newy.com.au – Two University of Newcastle engineering graduates will be among the standouts at Callaghan graduation ceremonies this week, with Haley Redfern and Sophie Sorensen each receiving a University Medal as more women move into a traditionally male-dominated field.
More than 1000 graduates are set to cross the stage across three days and seven ceremonies at the university’s Callaghan campus, including more than 40 women graduating from engineering degrees.
The university said the milestone came as it recorded its highest-ever number of women enrolled in the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering in 2026, with women making up 24.3 per cent of the cohort.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky, AO, said the figures reflected the university’s work to improve 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,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“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.”
Haley Redfern will graduate on Thursday with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with Class 1 Honours and a University Medal, an award presented to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement in their program. Fewer than one per cent of graduates receive a University Medal each year.
After completing Open Foundation in 2020, Ms Redfern moved to Newcastle to give university study another chance and said she found strong support within the chemical engineering community.
“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.
She went on to excel 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.
Maitland local Sophie Sorensen will graduate from a combined Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Environmental Engineering, also with Class 1 Honours. She will receive two University Medals, one for each of her engineering degrees.
Ms Sorensen said she was drawn to the combined degree because of her strengths in design and maths.
“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.
“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 completing a Career-Ready Placement at the Bloomfield Group, Ms Sorensen has accepted a role with the company.
Professor Zelinsky congratulated the graduates and said they would help shape 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.”
Ms Redfern and Ms Sorensen will graduate at the 2.30pm ceremony on Thursday, June 25.
