Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science and we’re celebrating by profiling some of our women in science here at Mitsui E&P Australia.

May is a Petroleum Engineer in our busy Drilling and Completion team, she works to ensure each of the existing wells in the Perth Basin are maintained and functioning as it should throughout its lifecycle.

May says it’s the technical challenges that appeals to her – dealing with problems that are best handled with engineered solutions – which is why, after exploring a number of engineering disciplines at University of Western Australia, she chose the Petroleum Engineering pathway.

“Careers in science are incredibly fulfilling not only professionally but on a personal level too,” May said.

“Science problems require diverse, sometimes ‘out-of-the-box’, solutions – so if you’re interested in science it’s important to pursue it, include yourself and contribute to these solutions. There’s no reason not to, opportunities are there if you seek and prepare for it.”

“It took me 5 years to complete my qualifications, and the biggest challenge was gaining industry-relevant experience while studying my degree.”

“In the summer after my third year of studies, I took a step outside of my comfort zone and travelled overseas for a 3-month industrial attachment with a company providing actuated valves to the energy industry – that opportunity contributed to building grit and independence; along with providing a stepping-stone to my next opportunity working as a Field Engineer with a well-known energy service company.”