Western Australia, 31 March 2022 – For the second year running, Lockheed Martin Australia and Edith Cowan University (ECU) are delighted to announce two of ECU’s brightest minds, Alyssa Booth and George Shomali, have been awarded Lockheed Martin Australia’s student achievement prizes for 2021. The prizes form part of a three-year partnership with ECU to nurture Australia’s next generation of computer science experts.

Proudly, Alyssa Booth was awarded the Lockheed Martin Australia Women in Computing and Security Award; and George Shomali was awarded the Lockheed Martin Australia Computer Science Award recognising excellence across the fields of computer science and cyber.

The ECU graduates were delighted to receive the Lockheed Martin Australia awards.

Alyssa Booth, one of ECU’s top 100 students in 2021, first became interested in advanced computing in Year 10. Alyssa said, “I love the endless possibilities of programming and the challenge of finding a solution and using my creativity to enhance the final product.” Further she said, “The degree challenged me to tackle complex computing concepts. With the support of my family and ongoing determination, it’s incredible to have been recognised by this award.”

As a young child, George Shomali has always been fascinated by how technology and computer science can shape the world. George said, “Witnessing the impacts that technological vulnerabilities can have on critical processes and infrastructure inspired me to choose computer science, so I can mitigate potential cyber threats and protect our way of life.” He said, “The award is a testament to the effort, perseverance and dedication throughout my studies. Being recognised for this achievement motivates me to strive further afield.”

Lockheed Martin Australia’s AIR6500 Capture Manager, Kendell Kuczma, commended the students and said, “I congratulate Alyssa and George on their remarkable achievement of demonstrating excellence within computer science.”

“We are honoured to partner with Edith Cowan University, and universities across the country to grow Australia’s future STEM workforce needed to shape, deliver and sustain our nation’s cyber security initiatives.”

Professor Paul Haskell-Dowland, Associate Dean for Computing and Security in the School of Science at ECU, said “It’s terrific to continue our partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia in rewarding our high performing computer science and cyber students. These awards recognise the significant accomplishment and high calibre of our student cohort.”

In 2020, in support of ECU’s School of Science annual Prize Giving Award Ceremony, Lockheed Martin Australia donated $13,500 in prize money for three years to recognise top performing students in computer science and cyber.

Lockheed Martin Australia is committed to creating opportunities for high-skilled, STEM entry level candidates by employing more than 94 Early Career employees, equating to nearly 8% of the company’s workforce across Australia.

About Lockheed Martin Australia

Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1,200 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors. For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.au

About Edith Cowan University

Edith Cowan University’s School of Science offers a range of courses in the areas of Science, Mathematics, Computing and Security. ECU is recognised as a leader in cyber security research. ECU’s cyber security research and education team is one of the best in Australia and one of the top 10 globally. In 2017 ECU was recognised by the Australian Federal Government as one of just two Academic Centres of Cyber Security Excellence in Australia, and the only one in WA. ECU also plays a key role in the Federal Government funded $50 million Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre, headquartered at the ECU Joondalup Campus, WA.

Media Contact:

Stacey Ward, stacey.l.ward@lmco.com, +61 439 369 305