark on the next steps in their career,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“Haley and Sophie are an example of the outstanding graduates we see every day who have the mindset to drive innovation and shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for our region.”

Both Haley and Sophie will be graduating on Thursday 25 June at 2:30pm, receiving Class 1 Honours and University Medals.

Full list of degrees and programs graduating in each ceremony available here: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/current-students/study-essentials/graduation/on-the-day/newcastle

*A 2022 study by Engineers Australia, found engineering is one of the most gender-imbalanced STEM disciplines, with just 16 per cent of Australian engineering graduates identifying as female.  - Women in Engineering, Engineering Australia, June 2022.

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