Biography

Growing up in rural Queensland in the Lockyer Valley on my family’s farm instilled in me a love for agriculture, which drove me to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) at The University of Queensland. Attending a study tour to Indonesia, prompted a realisation of the importance of agriculture in alleviating poverty and shaped my career goals to pursue a PhD and become an agricultural scientist. My belief is that improving agriculture in developing countries leads to positive social change through building capacity of farmers and scientists. My goal as a researcher in agriculture is to help ensure global food security, mitigate climate impacts, and importantly, help raise small land-holders out of poverty.

The purpose of my PhD is to develop more sustainable farming practices that will improve the quality and biology (health) of farming soils and systems while maintaining high productivity and providing enhanced environmental outcomes.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and helping on the farm. I am also an elite athlete and have represented Australia at the World University Games 2019, in Naples in Open Long Jump achieving 7th in the world. I have also achieved third for Open Women’s Long Jump at the Australian Track and Field Championships (2019).

For me, there is nothing more satisfying than enabling others to fulfil their potential; be this through tutoring university students or coaching young athletes.

Skills & Expertise

• Biometrics
• Soil Biology
• Plant Pathology
• Communication/teaching/coaching
• Athletics