MEMBER PROFILE
Zane Gomez Civil/Structural Engineer, Department of Transport and Main Roads
While completing an Associate degree in Civil Engineering at TAFE, Zane worked full-time with three engineering consulting firms. He then completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with First Class Honours from the Queensland University of Technology and now works in TMR’s Structures Design, Review and Standards team. What inspired you to study engineering, and civil in particular? My family and I have been fortunate enough to travel overseas where I have seen some of the most complex civil structures and manmade wonders of the world. As a child, I was in awe of the Burj Khalifa, Taj Mahal, and Autobahn. I still marvel at the engineering behind these constructions today. I was driven by curiosity to understand the mechanisms behind them, which inspired me to undertake STEM in high school and progress to Engineering in my tertiary years. What was your Honours thesis, and have you had an opportunity to consider it further in the workplace? My Honours thesis was on the characterisation of 3D printed Auxetic Materials and Composites. My research was specifically focused on the behaviour of 3D Printed Reentrant Chiral Auxetic (RCA) Geometries under In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Loadings. My
24
supervisor, Dr Tatheer Zahra, published a paper on this topic with the help of my research and development of the geometries. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to explore this topic in my career as yet. However, I look forward to the possibility of progressing this research further when I return to university to complete my Masters.
dedicate myself towards making a difference in the community. I have great pride in seeing my projects serve the public as I was born and raised in Queensland. Likewise, I have achieved personal satisfaction in knowing that my work can help the lives of Queenslanders and visitors of our great state.
Why did you choose the public works sector?
What didn’t they tell you at university which you had to quickly learn on the job?
My mother is a vital part of our local community and has emphasised the importance of giving back. As such, I chose the public works sector as I wanted to
I have learnt to recognise areas of improvement within myself. There is always room to develop knowledge and skills to work more efficiently. I
ENGINEERING FOR PUBLIC WORKS | MARCH 2022
