Understanding the past to create the future: Meet Tori Tasker

Tori Tasker started her career digging up ancient bones as a budding archeologist. Today, she’s part of a select team in Adelaide working as a systems engineer for Boeing’s E-7A Wedgetail.

“I never thought I’d go from analysing prehistoric remains to aerospace technology,” said Tasker.

“There are unexpected crossovers though. Both areas require highly critical thinking, being meticulous and learning how things evolve. Understanding the origins of our past and creating technology for our future have interestingly the same foundational principles.”

Tasker also enjoys problem solving and working collaboratively to integrate different viewpoints, especially in her current role.

Her journey to Boeing was marked by a gradual ascent: a masters in Museum Studies, working in the space sector in the United Kingdom and joining the Australian Space Agency before completing a master’s degree in Space Systems Engineering.

“The more I was involved in the space industry, the more I loved it and wanted to immerse myself in the technical side,” said Tasker.

Tasker also used her multifaceted skills as a STEM Ambassador – judging at this year’s Australian Rover Challenge, an annual lunar robotics competition hosted by the University of Adelaide, which attracts more than 500 students globally.

In her third year attending the Challenge, Tasker was eager to support students in their passionate endeavours.

“It’s so inspiring because students from across Australia take on challenges that the best engineers in the world are currently facing, and I really want to support their career path – no matter where they’ve started.”