The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has just awarded its 2019 International Women’s Day (IWD) Scholarship to Fiona Lamari, Lecturer in Construction Project Management at the Queensland University of Technology.
According to NAWIC National Board Director Bridgeen Rocks the IWD Scholarship is one of the most significant programs NAWIC offers its members.
“The scholarship enables research and practical recommendations to improve and enrich our lives. This research must be shared, debated and adopted. Creating an equitable property and construction industry in which women fully participate,” she said.
“We have contributed $200,000 to improving the industry with practical recommendations that have had impact. The IWD Scholarship embodies the values that we as NAWIC volunteers and members hold true – we celebrate women, we are bold and brave, we care and connect, we advocate for change.”
This year Fiona Lamari was awarded the scholarship for her research proposal ‘Engagement with Regional School Students through Virtual Construction Site Tour ‐ an Immersive Experience’ which aims to promote the exciting and diverse careers in the construction industry to female high school students through virtual reality.
Fiona’s research will enable students to step onto a construction site and experience a high-rise building being developed. Her study will also measure the effectiveness of virtual reality as an engagement strategy for regional female high‐school students.
At the NAWIC NSW IWD Breakfast which was held at the CULT Design showroom last week, Fiona said she was thrilled to be the recipient of the scholarship.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to create an immersive experience for female high school students so they can take a peek at what goes on behind the gates on a construction site. I want to ignite their curiosity and have them walk away excited, wanting to find out more,” she commented.