Ms elizabeth jens

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2010 Fulbright BHP Postgraduate Scholarship sponsored by BHP Billiton

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“There has been much talk in recent years of the need for Australia to begin to build its space industry through the establishment of an Australian space agency. If an Australian space agency is to one day commence there will be a significant demand for a specific set of skills.”

Elizabeth Jens, Associate, LEK Consulting, is the winner of the 2010 Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship in Science and Engineering sponsored by BHP Billiton. The Fulbright Scholarship in Science and Engineering was established with BHP Billiton in 2000.

Through her Fulbright, Elizabeth will complete a one-year master by coursework in aeronautical and astronautical engineering at Stanford University. The degree teaches the theory behind spacecraft design, covering subjects such as space mechanics, dynamics and control of spacecraft and aircraft, and space experiments laboratory.

Elizabeth hopes that her Fulbright will assist in bridging the gap between the international space community and the Australian youth.

“Study at Stanford will allow me to forge links with academics directly involved with NASA.”

“These associations will facilitate further collaborative research projects. Upon return to Australia, community outreach programs are being planned with Anne Brumfitt and with Rotary to share my experiences with other Australians, particularly youths.”

Elizabeth hopes that her research will eventually promote further work in the space industry in Australia.

“In the recent budget, forty million was assigned to the development of the Australian space industry as the first step towards the aim.”

“I hope to acquire the necessary skills through my study and become one of a relatively small number of Australians who are qualified in the area of space engineering. Ultimately, I hope to make a significant contribution to any future space agency or industry in Australia.”

Elizabeth has a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) with first class honours and Bachelor of Science (Physics) from the University of Melbourne. She has also completed a Space Studies Program at NASA Ames Research Centre through the International Space University. In addition to her academic work, she has volunteered with Conservation Volunteers Australia, competed in athletics and rowing, been voted into the head student body at a university college (Newman), sailed on the Young Endeavour tall ship, coached rowing, walked 100km to raise money for Oxfam Australia, and hiked the Overland Track and the Kokoda Trail.