Hannah Rowe, 2 November, 2023 | Elke Frecklington, QUT's Outstanding Bachelor of Information Technology student
At QUT IT and Games Showcase held on 1 November, Beau Tydd (Chair) and Holly Bretherton from the Australian Computer Society presented their award to QUT’s outstanding Bachelor of Information Technology student, Elke Frecklington.
Beau said “Elke is such a deserving winner of the ACS QUT Student Prize, now in its third year. As the peak professional body for the tech community, ACS looks forward to working with and supporting Elke in her emerging tech career.”
Elke was awarded for her contribution to both QUT and the information technology profession while maintaining a high level of academic achievement. Elke thanked, “her parents, high school teachers and academics at QUT”, for supporting her success.
Elke embarked on her academic journey at QUT while still in high school. She was among the first participants in the START QUT (STEM Intensive) program, where she excelled in the inaugural girls-only unit, ‘The Design of Computer Systems’.
Leigh Ferguson, Stuartholme School Leader of Learning – Technologies, and one of Elke’s former teachers, attended the award presentation and commented, “When students such as Elke take up these opportunities, they slowly transform into independent, confident, self-motivated, and driven young people. Elke is exceptionally talented – this award is testament to her dedication and commitment to excelling in this area.”
Elke’s commitment has also extended beyond the STEM Intensive program. As a QUT student she has regularly engaged with classmates and academics and made valuable contributions to the Gender Equity study of the School of Computer Science in August 2023.
Elke Frecklington receiving award from Beau Tydd (Chair), Australian Computer Society
Additionally, she has played a significant role in the Design of Computers Systems STEM Intensive unit by serving as an ambassador, connecting with local high schools and contributing as a tutor for the Introduction to Computer Systems unit. Her efforts align with her commitment to support and inspire young girls to explore STEM and IT pathways.
QUT Professor Paul Roe, Head of School, Computer Science said, “Throughout her time in the program, Elke consistently demonstrated her dedication and engagement, actively collaborating with peers, delivering engaging presentations and fostering warm relationships with her fellow students through peer support and co-learning.”
Elke’s involvement in QUT Women in Technology activities and her successful internship at Deswik, further underscore her dedication and passion for the field.
L - R : Professor Paul Roe (QUT Head of School, Computer Science), Holly Bretherton (ACS), Beau Tydd (ACS), Elke Frecklington, Deb Frecklington MP, Jason Frecklington and Leigh Ferguson (Stuartholme School Leader of Learning – Technologies)
Your IT and Games career starts here
Demand for IT and games development professionals is growing at an unmatched pace in many industries. Explore exciting options the QUT has to offer, including new vertical double degree where you could graduate with a Bachelor of Information Technology and Master of Data Analytics in four years.
