Reflections from EngFest: When Industry Challenges Become Research Opportunities
This learning and teaching post is authored by Dr Tariq Aziz | Lecturer in Engineering
This year’s EngFest offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on what engineering education looks like when learning extends beyond the classroom. While the event celebrated innovative student projects and industry collaboration, what stood out to me most was seeing students at different stages of their professional journey, all contributing to the engineering community in meaningful ways.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an engineering academic is seeing students realise that research is not separate from engineering practice; it is an integral part of it. At the EngFest, one of the highlights for me was watching my Master’s thesis students present their research through oral presentations and research posters. These students are professional cadet engineers employed in industry, and their research is centred on real engineering challenges they encounter in their workplaces. Rather than investigating hypothetical case studies, they are generating evidence-based solutions to genuine industry problems while contributing new knowledge to the profession.
Presenting their work at EngFest gave them an opportunity to communicate their research to academics, industry representatives and fellow students. Beyond showcasing technical outcomes, it strengthened their confidence, challenged them to explain complex ideas clearly and reinforced the importance of sharing knowledge with the wider engineering community.
Image inset left: EngFest Poster Presentation. Source: Dr Tariq Aziz, copyright 2026
It was rewarding to see them recognise that they were not simply completing a degree, but making a meaningful contribution to engineering practice. This philosophy aligns closely with my broader research theme, Waste to Worth, where we investigate sustainable construction materials that transform industrial waste into valuable engineering resources. Research has the greatest impact when it is grounded in real-world needs, developed through collaboration with industry, and shared with the wider community.
Image inset right: EngFest Poster Presentation. Source: Dr Tariq Aziz, copyright 2026
Another moment that left a lasting impression was the Career Expo. Many of our engineering cadets were representing the organisations where they work and complete their industry placements. Seeing students confidently speaking on behalf of their employers and engaging with prospective students demonstrated just how much they had grown professionally. They were no longer simply learners – they had become trusted ambassadors for their organisations and the engineering profession.
Image: EngFest Career Expo. Source: Dr Tariq Aziz, copyright 2026
Experiences like these continue to shape my own teaching philosophy. They reinforce my belief that the most meaningful learning happens when students engage with authentic engineering challenges, collaborate with industry and communicate their ideas beyond the university. Whether through undergraduate design projects or postgraduate research, these opportunities help students develop not only technical capability, but also confidence, professionalism and a strong sense of purpose.
Looking across EngFest, I was reminded that engineering education is about far more than teaching technical concepts. Our role as educators is to create opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, contribute to industry, engage in research and grow into confident engineering professionals. Seeing that journey unfold throughout EngFest was both inspiring and a powerful reminder of why authentic, industry-connected learning matters.
Dr Tariq Aziz works across Civil and Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on sustainable construction materials and waste-derived concrete systems.
