Sarinova's story

'Engineering is a language for solving global challenges.'

Sarinova Simanjuntak is Associate Professor in Mechanics of Materials at ARU. She also leads the Centre for Engineering and Architectural Sustainability. Her work spans materials, sustainability, and inclusive engineering education.

From an early fascination with how things move and break, to championing hands-on learning and equity in STEM, Sarinova’s journey reflects both intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to widening participation in science and engineering.

Curiosity takes flight

Sarinova’s interest in engineering began early. 'Growing up, I was always fascinated by how things were made, how they can break, and how things could move or fly,' she recalls. That curiosity developed further at school, where a love of mathematics met an appreciation for creativity and design.

'I loved mathematics, but I also loved ‘pretty things’,' she says. 'That combination led me towards physics and materials – understanding how mathematical principles show up in the real, tangible world.'

A powerful influence throughout her journey has been her mother, who studied architecture but was unable to complete her degree due to family commitments. 'She kept showing her passion for problem solving and design,' Sarinova says. 'Her motto was always make things happen – be organised and never give up. She was my earliest role model and mentor.'

Engineering as a living, inclusive discipline

Today, Sarinova is inspired by the multiscale nature of materials engineering, from nano and micro structures through to large-scale applications that underpin critical infrastructure.

What excites her most is how the field is evolving, particularly our growing ability to predict and monitor material behaviour to create safer, more sustainable systems.

Asked what she would tackle with unlimited resources, Sarinova’s ambitions extend beyond a single technical challenge. Instead, she envisions a transformation of engineering itself:

Central to this vision is a commitment to learning by doing – making engineering education more hands-on, accessible, and welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds and ways of thinking. Sarinova is particularly passionate about recognising neurodiversity and dismantling educational models that can unintentionally exclude talented students.

Supporting women and girls in science

Despite progress, Sarinova believes significant barriers remain for women in engineering. One of the most persistent is the lack of visible role models in senior technical and leadership roles.

'When young women don’t see themselves represented in the rooms where critical engineering decisions are made, it can feel like the field isn’t for them,' she notes. This is often accompanied by the emotional burden of feeling judged or needing to prove oneself repeatedly in male-dominated spaces.

Creating environments where women’s expertise is recognised 'by default, not by exception' is essential, Sarinova says, not only for equity, but for the quality and impact of engineering itself.

Advice for the next generation

For young women and girls considering a career in engineering, Sarinova’s message is both practical and empowering:

Sarinova encourages students to embrace hands-on work, to persevere, and not to fear judgement. 'Engineering trains your mind to think methodically,' she says. 'That resilience, combined with curiosity and hard work, allows you to solve the world’s most complex problems.'

As we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Sarinova’s story is a reminder of what matters.

Representation matters.

Inclusive education matters.

And the future of engineering depends on the voices and perspectives we choose to uplift today.