Tianfei Ren

Women of STEM Scholarship Winner

Award Date:

June 13th, 2024

STEM Interests

Currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): Mechanical Engineering and Bachelor of Science

A Bit About Me

As the eldest daughter of four children born to first-generation immigrant parents, I faced social and academic challenges upon my arrival in Australia. However, with the unwavering support of my teachers, mentors, family, and friends, I have acquired numerous skills and achieved many successes. I wouldn't be where I am today without their influence. Through my mistakes, I have learned and improved, building my confidence along the way. Now, I am pursuing a degree in engineering, a field I am strongly passionate about, with the goal of eventually working in the space industry. While I've accomplished more than I could have imagined ten years ago, I know there's still much to learn and experience. Always eager to embrace new challenges, I push myself by always attempting to make the impossible possible.

Questions and Answers

Tell us about someone who inspires you and why

How did you become interested in STEM?

What are you most looking forward to about studying STEM at university?

How will the Women of STEM Scholarship assist you?

My mother is one of my greatest inspirations, her life journey inspires me most. She had to take the IELTS test twice and went through many procedures before she was able to immigrate to Australia with my dad, as the first of her bloodline, bringing only $10,000 with them. Together, they have diligently managed our family hair salon, which has been running for over 15 years. While raising me and my three talented siblings, my mother has worked relentlessly to afford our tutoring and extracurricular activities. She would spend countless hours practicing piano with me, exemplifying her unwavering dedication to our success, even when she was tired or unwell. I owe all my achievements to her.

When I first started schooling, I lacked confidence in my studies due to language barriers, however I excelled in music, specifically piano. Despite my musical talent, I realized it wasn't my lifelong passion. My initial interest in STEM was realised in Yr. 4 science by a very encouraging teacher. Since, I have developed a passion for technology and an aptitude for mathematics in middle school, but it wasn’t until my senior years that I uncovered a fascination for physics and astronomical subjects, sparked by my enthusiastic physics teacher, which eventually led to my passion for engineering. I found joy in problem-solving as someone full of curiosity, keen to finding my place in a male dominated field, however, didn’t pursue STEM earlier due to my focus on music. Now, my passion lies in space engineering, especially in space-travel technology.

I am most looking forward to gaining hands-on experience and learning with professional machinery and tools while studying STEM at university. This practical exposure will not only deepen my understanding of theoretical concepts but also prepare me for real-world applications in my field. Engaging with advanced equipment and technology will allow me to develop essential skills, enhance my problem-solving abilities, and build a strong foundation for a successful career in engineering and the space industry.

What job do you hope to pursue after graduating from university?

After graduating from university, I hope to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. I have a deep passion for space and space travel, particularly research into new planets and intergalactic exploration. It would be an honour to be part of a team whose research could contribute to the evolution of human movement in space. My dream is to work with NASA and eventually establish my own company, where I can continue to innovate and push the boundaries of aerospace technology.

Tianfei Ren has received the Women of STEM scholarship.