Faculty of Science and Technology
Deakin University
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Ms Mandy Herring Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) "I am lucky enough to be doing research into carbon fibre composites at just the right time as this is a totally new area—the work I am doing hasn’t been done anywhere in the world.” Mandy graduated in 2004 with a degree in Engineering (Mechanical) from the Geelong campus at Waurn Ponds. She is currently completing her PhD in Engineering with Deakin in the study of cutting the high cost of producing carbon fibre composites and determining how this technology, usually used on the exterior panels of Formula One cars and on aircraft, can be used in the family garage. Mandy is often asked by young women contemplating engineering careers what it is like working in such a male-dominated area (engineering attracts only 10 to 15 per cent of women worldwide), She always has the same advice: “Don’t be scared of the guys. After all, you share the same interests and projects—they’ll treat you as one of the group. You find you fit in fine”. Mandy believes that her research will lead to car manufacturers around the world replacing metal bodies and some vehicle components with carbon fibre composites, meaning lighter and stronger vehicles, improved fuel economy and a reduction in polluting emissions. Mandy is currently undertaking her PhD in Philosophy at Deakin. 
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