Premier integrated infrastructure firm AECOM will award a $5,000 scholarship ($2,500 per year for two years) to James Cook University (JCU) 2nd year Engineering student Nicoline Thomson, the first female recipient.

The annual scholarship was first awarded in 2008 to honour the life, academic achievements and outstanding contribution to the engineering profession made by Dr Jonathan Harris, alumni of James Cook University and former AECOM employee who in 2007, passed away tragically at the age of just 44.

According to Shayne Hanran, who studied Engineering at JCU and now leads AECOM’s North Queensland and Northern Territory region, Nicoline’s selection reflected her strong grade point average and the fact she embodies AECOM’s desire to build a better world.

“We are delighted Nicoline has accepted the scholarship and that we can help support someone who we believe will make a huge impact on the engineering profession and the wider community,” said Mr. Hanran.

As part of the scholarship, Nicoline will also undertake a period of work experience at AECOM, so she can get a feel for the type of projects she could be working on once she graduates.”

“Engineers often talk about leaving a legacy through their work, whether it is an invention or a piece of infrastructure like a bridge, road or railway,” continued Hanran. “This scholarship is in recognition of Dr Jonathan Harris, whose many achievements left a lasting impact on his friends, family, people he worked with and alongside, and the broader profession.”

AECOM’s Executive General Manager – Operations, Australia & New Zealand, Richard Barrett said, “I completed my engineering degree at James Cook University and was privileged enough to work with Dr Harris while he was at AECOM. Each time we award the scholarship, I am reminded of what a great leader he was within our business, as well as a mentor to future engineers through his work at JCU.

Nicoline will officially receive her scholarship at a morning tea hosted by Shayne Hanran at AECOM’s office in Townsville on Friday, 20 November 2015. The event will be attended by Dr Nonie Harris, the wife of the late Dr Jonathan Harris, Nicoline’s family and representatives from James Cook University.

Mr. Barrett continued, “I’m proud to say that the scholarship program has helped a number of young professionals make a start in the engineering sector, with half of the previous recipients currently building their careers at AECOM.”

Three previous recipients of the Dr Jonathan Harris Scholarship who are current AECOM employees are:

• Stephen Adam commenced with AECOM on 18 January 2010 as a graduate in the Townsville office and is currently a Tailings Engineer based in AECOM’s Perth office.
• Frank Fernando commenced with AECOM on 10 February 2014 and is a Graduate Civil Engineer based in AECOM’s Cairns office.
• Michael Preston is due to start in AECOM’s Brisbane office as a Graduate Civil Engineer on 18 January 2016, having previously worked in both the Mackay and Townsville offices.

About Dr. Jonathan Harris

Jonathan grew up in Tasmania where his academic potential was evident from an early age. In 1980 Jonathan graduated his senior year as Dux of The Don College in Devonport. He then moved to Townsville where he completed an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at James Cook University in 1986, receiving First Class Honours and a University Medal. Along the way Jonathan was the recipient of many awards including the Allan Knight Prize for 2nd year engineering results, the Thomas Normyle Prize for 2nd year engineering results, the Kern Prize in Civil and Systems Engineering, and the Local Government Engineers Association of Queensland Prize.

Jonathan subsequently undertook graduate studies at Stanford University in California, receiving a Master of Science degree in Water Resources Engineering and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Fluid Mechanics. Returning to Australia in 1992 Jonathan worked as a Research Fellow at the G.K. Williams Cooperative Research Centre for Extractive Metallurgy in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Melbourne before returning to Townsville in 1994 to take up a position as lecturer and later senior lecturer in the School of Engineering at James Cook University. Jonathan spent a total of 6 years in these roles, making a significant contribution to research and the development and learning of staff and students during this time.

Jonathan left James Cook University in 2000 to take up a Senior Engineering Position with AECOM (then Maunsell AECOM) in Townsville. Here Jonathan excelled in business and engineering practice, moving quickly to the position of Associate Director – Environment. As his career progressed with AECOM Jonathan never lost his passion for intellectual pursuits and he continued to publish academic papers. He also contributed passionately to the technical development of graduates within the AECOM business.

About AECOM

AECOM is built to deliver a better world. We design, build, finance and operate infrastructure assets for governments, businesses and organizations in more than 150 countries. As a fully integrated firm, we connect knowledge and experience across our global network of experts to help clients solve their most complex challenges. From high-performance buildings and infrastructure, to resilient communities and environments, to stable and secure nations, our work is transformative, differentiated and vital. A Fortune 500 firm, AECOM companies had revenue of approximately US$18 billion during the 12 months ended September 30, 2015. See how we deliver what others can only imagine at aecom.com and @AECOM.