Recently awarded 2019 Young Professional Engineer of the Year – Victoria, electrical engineer Ruby Heard demonstrates not only the long-lasting impacts of engineering on society, but also how effective energy delivery can empower communities.

Following her win, Engineers Australia caught up with Ruby to learn more about her current work, her goals for the future, and what led her to where she is today.

A versatile and ambitious entrepreneur, Ruby’s experience includes an energy focused role in San Francisco as well as working in building services design for a large firm in Melbourne.

After spending six months of 2018 volunteering in refugee camps in Ethiopia, Ruby returned to Melbourne late last year to launch Alinga Energy Consulting and apply her skills to help more vulnerable communities with affordable energy access.

Creating Alinga Energy Consulting has allowed Ruby to spend more time working on the things that benefit people and planet – aligning with her penchant for sustainability that has been the theme for much of her career.

“This year has been all about creating a career and lifestyle which allows me to focus on fulfilling projects and using my skills and passion to make a difference”, said Ruby.

“Forming my own consulting company also allows me the flexibility to do more volunteer activities, which I believe is some of the most important and impactful work one can do.”

Ruby’s current project, which sees her working with a local not-for-profit organisation, is one of these projects.

“The project could lead to an education and research centre generating 100% of their own energy and possibly piloting some new energy storage technologies”, said Ruby.

“This would have huge benefits for the not-for-profit organisation and provide a fantastic learning opportunity for the young people who visit the centre.”

The award came as a surprise to Ruby, who was already proud to be shortlisted.

“I was absolutely thrilled to receive the award – being shortlisted felt like a huge win already, so being awarded was incredibly special”, she told us.

“I hadn’t expected to be recognized in such a way for the work I have done.”

Ruby also acknowledged those around her who have taught, encouraged and challenged her, of which there are many.

“My mother inspired me to carve my own path in life. My father challenged me to always do my best.

“Today I am supported by many colleagues, mentors and friends, and most of all by my partner who makes it his second job to believe in me and make sure I believe in myself.”

Looking forward, Ruby already has her focus set on expanding her and her company’s reach to better deliver energy solutions where they’re needed – as well as enjoying some Vitamin D!

“As usual, I will be chasing the sun; Melbourne was a temporary stop before I search for a sunnier home further North”, said Ruby.

“There will be a lot of opportunities for my business in Queensland where I am closer to more indigenous communities and pacific islands; Victoria was my home for a long time and perhaps will be again, but for now it’s time for a new adventure.

“I will be working on strategies to deliver better energy solutions to remote communities which reduce cost and fossil fuels and have a particular focus on education and training, supply chains and responsible end of life disposal.”

It’s clear that engineering provides Ruby with the much-needed opportunity to make a difference to the world around her whilst utilising her skills in problem solving.

“I have always been passionate about problem solving and the environment”, said Ruby.

“I knew becoming an engineer would allow me a shot at solving some of the difficult problems we face in preserving our planet. Engineering gives me purpose and fulfilment; it keeps me challenged and alive.

“My goal is to improve the way that we aid vulnerable people in terms of energy access.

“There are a lot of issues with the strategies we have been using to bring energy to remote communities, and I’d like to develop a model which better serves people and the environment.

“A sustainable, responsible way of delivering power systems which upskill and uplift the community, are properly maintained using effective supply chains and funding, and provide economic benefits to the community and investors.”

Engineer of the Year award winners have demonstrated contribution to the well-being of people, communities and sustainable engineering practices, as well as contribution to and promotion of the engineering profession.

You can learn more about Alinga Energy Consulting here.