Former Margaret River Independent School (MRIS) student Josh Loyd has taken out the 2020 CSRIO Indigenous STEM Award.
Now living in Melbourne, Loyd was recognised for his contributions to Indigenous education programs.
A proud Wajarri Yamatji, Loyd grew up in Margaret River and started his schooling at MRIS, then known as Nyindamurra Family School, in 1994.
As part of the award, Loyd will return to Margaret River to present a community event.
"I would love to bring CSRIO back to Nyindamurra and showcase some of the amazing work the school does to connect its students with the Wadandi culture," he said.
Loyd holds a bachelor's degree in engineering (Civil and Environmental) and currently works as a senior advisor, in a pioneering team of Indigenous professionals, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and designs into some of Australia's most iconic infrastructure projects.
Loyd said he strongly believes that Indigenous traditional knowledge and perspectives will provide the foundations for addressing some of the most pressing global issues, like climate change, diminishing biodiversity, and urbanisation.