Maddison Berkovic is a final-year Mining Engineering (Honours) student at the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) in Kalgoorlie, with a strong passion for leadership, mine safety and the future of the resources industry. Alongside her studies and industry experience, Maddy is the President and Founder of the WASM Wolves Mine Rescue Team and has served as Vice President of the AusIMM Kalgoorlie Student Chapter. She is actively involved in the Women of WASM community, represents WASM through the Wombats Mining Games, and plays for the WASM football team. Outside university, Maddison spends much of her time working underground, developing a practical understanding of mining operations alongside her engineering studies. She also tutors STEM, supporting younger students and encouraging greater engagement with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As she approaches graduation, Maddison hopes to combine her technical experience, leadership and commitment to community to contribute positively to the future of the Australian mining industry.

Joshua Noonan is a Mining Engineering student at the University of Wollongong (UOW) with industry experience across underground mining, consulting and project engineering. He has worked for GHD as a consultant and Huon Contractors as an Undergraduate Project Engineer and he is currently working with Alkane Resources as a Graduate Mining Engineer. His technical interests focus on underground hard rock mining, drill and blast optimisation, mine ventilation engineering, and applying data analytics and digital technologies to improve mining safety and operarational performance. Joshua's current research as part of his undergraduate thesis investigates ventilation demand factors, airborne contaminant exposure, and digital optimisation strategies in underground mining environments, with a particular focus on diesel particulate matter and respirable crystalline silica exposure. He is passionate about developing innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions that improve worker health, operational efficiency, and the future performance of the mining industry.