Prasad Aims High In Male-Dominated Field

Christine Prasad said while engineering is often considered a male-dominated field, she takes comfort in the fact that more women are also boldly pursuing similar fields.

The former Tilak High School student, originally from Lautoka, has been working as a Geotechnical Engineer for nine months at the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) Headquarters in Suva

“In Fiji, landslides along highway corridors is an ever-present hazard, often leading to road closures,” she said.

“Often these instabilities are triggered by heavy/prolonged rainfall. This was when I became interested in this field and pursued my geology degree further in engineering geology.”

Ms Prasad holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Otago, New Zealand, a Professional Master of Engineering Geology, and a Master of Science (by Research) in Engineering Geology from the University of Canterbury, also in New Zealand.

“In Fiji, we do not have the courses available in the university; hence I had to pursue my studies overseas through Government scholarships,” she said.

“I was blessed with supportive teachers, in particular the late Miss Elenoa Tamani. She encouraged me to apply for a Geology degree.

“My parents taught me the importance of education and hard work at a very young age. Enormous credit goes to them for where I am in my career.”

She said she hoped to become better at honing her profession and taking advantage of any opportunity to learn more and excel in her career.

“Work hard, opportunities are available in this field plus it is a fascinating work where there is a mix of indoor and outdoor works,” she said.

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