Melanie Bok

Mel is working for 6 months with the Sri Lankan School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (SLSPO, sister school of CSPO). Mel has been a long term member of EWB and active with the VIC Chapter.

Melanie Bok is helping develop the maths, mechanics and materials science courses at the Sri Lankan School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (SLSPO),. After spending time in Cambodia 3 years before at the sister school CSPO, she is keen to use teaching and learning theory and her knowledge of engineering and development to nurture students' talents, as well as help lay down some helpful tools for the school and staff to go from strength to strength.

Mel started life as a 1-celled organism but eventually moved on to bigger things. She studied biomechanical engineering at Monash Uni and practices mechanical engineering in the oil field as well as being active in the EWB Victorian Chapter. She continues to search for ways to meet the challenge of sustainability whilst addressing the complex environmental, economic and social issues of our time.

I have a great desire to return to developing countries to work with partners who are making a real difference in local communities.

I have a tertiary qualification (Bachelor) in Engineering and Science (Physiology) and completed a Biomechanics of Human Musculoskeletal Systems 4th year elective subject and a Final Year Project in a Fluid Mechanics topic closely linked to Tissue Engineering.

I have previously undertaken a mechanics teaching role at CSPO (in Cambodia) which required detailed understanding of mechanical concepts such as forces, stress and moments, as well as communication of complex ideas to students from various skill levels and backgrounds. In Cambodia I assisted the lead EWB volunteer and the local teacher in lesson planning and materials preparation (development/improvement of lectures and tutorials), and delivered lectures on various occasions.

I also lived and worked doing another volunteer role in Cambodia at Yodifee bringing the total time living and working in Cambodia to 2 ½ months.

I participated in volunteer work in Ecuador in 2001 and have been actively involved in volunteer roles in Australia for around 5 years.