Iris Landy is currently completing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) and a Master of Biomedical Engineering at the University of New South Wales, with an expected graduation at the end of 2029. With a long-standing passion for mathematics and science, Iris chose to pursue a dual pathway that combines both mechanical and biomedical engineering.
This passion has extended into significant involvement with the Rehabilitation Engineering Society at UNSW. The Society focuses on bringing students, academics and professionals to design and prototype assistive technologies in collaboration with people with disabilities. Their work focuses on creating innovative, affordable solutions, such as mobility aids and adapted toys with strong collaboration between engineering and medical disciplines. After contributing to one of the Society's major projects in 2025, Iris was elected President at the end of that year.
As part of this work, Iris contributed to the development of a Braille Press Printer for visually impaired children in the Solomon Islands. Now as President of the society, Iris now oversees the continuation of this project, along with others.In addition to project leadership, Iris facilitates a range of workshops, including switch-adapted toy and fidget toy workshops, as well as introductory sessions that support first year students in developing key software and skills required for their degree.
Outreach initiatives also extend to primary and secondary school students, helping to inspire future generations of engineers. Through this role, Iris has secured grant funding of $3,000 to deliver outreach workshops, present at various conferences and has also been appointed as a UNSW Engineering Ambassador.
Alongside academic and society commitments, Iris is actively involved in residential college life as an interstate student. Elected as Secretary of College at the end of 2025, Iris leads administrative operations, ensuring effective management of communications, membership records and official documentation are managed effectively. Iris has introduced several initiatives aimed at strengthening the college community, including new programs to support the transition of first-year students and foster stronger connections between cohorts. These initiatives have been widely recognised as successful and have contributed to a more inclusive and supportive environment. Iris has also played a key role in organising new events and activities, including planning Orientation Week for new residents to ensure their transition to college life felt more at ease.
In the years ahead, Iris is continuing to expand involvement in outreach and engagement activities, including an upcoming workshop for female high school students in Years 7–10 local Sydney. As a woman in engineering, Iris is particularly passionate about encouraging more young women to pursue pathways into engineering.
Reflecting on their time at QASMT, Iris credits the school with developing essential leadership, time management and interpersonal skills.
“Balancing roles as House Ambassador and later on as a House Captain alongside academic commitments and part-time work provided a strong foundation and success for university. The rigour of the International Baccalaureate program fostered resilience and adaptability, enabling a smooth transition to the demands of engineering study supporting continued success across academic, professional and leadership pursuits."