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Careers in agricultural science Staff profile for students

Staff details Name: Mr Col Douglas Position: Plant Breeder (Pulses) Employer: Department of Employment,

Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI)

Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick

My qualifications/tertiary education Bachelor of Science (Honours), Biological

Sciences, University of Durham, UK Master of Science, Plant Genetic Resources,

University of Birmingham, UK

My story I really enjoyed Biology at school, it was by far my favourite subject. I lived in a rural area but was definitely a town kid and had no real links to the land. I remember being really enthusiastic about learning crop domestication, that is, how many of our crops are descended and bred from weeds, especially in the fertile crescent (Turkey, Iran, Iraq) as well as those bred by civilisations in South America and Asia thousands of years ago. This developed my interest in plant breeding and now large-scale agriculture. Old cultivars of crops and even wild relatives of crops are a vital resource in breeding new varieties with better yields, disease resistance and drought tolerance. I studied Biology at University and specialised in Botany. I developed my interest in plants, especially the field of Plant Genetic Resources. Plant Genetic Resources is valuing and maintaining old varieties, wild relatives of our grain crops, fruits and vegetables. Plant Breeders use this raw material to develop new cultivars with combinations of improved genes from different sources. I have learnt that a weed is just a plant in the wrong place and that all of our crops are domesticated from weeds.

After university I won a full fee scholarship from the European Social Fund to study for a Masters degree. I was part of a much smaller group of students (about twenty of us) from the UK, Spain, and all over Africa. I quickly worked out that Biology offered the best field trips. At University I was lucky enough to go on plant collecting trips in the Swiss Alps and also to western Turkey. I visited the ruins of the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus and also visited Gallipoli. I was head-down looking at plants rather than admiring the architecture and cultural importance of these places but I would love to go back one day. In Australia, our Department paid for me to go on a 10 day camping trip in western Queensland to collect wild relatives of cotton, sorghum, soybean and pigeonpea. These native species are distant relations to the crops we grow but could contain important genes for salt, heat and drought tolerance. Commercial and government funded plant breeding research is occurring all over the world improving the productivity of farms and food manufacturers. In the developing world research is improving the health and nutrition of families who grow small amounts of crops for their own consumption and basic needs. There are many excellent examples of international collaboration in agriculture between developed and developing countries. Through international

collaboration I have become even more motivated in my own job and keen to contribute personally. Such research is coordinated internationally with research institutes in developing countries and policy developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. There are many different aspects of this work and different roles. There is now recognition (Convention of Global Biodiversity) for recognising developing countries as providing the raw materials for the crops that are grown in developed countries like Australia. Philanthropists such as Rockefeller and now Bill and Melinda Gates are putting money into programs that develop scientists and agricultural workers in African and Asian countries through equitable sharing of knowledge, experience, technology as well as raw materials (germplasm – which is seeds, varieties or even genes).

About my job I have fifteen years experience in field crop evaluation, plant breeding and agronomic research. I studied in the UK and came to Australia as a backpacker and worked for a short time with CSIRO in pasture research. I worked for a pharmaceutical company in England breeding novel oilseed crops like Evening Primrose and Echium (which is the weed ‘Paterson’s Curse’ that infects pasture in NSW, Victoria and South Australia) - real proof that weeds are just a plant in the wrong place.

Experience and skills required for the job Sound understanding of plant genetics and

molecular techniques Writing skills – reports to funding bodies and

investors. Submission of new ideas. Solving problems, pursuing new ideas Supervision of a research team – planning,

negotiating, human resources Financial management and budgeting skills Interpersonal skills for team management and

motivation Communication skills – verbal, negotiation A colleague summed up what it is to run a research project recently when he said “It is a lot like running a small business”.

What I enjoy most about my career choice Most of all I love making a difference to people both in Australia and overseas. The varieties produced through my team’s work increase productivity of farms and businesses in Australia and provide a better quality product to markets overseas. I would like to do more work collaborating internationally and raise the profile and impact of DEEDI’s pulse research around the world.

I have a mix of outdoor and indoor work. Much less outdoor work than when I started 15 years ago but if I have had enough in the office – too many emails, phone calls and deadlines there is always work to do outside. In my case crops and the weather take priority over email

deadlines so it can be a great excuse to disappear and get a welcome change of environment. I am very much my own boss. No-one is looking over my shoulder. I have a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy working in the government but for the flexibility and sense of pride and satisfaction in my work that is shared with my colleagues this is a small price to pay.

What I enjoy least about my career choice I have to travel widely in the conduct of our field research trials and for lots of meetings - I don’t like being away from my wife and children. A big part of my role is justifying my work to investors - reporting, funding submissions. Lots of this can be repetitive and does not seem so productive but it is an important part of what I do.

Further information Helen Kamel, Principal Coordinator (External Funding)

R&D Coordination, Agri-Science Qld

P: 4688 1286 | M: 0417 624 972

Email: helen.kamel@deedi.qld.gov.au

Web: www.deedi.qld.gov.au

Customer Service Centre: 13 25 23

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Careers in agricultural science Staff profile for students

Staff details Name: Dr Emma Mace Position: Senior Research Scientist

(Biotechnology) Employer: Department of Employment,

Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI)

Hermitage Research Facility, Warwick

My qualifications/tertiary education BSc, University of Nottingham MSc, University of Birmingham PhD, University of Birmingham

My story Biology was my favourite subject at school, so I chose that as my degree subject during my Bachelors degree. I specialised in plant genetics subjects in my third year research project and then went on to do a Masters in Conservation and Utilisation of Plant Genetic Resources. On completing my Masters I was offered a PhD at the same University, specialising in plant genetics. In the final year of my PhD, I spent a lot of time writing letters and sending my cv to lots of different organisations/individuals who work in my field, in addition to applying for a few relevant jobs. My first job after completing my PhD was based in Kenya, working as a post-doctoral researcher in plant genetics. After this, I travelled to Brisbane to take up a post-doctoral research job at the University of Queensland. I later travelled to India where I worked for 2 years as a researcher, before returning to Australia to take up a research scientist role with the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI).

About my job I have 15 years experience in plant genetics and molecular breeding approaches. My job involves a lot of data management, analysis and interpretation, planning experiments, writing journal articles, presenting at national and international conferences, and discussions with work colleagues about research progress and work-plans

Experience and skills required for the job

Sound understanding of plant genetics and

molecular techniques

Advanced skills with relevant software (eg Microsoft Excel)

Writing skills Oral presentation skills Financial management

Interpersonal skills for team management and motivation

Communication skills

What I enjoy most about my career choice

Excitement and challenges of working in a fast-paced, constantly changing, field of science

Relationships developed with colleagues Opportunities for national and international

travel Opportunities for training junior staff/students Taking responsibility for, and being in control

of, my own time

What I enjoy least about my career choice

Very few. I enjoy all aspects of the science component of my work. The administrative components are probably the least enjoyable, e.g. keeping track of finances in projects. Other than that, I find my career choice very fulfilling.

Further information Helen Kamel Principal Coordinator (External Funding) R&D Coordination, Agri-science Queensland Phone 4688 1286 Mobile 0417 624 972 Email helen.kamel@deedi.qld.gov.au Website www.deedi.qld.gov.au Customer Service Centre 13 25 23

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Careers in agricultural science Staff profile for students

Staff details Name: Dr Graham Harris Position: Field Crops Extension Officer Employer: Department of Employment,

Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI)

Tor Street Centre, Toowoomba

My qualifications/tertiary education Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

(Honours), University of New England Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics,

University of New England Master of Economics, University of New

England Graduate Diploma in Rural Systems

Management, University of Queensland Graduate Certificate in Irrigation, Charles

Sturt University

My story Coming from a farming background I had a strong interest in crop and animal production, which coupled with my interest in Biology at school, prompted me to undertake the Bachelor in Science in Agriculture at the University of New England, Armidale. I have a strong rapport with the rural sector and at the completion of my studies in 1980 I was employed by the Department of Primary Industries as a District Extension Officer at Inglewood in southern Queensland. As an Extension Officer I have been based in Inglewood, Monto, Biloela and now Toowoomba. I have remained in this role for around 30 years but it has changed significantly over that period. Initially the role was based on working at a district

level where you were responsible for providing one-on-one advice to all agricultural sectors in your district. Now the role has become more specialised where we work with particular industries more broadly across Queensland and New South Wales to improve their productivity and profitability. I continue to work with farmers, graziers and their consultants to improve the profitability of their businesses and the sustainability of their operations.

About my job

My current role involves working with a team of irrigation researchers and extension staff to provide new tools and technologies that can be used to improve the efficiency of irrigation practices for broadacre crops. This has involved

working with irrigators and their consultants to improve irrigation practices in response to the limited water situation imposed by the Millennium drought. This work involves preparing project proposals for funding by external funding agencies, and implementing projects. The conduct of field trials, field days and the preparation of information products (booklets, factsheets, video, software tools) are all part of the work that is done. It also involves making presentations to landholders, consultants, researchers and extension peers.

Experience and skills required for the job Knowledge of agricultural systems and

economics Writing media releases and information

products Preparing spreadsheet tools Preparing and making presentations in

workshops, seminars and conferences Developing training packages Writing project proposals for research

funding Leading project team Managing projects Communicating with landholders,

consultants, agribusiness and research providers

Good time management is an essential skill

The most enjoyable thing about my career is the opportunity to work with a range of people and make a real difference in their business. This in turn benefits the community in which they live and the environment.

What I enjoy most about my career choice

New challenges are always arising and new innovations to address these technologies. Working with the agricultural sector to address these challenges effectively is one of the greatest enjoyments in this career.

What I enjoy least about my career choice The least enjoyable thing about my career choice is the paperwork associated with working in a government bureaucracy. This is however manageable and not too onerous.

Further information Helen Kamel Principal Coordinator (External Funding) R&D Coordination, Agri-science Queensland Phone 4688 1286 Mobile 0417 624 972 Email helen.kamel@deedi.qld.gov.au Website www.deedi.qld.gov.au Customer Service Centre 13 25 23

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Careers in agricultural science Staff profile for students

Staff details Name: Dr Malcolm Ryley Position: Plant Pathologist Employer: Department of Employment,

Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI)

Tor Street Centre, Toowoomba

My qualifications/tertiary education Bachelor of Science – University of Queensland Bachelor of Science (1st class Honours) – Botany

Department, University of Queensland Doctor of Philosophy – Botany Department,

University of Queensland

My story My father was a veterinary surgeon who spent the early part of his career as a researcher, so I was exposed to science at an early age. When I was in primary school we lived on a Government research farm at Rocklea where I could roam at will (with some restrictions) and also absorb some of the animal research that was being conducted. At secondary school I was interested in science from year 8 onwards, but studied only physics and chemistry in years 11 and 12, even though biology and geology were also offered. My decision was based mostly on the advice of my parents and teachers, but in hindsight the physical sciences were not my forte. I did not obtain high enough grades in years 11 and 12 to go to the University of Queensland, so I repeated year 12, obtained higher grades and started a Bachelor of Science degree. In the early 1970’s there was an upfront fee for university education, which my parents paid. Subjects were whole-of-year and for Science I had to complete four – I chose geology, mathematics, chemistry and

physics. I failed chemistry and my parents said “enough is enough”, so I took a job at the Queensland Department of Mines as a cadet cartographer (map maker). It was a good, sensible, secure job but it also involved 5 years of part-time study at QUT. In my second year there was a change of government and University fees were abolished. A living allowance was introduced for potential Uni students who had worked fulltime for 2 years. It was the 70’s and things were good. Where did I want to be in 20 years time – behind a desk or outside in the open air? No choice really. The following year I resumed my Science degree (much to the disapproval of my parents), but with a more mature attitude. By then subjects had changed to the semester system and there seemed to be endless choices. Amongst the subjects I studied was Botany 101 and I was fascinated, having never done any Botany before. I studied all of the Botany subjects I could, one being Mycology and this subject really caught my imagination. These beautiful fungi with their interesting shapes could actually be seen by the eye and under a microscope, unlike atoms and other chemistry stuff.

This is what I wanted to do. The lecturer who taught most of the mycology and plant pathology subjects was, on the surface, a “hard” man but he knew his stuff. I went to see him 6 months before I was due to graduate and said that I’d like to complete my Honours. “I know you – your marks are quite good, so come and see me when you finish your degree”. He was a mycologist and taxonomist rather than a plant pathologist, so my Honours and later PhD studies were on the biology and taxonomy of some fungal diseases of Australian native grasses. When I’m out in the bush I still look for diseases on grass. Before I completed my PhD thesis I was lucky enough to get a fulltime job with the then Queensland Department of Primary Industries as a Plant Pathologist. It took me 4 years to finish my thesis, but that’s another story. My supervisor is now 96 years old and I visit him at a nursing home 2 or 3 times a year – we talk about our field trips (including the odd visit to the Gold Coast with our surf skis) and the characters who used to work in the Botany Department – the good times. His mind is as sharp as ever – last time I visited he even chastised me for my poor grammar in a letter I’d written to him!!! Old supervisor habits never fade away.

About my job I have worked for 30 years in Plant Pathology with the primary aim of developing and extending integrated management packages for diseases on a range of field crops, including sorghum, soybeans, mungbeans, peanuts and chickpeas. The research has included studying the biology of the pathogens and their interaction with the environment and host, developing fungicide spray strategies, and identifying sources of resistance in breeding lines to major pathogens. With all of this information we develop and write disease management strategies which we then extend to growers and agricultural consultants (advisers) at meetings and seminars. I also present our research findings at conferences and when I get the chance publish them in scientific journals. Another part of my work is diagnosing plant disorders of specimens sent to us or collected by us during crop surveys. We also provide advice on disease management. We also maintain a watch on what plant diseases are prevalent in our region (which extends from central Queensland to the NSW border) and respond to any disease outbreaks that are impacting on growers. The response is by writing press releases, e-articles,

extending information at meetings, etc. Very occasionally we will identify a disease which has not been found in Australia before (for example, sorghum ergot in 1996) and when that happens we liaise with biosecurity agencies and conduct R&D activities to identify management options for the disease, should it become established.

Experience and skills required for the job Basic skills learnt at University – most of the

experience needed is gained on the job Good understanding of botany and particularly

mycology Good skills in plant pathology techniques and

diagnosis – that usually comes with experience A logical and objective approach to problem

solving Good writing skills for a range of audiences –

scientific papers, technical reports, brochures Leading a research team – usually comes later in

your career Managing finances, people and resources

What I enjoy most about my career choice Working outside a lot The diversity of challenges eg, solving diagnostic

problems and disease management issues Finding out new information Meeting new people Having the opportunity to travel in Australia and

overseas

What I enjoy least about my career choice The paperwork Being a natural introvert, talking at

meetings/seminars

Further information Helen Kamel Principal Coordinator (External Funding) R&D Coordination, Agri-science Queensland Phone 4688 1286 Mobile 0417 624 972 Email helen.kamel@deedi.qld.gov.au Website www.deedi.qld.gov.au Customer Service Centre 13 25 23

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Careers in agricultural science Staff profile for students

Staff details Name: Mary Philp Position: Economist

(Irrigated Farming Systems) Employer: Department of Employment,

Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI)

Tor Street Centre, Toowoomba

My qualifications/tertiary education Bachelor of Agricultural Economics,

University of New England

My story I have always had a passion for agriculture. My parents, teachers and even friends have often tried to steer me away to more lucrative careers; however when you have a passion for something it makes working in that field more enjoyable. I enjoyed science at school and when I left I applied for a Physiotherapy course at UQ. I was offered a position; however I chose to defer wanting to gain some independence (and earn some money) before going to university. I completed an administration traineeship at an accountant’s office. At the end of the twelve months, while I wasn’t set on being an Accountant, I knew I also didn’t want to become a Physiotherapist. Consequently I continued to work at the accountant’s office but commenced an Agribusiness degree externally. I did not apply for this course through the usual QTAC method as I had been working for a year. I applied as a mature age student, consequently I don’t believe the OP I received at school had any bearing on my acceptance into the course.

I managed to complete two subjects in the first semester of external study; however I found working full time and studying part-time required a lot of dedication. I later changed my enrolment to full time, internal. I also changed from an Agribusiness degree to an Agricultural Economics degree, as everyone assumed that I would work in a bank if I completed an Agribusiness degree and I had no desire to ever work in a bank. After completing my degree I worked as an Agribusiness Consultant for a number of years. Wanting a change I became self employed for two years and completed a variety of contract work ranging from mustering in the Gulf to

bookkeeping and consulting for graziers. This was a wonderful experience. I first began working for DEEDI when I was offered an eight-month contract as a Farm Financial Counsellor at Kingaroy. This job involved assisting primary producers one-on-one with a variety of financial related matters. While at times demanding, this work was really rewarding and satisfying. Unfortunately my contract eventually ran out and there were no Farm Financial Counselling positions available at the time. Fortunately for me my current position as an Economist became available and I was excited to finally apply some of the concepts I had learnt at university in my career.

About my job My current position involves completing economic assessments of various Water Use Efficiency projects. In order to obtain information for these assessments I meet with farmers, suppliers and industry representatives. I am currently assessing the capital and operating costs of developing a field to furrow and bankless channel systems. I write articles for blogs, media releases and industry magazines.

As part of my job I attend field days to promote our project and I assist in developing and delivering training courses. My project team is currently producing short YouTube clips on Water Use Efficiency Technologies along with a DVD on Centre Pivotsand Lateral Move machines. This involves researching, interviewing, filming and editing films.

Experience and skills required for the job An understanding of economic principles

and applications is essential for my position Being able to work both independently and

as part of a team is also a requirement Strong written and verbal communication

skills are desirable The ability to relate to and communicate with

primary producers is also desirable

What I enjoy most about my career choice I enjoy working with farmers and graziers. I like being able to assist them with information and likewise they are also a good source of information. I also have the opportunity to work with leading researchers and very experienced senior staff who are happy to share their knowledge. Another positive of my career choice is that I don’t ever feel that I have stagnated, I am always learning and there is opportunity for advancement.

What I enjoy least about my career choice

I am currently on short term contracts. My position is reliant on project funding hence there is no job security past my contract date.

Further information Helen Kamel Principal Coordinator (External Funding) R&D Coordination, Agri-science Queensland Phone 4688 1286 Mobile 0417 624 972 Email helen.kamel@deedi.qld.gov.au Website www.deedi.qld.gov.au Customer Service Centre 13 25 23

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Careers in agricultural science Staff profile for students

Staff details Name: Sue Thompson Position: Senior Experimentalist

(Plant Pathology) Employer: Department of Employment,

Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI)

Tor Street Centre, Toowoomba

My qualifications/tertiary education Bachelor of Applied Science, University of

Queensland, Gatton. (1975-1978) (then known as the Queensland Agricultural College)

Currently studying a research MPhil (Masters) through University of Qld, Brisbane.

My story I grew up on a sheep, cattle and grain property between Roma and Injune so have always had a love of the bush and the interactions between plants and animals. Primary school was spent at Roma Primary and I then studied for a year at Roma High. My parents were concerned about my casual attitude to study while in Year 8 so for years 9-12 I was packed off to board at St Margaret’s Girls School in Brisbane. I was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship - a big help to my family financially. Looking back on it, the decision to send me to boarding school was one of the best my parents ever made for me – not that I appreciated that at the time. As well as the marvellous and lifelong friendships, boarding was a broadening experience. It taught me independence and the high standards expected at St Margaret’s meant that many of us automatically worked towards tertiary studies. My subject selections for years 11 and 12 included Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Ancient History. Biology was my favourite subject and I particularly disliked Chemistry. At that time if you wanted to undertake what was called the Science Course at St Margaret’s, then you had to study all

three sciences as a package. I guess it was a character builder and a lesson in that sometimes you have to study subjects you don’t like to get the desired qualification.

After Year 12 I was unsure about a career choice; however, I knew what I did not want to do - this gave

me enough incentive to move towards tertiary studies. Although putting in far less than my best effort, I managed to gain entry into Qld Agricultural College (QAC) in 1975 for a four year Applied Science degree where I specialised in Plant Protection in my fourth year. I decided I wanted to be a vet but left my run at study a bit late so didn’t get the marks. I thought I would complete a year at QAC and transfer – but I enjoyed the Applied Science degree so much that I stayed on at QAC and have never regretted it. Learnt heaps and made some marvellous life-long friends. The degree was pretty intense – lectures all morning then pracs every afternoon. A bit different to the low contact hours for many courses these days. The practical side of my course was very hands-on – pracs included lab experiments, surveying, bees, poultry, animal husbandry (pigs, horses, cattle, sheep), animal health, engineering, plant physiology, plant protection, entomology, genetics, biometrics, plant nutrition. Getting a low GPA meant repeating the whole

semester, not just the problem subject(s) so the pressure was definitely on to pass. An invaluable part of our course was compulsory work experience with many of us also supplementing our meagre allowances by working throughout our holidays. Working with industry over the holiday period gave me the experience I needed and a network of contacts which were invaluable when looking for a job after graduation. My fourth year project, requiring self motivation, involved conducting your own project for the year. This was a pretty steep learning curve and gave a good insight into working life. The seventies at QAC was a time where achieving anything over 50% or a pass was considered a wasted effort so after four years of all sorts of memorable experiences including taking on skydiving as a sport and on a probationary pass for a couple of semesters, I graduated with my B.App.Sc. at the end of 1978, at the ripe old age of 21. Upon graduating I took any job I could get but my aim was to get into research as I had enjoyed research pracs and working with researchers over the holiday period.

About my job My role has changed over the years. Based in Toowoomba I am the only sunflower Pathologist in Australia and have worked for 15+ years in sunflower pathology research. My territory includes all sunflower areas in Australia. I enrolled in a research Masters (MPhil) in 2010 – investigating aspects of Phomopsis Stem Canker on sunflower. I’m really enjoying the challenge and have made some interesting discoveries. I never thought I would end up a sunflower Pathologist but it’s been a great outcome and I enjoy my work.

Currently I’m investigating an outbreak of an emerging disease of sunflower called Phomopsis Stem Canker which causes stem lesions which can reduce yield by causing lodging (snapping over of stems) and/or pith damage. Other pathogens of sunflower I deal with day

to day are mainly Sunflower Powdery Mildew and Sunflower Rust, both leaf pathogens. My current role and responsibilities are diverse and include: Writing papers, brochures, manuals Conference presentations – national and

international, powerpoint presentations, networking

International study tour Field collection and inspection trips – NSW, Qld,

WA Lab work – isolating pathogens from infected

plant tissue Diagnostics Glasshouse and growth cabinet work – controlled

conditions experiments Data collection, graphs, statistical analysis Field Days and Extension – talking to growers

and advisors Grower Updates – powerpoint presentations of

data from trials, networking Reading – keeping updated with the latest

research Industry workshops – powerpoint presentations,

demonstrations When working as a technician, my role was more of a support nature with a number of more routine tasks: Pathotyping sunflower rust races – the engine

room of genetic studies Growing sunflowers in pots in the glasshouse for

genetic studies, host pathogen interactions, plant breeding trials

Using specific rust races to enable gene pyramiding for resistance

Field trials Field collections of sunflower diseases from both

wild and hybrid sunflowers Databases

Experience and skills required for the job Life experience: When considering subject selection either at

school or uni, pick the subjects that interest you and keep an open mind. Your choice of subjects will lead you to your strengths.

Have a go. Understand that you will probably have to start at the bottom and work your way up. Along the way, don’t be surprised if you head off on a different path and discover more exciting areas to study and work.

Work experience and skills that will be handy: Set yourself up: do the study, get your

qualifications. Work in multiple facilities whenever you can – casual, work experience, holiday jobs.

Seed companies often need casuals, advisors such as cotton consultants use casuals in their peak season. DEEDI researchers use casuals – put your name down and take your resume in personally. A casual job can lead to a permanent position later.

A passion for your work – if you enjoy it, you’ll do well.

Attitude is as important as having experience – sometimes more important.

Laboratory skills – learn and practice. Attention to detail is essential for a scientist,

advisor or consultant. Take every opportunity

to update your skills with extra training to network – take a personal approach to write – do a scientific writing course to present – it will become less terrifying as

the years pass. Be prepared to move anywhere for a job – the

more obscure the locality, often the more active the social networks.

All experience is good – you learn just as much from less than ideal situations as from those that progress perfectly.

Push your boundaries – working outside your comfort zone means you are on a good learning curve.

Be willing to do the extra mile –work late if necessary, take every opportunity to learn.

Attach yourself to some-one with experience – act like a sponge, absorb every bit of knowledge you can.

What I enjoy most about my career choice Working in the field – out in the fresh air,

interacting with growers and feeling you may have made a difference, learning from growers as much as they say they learn from you. Very rewarding.

Researching new pathogens – a great challenge, and knowing you are doing work no-one else has done is pretty special.

Every day is different – field, lab, glasshouse, presentations, travel.

Flexibility – my skill set and experience allow me to work across a range of crops which is particularly useful in diagnostics.

Writing – I really enjoy researching the topic and putting it all together.

Travel – my field inspections and disease surveys and collection trips means I have had the opportunity to see large areas of Australia. A real bonus.

Colleagues – a dedicated and interesting group of really good people both in Australia and internationally.

What I enjoy least about my career choice Giving presentations: I’m missing the gene for

public speaking so every presentation is a source of angst. Many researchers are introverts.

Bureaucracy.

Further information Helen Kamel Principal Coordinator (External Funding) R&D Coordination, Agri-science Queensland Phone 4688 1286 Mobile 0417 624 972 Email helen.kamel@deedi.qld.gov.au Website www.deedi.qld.gov.au Customer Service Centre 13 25 23