When Monika Eyer (BPhil (Hons) ‘24) isn’t creating drones or mastering the intricacies of progressive metal, she’s likely teaching sailing, troubleshooting capital projects or dissecting the signal processing software that powers her bass guitar. For this self-professed metalhead and recipient of the Western Power Scholarship for Women in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the question has always been “how can I do it all?”
Growing up with physicist parents, Monika developed an early fascination with understanding “how the magic works”. That curiosity didn’t lead her down a single path, instead it exploded into a kaleidoscope of pursuits that might exhaust most people. But Monika isn’t like most; her life ethos being to “cram in as much activity and knowledge as humanly possible, and then find room for more”, with the bass guitar serving as a catalyst for exploring complexity.
Under the tutelage of Scott Kay from local Perth band Voyager, Monika discovered a musical curiosity and open-mindedness that would genuinely shape her life. Determined to master the technical demands of progressive metal (and Plini’s fiendishly challenging song “Cascade”), Monika decided to pursue ATAR Music, followed by her music major and engineering degree at The University of Western Australia.
Inspired by Voyager’s frontman – and UWA alumnus – Danny Estrin (LLB, BA '04), a lawyer by day and touring rockstar by night, Monika realised pursuing both music and engineering to the highest level were not mutually exclusive dreams.
The combination of skills and experience gained through her double major is now Monika’s superpower: discipline and time management required in her music major strengthen her engineering work; musicology units hone her writing and research capabilities; while her engineering studies give a newfound appreciation for electronics – especially the gadgets she uses as a musician – and enable her to repair and troubleshoot her own equipment.
Today, Monika plays bass in Perth-based band Milkyway and various jazz ensembles, somehow balancing it all with her academic studies, casual job, and giving sailing lessons. It’s the kind of multi-dimensional endeavour the energy sector is seeking in its future leaders – and what Monika’s scholarship has been designed to support.
With women making up just 14 per cent of engineers in Australia in 2024, the Western Power Scholarship for Women in Electrical and Electronic Engineering actively supports women in STEM to help pave the way for equity in the industry. Its program recognises that tomorrow’s engineering leaders won’t just be technically proficient, they will be creative problem-solvers who can bridge disciplines, challenge assumptions, broaden horizons and motivate others. Monika embodies each of these qualities.
“I am super grateful to Western Power for their support of me and their broader commitment to supporting women in STEM,” Monika said. “I’ve been very lucky throughout my life, to have been exposed to women doing awesome things, from my mum, who’s a scientist, to (guitarist) Simone Dow rocking out in Voyager, and my co-workers and friends. I hope that the past and future scholarship recipients and I will be able to stand on the shoulders of these ladies who came before and be a similar inspiration to the next generation of little Monikas.”
Since 2018, Western Power has been actively supporting women in engineering, building upon their support and sponsorship of scholarships and prizes since 2007, in line with its commitment to equity, inclusion and future proofing.
As Monika steps into the growing talent pool armed with her expertise, creative thinking, and infectious enthusiasm for learning, she represents a new generation of engineers that refuses to be confined by convention. The future of engineering, and progressive metal, looks bright (and loud).