My first experiences in this field began whilst studying science at university. Additionally, my dad is a mycologist, so there was also exposure to science prior to commencing my studies at university too.

After high school, I applied to study a Bachelor of Science degree at Western Sydney University (WSU), Hawkesbury campus. During my first year, I did very well, and at the end of that year, they offered me a position in the advanced science course. This program allowed me the opportunity to be paired with a senior lecturer each semester.

Once I completed my bachelor's degree (majoring in microbiology), I then pursued an Honours degree, which focused on developing molecular diagnostics for citrus viroids.

During my Honours degree, I spent time completing research work at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), and at the WSU Hawkesbury campus.

Once I had completed my Honours degree, a job opportunity became available at the NSW DPIRD as a Technical Officer working on a research project related to developing molecular markers for pest resistance in wheat. After some time in that role, a position became available at the NSW DPIRD working in diagnostic plant pathology, which I applied for, and have been working in this area since then. I have been working in diagnostic plant pathology for about eight years now, with over five years of this being in my current role as a Diagnostic Plant Pathologist.

It is quite a varied role. In general, the two main parts of my day are laboratory-based tasks and administrative tasks.

We receive a wide variety of diagnostic samples. These can be submitted by government agencies, farmers, agronomists, large companies, or even home gardeners. Many samples are received for general diagnostic screening to determine whether a pathogen is causing disease in an individual plant or crop, and if so, to determine the identity of the pathogen responsible. Some samples are received from our wider NSW DPIRD team, and these may be biosecurity-related for diagnostic or surveillance purposes. We also sometimes receive samples from other laboratories for secondary confirmation. Additionally, other samples may be screened for export certification purposes, and we also conduct import screening of Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae seed material entering Australia and undergoing mandatory screening.

The lab-based work we conduct involves a range of techniques, including observations of symptomology, plants tissue dissections, traditional microbiological culturing, microscopy, electron microscopy, molecular diagnostics, and ELISA.

The administrative side of my job includes calling and emailing clients, writing reports, and reviewing images of plants sent in with inquiries about potential pathogens. I also discuss results with clients and collaborate with colleagues from interstate government departments and the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. It is a very diverse role, and I enjoy that aspect of it.

One of the most rewarding aspects is definitely the problem-solving and puzzle-solving nature of the job. I enjoy puzzles, and every sample received is like a puzzle itself. Ultimately, I need to analyse all the pieces to construct a picture of what is actually going on.

Yes. As I developed an interest for viruses whilst I was at studying university, a highlight for me has been learning how to operate and screen samples for viruses using an electron microscope. This has always stood out to me as impressive—being able to magnify and see something so miniscule. The opportunity to do that here as part of my job is something I feel very privileged to experience. There are not that many places with electron microscope facilities.

There is a huge range of jobs in horticulture and agriculture more broadly. Speaking from the perspective of plant pathology, there is not really a formally prescribed pathway. However, for my role, completing university studies in microbiology were critical in allowing me to work in the position I do today. As the horticultural and agricultural industry is so diverse, there are a lot of different avenues and courses that someone can pursue depending on their specific interests.

There is a wide range of dedicated people from diverse backgrounds in the industry. Our clients are fantastic—just great people to talk to. They are happy to learn and eager to gather as much information as possible. Their priority is producing the best and healthiest crops they can and just wanting the best for their industry.

Going back to the question about recommending this field to people starting out or wanting to get involved, I would certainly say yes – if it is something you are interested in, it is a great industry to be part of.

Because horticulture and agriculture are such broad industries with so many different roles, there is a lot of potential flexibility for lateral movement between positions.

I have worked for the NSW Government since 2013, for almost 12 years now, and they have been a fantastic employer. We work on a beautiful site, and the work we do is incredibly interesting. I feel very fortunate to be able to do it.

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.