Kyra Ng: Engineering her own path
A natural problem solver, Kyra Ng, 19, is in her second year of engineering at the University of Canterbury. She balances study with a part‑time internship at a technology start‑up and, when time allows, loves to climb in Castle Hill. In a field where women are under‑represented, her experience – as a recent recipient of the Edna Waddell Scholarship – offers a snapshot of the early stages of an engineering career and the support that helps sustain it.
Kyra says she had always been drawn to STEM subjects at high school, with a particular affinity for maths and science. But when it came time to choose a degree, she found it hard to choose between science and engineering.
“What made me choose engineering was seeing how applied it is – the problem solving and the real world aspect of it,” she says.
Now in her second year specialising in mechatronics, Kyra works across mechanical, electrical and computer engineering.
“When you’re facing a big challenge and all the pieces come together and something works, that’s one of the best feelings,” she says.
Creating pathways for the next generation
While girls are well represented in STEM subjects at school, participation drops at tertiary level, and engineering remains a field where women are under‑represented in New Zealand.
In the lecture hall the imbalance is immediately visible. “Looking around my classes, it’s probably about 80% men, 20% women,” she says.
“It can be daunting,” Kyra adds. At the same time, she points to the strength of the communities that do exist.
“The community within women in STEM is really great,” she says. “In these male dominated spaces, there’s such a strong sense of support between the women.”
Her advice to girls and young women considering engineering is straightforward. “Don’t let the fact that you’re going to be part of a minority stop you from doing what you want to do. You can do it.”
Kyra says she has been well supported along the way. She credits her high‑school maths teacher Tracy Hazelwood, who encouraged her academically, her mother, who consistently backed her choices, and a close group of friends who believed in her.
“I’ve had so much support from so many different women,” she says. “I definitely couldn’t have got here by myself.”
Scholarship honours a legacy of learning
Kyra discovered the Edna Waddell Scholarship through her own research and submitted an application. She was surprised and pleased to receive the $5,000 award in 2024.
“It was absolutely amazing and a bit surreal. I thought it was a long shot because there were only five scholarships that were available.,” she says. “It's really good to be recognised for all the work that you're putting into things and have someone back you up – definitely a confidence boost.”
The Edna Waddell Scholarship is administered by Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara and overseen by Public Trust, and was established by chemical engineers Dr Dick Earle and Dr Mary Earle. The scholarship provides funds for women entering their first year studying professional engineering or technology at university.
Dr Mary Earle, who died in 2021, was remembered with deep affection by generations of students for her passion for teaching and her belief that education was about learning how to think and solve problems. Dr Dick Earle, now 95, remains closely engaged with the field – a legacy of curiosity and problem‑solving that resonates strongly with Kyra’s own approach to engineering.
Engineering solutions for real‑world problems
Alongside her studies, Kyra works part‑time with Christchurch start‑up Āmua, which is developing a smart device worn by cows to help farmers make better use of nitrogen and reduce environmental impact.
This real-world experience has reinforced what drew her to engineering in the first place.
“Working for a startup is quite inspiring,” she says. “Everyone there just really wants to be there and really wants to get this problem solved.”
Between a rock and a hard place
Outside university, Kyra enjoys bouldering, taking advantage of Christchurch’s access to the great outdoors.
“It’s quite a cool sport.” she says. “What I like about it is the problem solving of it. The sense of achievement with climbing, the progress.”
It’s not surprising that Kyra is drawn to another pursuit that requires strong technical skills and a focus on overcoming obstacles. As she continues her studies and begins to shape her future, it’s a climb worth watching.