I grew up in South-West Western Australia working on my family’s grapevine nursery. Despite my agricultural upbringing, I didn’t realise that agriculture was my passion until I completed work experience at school with an agricultural research company in York, Western Australia. Having decided that I wanted to study agricultural science, I embarked on a gap year to gain experience outside of horticulture. I worked on an irrigated cropping and cotton farm in Wee Waa, NSW, alongside the family farm and in grain logistics.
I have also worked as a field technician for an agricultural research company conducting trials in both broadacre and horticultural environments. I am now in my second year of studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at The University of Adelaide. When I have completed my degree, I would love to work in the horticulture industry as an agronomist, assisting growers in improving the production potential of their farm or as a researcher contributing to the future of horticulture in Australia.
I am very incredibly thankful to be provided with this opportunity and to have Hort Innovation as my sponsor, especially as I have seen the difference that they make in the industry. I am excited to build new skills, make industry connections and network with students from all over Australia. The opportunities provided by this programme will be life changing for me.