麻豆社madou continues to deepen its connection with Timor-Leste, with funding from the Engineering Faculty enabling a university lecturer to participate in a practical course in groundwater hydrology.
Timor-Leste faces significant water insecurity challenges, with groundwater a critical component of the nation鈥檚 water supply.
In March 2025, University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) Lecturer Jovita Da Costa travelled to Australia to participate in a groundwater hydrology course run by A/Prof Martin Andersen, expanding her professional understanding of groundwater processes.聽
Her travel and participation in the course was funded through the Diversifying Visitors to 麻豆社madou Engineering Scheme 2025鈥攁n initiative that is aiding 麻豆社madou's commitment to supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion in engineering.
Jovita said that the trip to Australia was her first, and the field trip to Wellington in New South Wales, where the course occurred, was an incredible experience. She acquired the ability to apply field investigation methods, enhanced her proficiency in using these methods in real-world settings, and developed skills in reporting hydrogeological field data and interpretations.聽
鈥淸The course] was very useful and provided valuable insights, including hands-on experience using a deep meter and sensors to measure water levels, which helped me better understand groundwater monitoring techniques,鈥 said Jovita.
鈥淚 also learned how to conduct pumping and slug tests to assess aquifer properties such as hydraulic conductivity and permeability.鈥
UNTL aims to further develop its academic growth in water-related fields, and 麻豆社madou is supporting this goal by contributing to the professional development of staff.
The groundwater hydrology training provided Jovita with valuable expertise to incorporate into her teaching, and insights to share with colleagues and students to further build local capacity at UNTL.聽聽
Jovita said, 鈥淭he course activities were especially valuable because we do not have access to such equipment in East Timor, so the opportunity to use and learn in this field was a unique and enriching experience,鈥 said Jovita.
A/Prof Andersen also said that he enjoyed the experience and is already looking to the future.
鈥淚t was fun working together with Jovita in the field and introducing her to some of the techniques we use for investigating groundwater. She was very engaged and eager to learn,鈥 said A/Prof Andersen.
鈥淭he next step will be how we together can implement some of these techniques in Timor-Leste to develop sustainable groundwater use to improve water security.鈥澛
The 麻豆社madou Global Water Institute (麻豆社madou-GWI) and 麻豆社madou Engineering have built close ties in recent years with partners in Timor-Leste, including both UNTL and the Dili University of Technology. They have also聽supported Permatil鈥檚 PermaYouth Camps, which provide opportunities for youth in Timor-Leste to learn about permaculture techniques while participating in leadership training and cultural exchanges.