I grew up in metropolitan Sydney with little exposure to agriculture throughout my childhood, although after completing high school at Barker College, my interest in agriculture developed. I was lucky enough to have incredibly supportive and motivating teachers who fostered my passion for agriculture. After completing my HSC, I moved to Armidale to attend the University of New England and study a Batchelor of Rural Science.
I am passionate about plant breeding and genetics, specifically the use of biotechnology within agriculture to achieve more sustainable and profitable production systems. Next year, I am hoping to complete my honours project on cotton and am looking forward to working with the Cotton Research & Development Corporation (CRDC) on innovative research. I would like to have a career in research, specifically cotton breeding.
I am so incredibly grateful to be awarded a Horizon Scholarship and am thrilled to be given the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and industry professionals and progress my career. Receiving this Scholarship has granted me the opportunity to be involved with and work in the cotton industry – something I never envisioned to be possible given my non-traditional agricultural upbringing.
It is an honour to be able to set an example for women and people from non-traditional farming backgrounds within the industry.
I am most looking forward to networking and collaborating industry professionals who have invaluable experience and other Scholars, not only to expand my own knowledge and perceptions, but also to foster change and positive progression within the industry together.