A Papua New Guinean graduate is playing a key role in shaping the future of women in engineering, returning to her alma mater to help deliver a major infrastructure project aimed at expanding opportunities for female students.

Grace Bisaun, a graduate of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT), has been involved in the construction of the university's new 100-bed female dormitory; an Australian Government-funded project designed to improve access to higher education for women pursuing careers in science, engineering and other technical fields.

Originally from East Sepik Province, Grace completed her schooling in Lae before enrolling at PNG UoT to study architecture and building.

During her fourth year, she undertook industrial training with the university's Estates and Services Team, where she witnessed the ground-breaking ceremony for the dormitory that she would later help bring to completion.

Now employed as a site clerk within the university's Project Office, Grace has supported the project throughout its construction, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey.

"I'm honoured and grateful for the opportunity to give back to the university and contribute to the development of its infrastructure.”

The new dormitory, funded through Australia's Incentive Fund, will provide safe and modern on-campus accommodation for female students, helping remove one of the barriers that often prevents young women from pursuing tertiary education away from home.

The facility is expected to support increased enrolment and graduation rates for women in engineering, science and other infrastructure-related disciplines, helping strengthen Papua New Guinea's future technical workforce.