I grew up in Maitland, a city in the Hunter Valley, and although I don’t come from a farming background, my interest in agriculture and care for the land came from spending school holidays with my dad on a property in Merriwa doing soil research. I’ve always had a passion for science, animals and the environment, so going into veterinary medicine seemed like a natural choice.
I am interested in the study of disease, and particularly zoonotic diseases in domestic species, and how the constant changes in environmental factors affect the spread of disease. After I complete my degree, I also hope to play a role in animal welfare in the poultry and livestock industry.
I am honoured to be chosen as a 2021 Scholar and to be sponsored by Australian Eggs as it means I have been given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the poultry and egg industry. I am also looking forward to meeting other recipients of the Horizon Scholarship, networking with industry professionals and learning more about how I can play a role in the future of Australia’s food security.