What's your job about?
The Plant Innovation Centre at the National Post Entry Quarantine facility (PIC@PEQ) conducts scientific research, engages with universities and external scientific organisations, and implements new technology to drive innovation and efficiency in our plant biosecurity system. I am responsible for conducting a trial, the outcomes of which may help inform policy.
I am helping implement stage 4 of a scientific research project aiming to identify alternative herbicides to effectively devitalise imported cut flowers.
I am responsible for conducting a devitalisation experiment on chrysanthemum flowers, the first time this species has been used in this trial. This involves testing potential herbicides and comparing those results to the devitalisation effectiveness of glyphosate and water.
The thing I love about this project is the simplicity of the concept, but there are many details that need to be managed. The project has important implications for trade, and the integrity of our horticulture industry.
What's your background?
I grew up in Batlow, NSW, a small regional town famous for apples, approximately 2.5 hours from Canberra.
I was lucky enough to receive a New Colombo Plan Scholarship in 2019, which meant I could live, work and study in the Indo-Pacific region during the final year of my undergraduate degree. I completed a month of intensive Bahasa Melayu language training at the National University of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur before spending a semester studying at the University of Malaysia, Sarawak, in Borneo. I completed animal nutrition, conservation biology and environmental law subjects. In March 2020, I started an internship with the Sumatra Rainforest Institute in Indonesia, which was unfortunately cut short due to COVID-19.
I applied for the department’s 2021 graduate program and have been in the position for just over one year! The application process is a long one – but it paid off for me!
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Absolutely! The great thing about the graduate program, and the department more broadly, is that you will learn on the job. I studied zoology – but haven’t yet completed a rotation where I have used specific knowledge from that degree. But I have really enjoyed all of my rotations! The skills you pick up in each rotation assist as you move around the department, as a lot of roles (e.g police officer) have similar functions and responsibilities – just with a different subject matter.
What made you pick DAWE as your graduate program?
My work experience was within the agricultural industry, while my education focused on the environmental side of things. I was really pleased when the former Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Environment and Energy merged into DAWE. I have always been interested in the intersection between the environment and agriculture.
I really liked the idea of completing rotations in different areas of the department, so that you could see what you enjoyed. Regional rotations were also offered, and I always jump at any opportunity to travel!
What is the culture at DAWE like?
I have found the culture at DAWE to be great – which, to be completely honest, actually really surprised me. Everyone I have worked with really cares about what they do, and are trying to make positive change in the areas they work in. There are multiple ways in which we can work flexibly, to allow us to manage our personal lives, as well as work. I have felt supported in every team I have been in, and have been provided with multiple opportunities for development.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I think the two best things about the grad program are:
What 3 pieces of advice would you give yourself when you were a student?
Back yourself. Don’t think you can do it? Have a go – what’s the worst thing that could happen? Don’t stress about having a plan. Things work out. Finally – travel! Meet new people, experience weird and wonderful places.