Building the next generation of female surveyors

Honouring the exceptional life and trailblazing spirit of a woman who pioneered a path for others in the Surveying industry.

When Michelle began her career as a surveyor in the early 1990s, women were rarely seen working on construction sites. Women in tunnel surveying were rarer still.

For over 30 years, Michelle applied her technical excellence, spatial intelligence and genuine delight in her craft in incredibly demanding physical environments. Her work across the full range of civil construction – road tunnels, water tunnels, ocean tunnels, pipelines, pump stations, bridges, mines, locks, wharves and a sports stadium – was characterised by her warmth, wit and ability to get along with everyone on site.

Michelle was working in a profession that had been dominated by men, and in her early days was faced with challenges based purely on her gender. By pushing the norm, she cleared a path for the women who would come after her.

The industry is different now because of pioneers like Michelle Grose. The work that she did stands strong as a legacy for everyone who chooses surveying as their career, but most importantly, a new generation of female surveyors.

Michelle passed away in 2025, after battling illness and is greatly missed by the surveying profession and construction industry.

Created by the generosity of the surveying community and led by ESO Surveyors, the Michelle Grose Memorial Scholarship will provide financial support to female first and second year surveying students, encouraging them to follow Michelle’s footsteps into the profession.

Michelle Grose