We are technology providers in the field of sensors and data analytics for horticulture.

In fact, I started my career in physics research, so my path to horticulture wasn't definitely straight. A lot of my work was developing technology solutions for research activities. So once I moved on from the academic career, I looked at where my skills and expertise can be used. And I was immediately attracted by developing sensors and technologies for agriculture.

I probably can't point to a single event, but certainly the fact that you go out there with something you built and then start testing it and ask for feedback. Feedback is generally mixed, and you start with people saying, oh, that's interesting, but we need more work!So you keep at it until you get to a point in which it works. That’s always a great feeling

I think it's interacting with people. In this industry, people are authentic, passionate about what they do. You know you don't see that everywhere, so this is definitely a rewarding part of the job. And, as I said before, we always seek feedback. It's good to see people tell you what they think, and tell you what they need. I think it's definitely rewarding.

For young people, if you're looking for a tech job, definitely look up what opportunities are there in horticulture. I am a technologist, so I would start looking at the opportunities with technology and software providers. Many career paths can lead into this. Even if you're just interested in software development or data science, knowing how to code or work with data is a great entry point with technology and service providers.

Yes. Outsiders are usually blown away by the amount of advanced technology used in production horticulture. Most of us might be familiar with growing some tomatoes in our garden, but when you do production at scale, then obviously technology and data become critical to ensure quality and profitability.

I primary work in two fields:

1. Hyperspectral imaging technology, a spectroscopic technique originally used in pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals, which is now being developed for applications in agriculture and food processing. It can be used to help assess soil health, crop and post-harvest quality, and ultimately optimise our agricultural processes.

2. Soil science and biochar, where we are developing biochar-based fertilisers for use in agricultural systems. Biochar is a carbon rich material produced through the pyrolysis of organic matter, and we are studying its benefits in improving soil fertility, reducing nutrient leaching and fertiliser use and therefore overall sustainability of our food systems.

My work varies greatly. Some days, I am deeply involved in research, collecting and analysing data, helping PhD students, compiling, writing and reviewing reports and scientific articles. I also present findings at conferences and engage with industry stakeholders. Since universities don’t own farms, we collaborate with growers to trial new technologies and those collaborations must be established and maintained. Our research primarily focuses on horticultural crops such as macadamias, avocados, ginger, and also pastures. Fieldwork is a component of my job, though most of my time is spent analysing data, conducting experiments, and coordinating with industry partners.

I also have the option to work from home frequently, which provides flexibility. I live about two hours from my university office, so remote work allows me to balance research, meetings, and writing without constant travel.

I grew up in a rural area with vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, and with a farming community around me. While I was always connected to agriculture in some way, I initially pursued medical science at university. However, after realising it wasn’t the right fit for me, I transitioned to environmental science, which ultimately led me to agricultural research.

After completing my environmental science degree, I spent eight years in different fields, including the music industry and prison education programs. I tour-managed bands and worked for major music festivals like Big Day Out, and even coordinated arts and music activities in correctional facilities. My return to agriculture happened somewhat accidentally—one of my friends, a ginger farmer, missed a flight and stopped by my house. He suggested I start growing ginger, and the next season, I found myself running an organic ginger farm. That hands-on experience eventually led me back to academia, where I specialised in biochar and hyperspectral imaging research.

I’ve had the opportunity to travel internationally, demonstrating biochar techniques in Papua New Guinea and presenting research in China and South Africa. But some of the most rewarding experiences happen locally—such as working on biochar fertiliser trials in Berrigan and finding historical biochar deposits in soil that date back thousands of years. Seeing farmers achieve better yields through our research is incredibly fulfilling.

One of the most exciting projects I’ve been involved in was a biochar fertiliser trial in the Riverina region. We were studying the long-term impact of biochar application on soil health, and during our fieldwork, we discovered ancient biochar deposits—potentially from indigenous cooking pits. This was a fascinating link between modern agricultural research and traditional land practices, emphasising the long history of soil enrichment through biochar.

Absolutely! In academia, learning the value of small steps is crucial—big projects can seem overwhelming, but breaking them down makes them manageable. Resilience is key in agriculture, both emotionally and financially. The industry is evolving rapidly due to climate change, AI, and globalisation. Many jobs that will be essential in the future don’t even exist yet, so staying adaptable and identifying opportunities early on is vital.

Another key lesson is communication. Working in agricultural research requires engaging with people from diverse backgrounds—scientists, farmers, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Understanding different perspectives and aligning on common goals is critical to success.