USQ Senior Lecturer in computing Dr Penny de Byl has been recognised for her achievements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Queensland Government Smart Women-Smart State Awards.

Dr de Byl won the Smart Women-Smart State award in the Women in the Community/Public Sector - Information and Communication Technology category for work on the ALIVE project, which integrates Web3D technology into course delivery to enhance the online higher education experience.

'I was elated that I won and honoured to be in the group of other finalists and amongst remarkable women,' Dr de Byl said.

'The ALIVE project is something that I have been working on since 2005, so it is great that an initiative of mine is receiving this recognition.'

As part of the award, which was sponsored by the Queensland Government’s Department of Communities, Dr de Byl received $2,500.

Two other outstanding women from the University were also named finalists, with Dr Aileen Cater-Steel highly commended in the Women in the Community/Public Sector - Information and Communication Technology category. PhD student Lindy McKeown was a finalist and highly commended in the Postgraduate students – Information and Communication Technology section.

USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Lovegrove passed on his congratulations to the three women, adding that the result was an important recognition of the outstanding contribution women make to the University.

'All three women must be congratulated, but in particular Dr de Byl whose innovative work within ICT has been formally recognised with this award,' Professor Lovegrove said.

'At USQ we have many women who are undertaking important research and making significant contributions to the University and the community, and it is great that they are receiving the accolades that they deserve.'

Meanwhile, USQ graduate Anne Lavers was also celebrating after winning the Women in Industry/Business – Engineering category for her work on the Ross River Dam Upgrade Project.

The Smart Women-Smart State Awards were established by the Queensland Government to put the focus on women and girls in the traditionally male-dominated fields of science, engineering and ICT.