Dhanya Paulson
Current Employment: I am currently employed as a Principal Engineer at AECOM in Sydney, working within the Bridges and Structures team. I contribute to major infrastructure projects across Australia, delivering structural solutions for complex transport developments. In addition to design work, I am also involved in asset management projects across various sectors.
Career History: I started my career in UAE in 2008, worked until 2021 before relocating to Australia. I started with building projects, then progressed to infrastructure including bridges and construction support roles. I’ve contributed to several iconic developments, including stadiums and station roofs, gaining broad experience in complex structural engineering projects.
Election Statement:
I am a Principal Structural Engineer at AECOM with industry experience since 2008 and a member of IStructE since 2015. I have served on regional committees in both the UAE and Australia since 2019, gaining valuable insight into the diverse needs of our international membership.
My key goals include promoting IStructE in my region, increasing membership, encouraging chartership, and supporting early-career engineers through technical talks and mentorship. I am committed to building a collaborative and supportive structural engineering community that empowers members and contributes to shaping a better built environment.
One of my key motivations for standing in this election is to actively support the ongoing renewal of the mutual recognition agreement between Engineers Australia and IStructE chartership. With my direct experience in both the UAE and Australia, I am well-positioned to represent the interests of members working outside the UK and advocate for greater global alignment
Q1: How will you contribute to achieving the Institution’s objects and strategy?
I will contribute to achieving the Institution’s objectives and strategy by actively promoting structural engineering excellence, fostering professional development, and expanding global engagement.
With experience across both the UAE and Australia regional committees, I understand the importance of strengthening the Institution’s global presence. I will work to increase awareness and visibility of IStructE in underrepresented regions, helping to grow membership and support professional recognition.
I am committed to encouraging more members to pursue chartership by organizing accessible technical events, mentorship opportunities, and knowledge-sharing sessions. This aligns with the Institution’s aim to support lifelong learning and raise professional standards.
Additionally, I will advocate for the renewal of mutual recognition agreements, such as that with Engineers Australia, to support international mobility and broaden professional recognition for our members.
Through collaboration and outreach, I aim to help build a diverse, inclusive, and forward-looking Institution that supports engineers at every stage of their careers.
Q2: What specific skills & experience will you bring to the role?
I bring over 15 years of global structural engineering experience, currently serving as a Principal Structural Engineer at AECOM. My professional journey spans diverse markets, having worked in both the UAE and Australia, which gives me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by structural engineers in different regional contexts.
As a Chartered Member of IStructE since 2020 and an active regional committee member since 2019 (in both UAE and Australia), I have a strong track record of engaging with members, organizing technical events, and mentoring aspiring engineers. This experience has sharpened my leadership, communication, and collaborative skills, essential qualities for representing and advocating on behalf of the membership.
I am particularly focused on global professional recognition, such as contributing to the ongoing renewal of the mutual recognition agreement with Engineers Australia.
Q3: Describe any Institution activity/knowledge both regional and global (please include dates where possible):
I have been actively involved with IStructE at both regional and global levels. From 2019 to 2021, I served as a regional committee member in the UAE as IStructE Abu Dhabi representative, where I supported member engagement and professional development.
Since 2021, I have been a member of the IStructE Australia Regional Committee as the NSW representative. In this role, I have organized numerous technical talks to promote continuous learning and increase the Institution’s visibility in the region.
I have actively promoted IStructE’s regional presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn, helping to engage a broader audience. I have also mentored several candidates preparing for the Chartered Membership Examination, supporting their journey to professional accreditation.
Additionally, I have collaborated with other institutions, including ICE, to co-host events, an experience that has broadened my understanding of cross-institutional engagement and provided insights that can help strengthen IStructE’s regional and global outreach.