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Industry placement at international Dow AgroSciences research station delivers career insights for up and coming Australian scientistAustralia - February 01, 2012 Following a week long industry placement at Dow AgroSciences' world renowned Waireka Global Discovery Research Station in New Zealand, future scientist Brydie Creagh is set to take her lessons to university.
Brydie's placement at the research station, 15 km south of New Plymouth on the North Island, was a fully funded travel scholarship awarded by Dow AgroSciences, a key sponsor of Australia's Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE), which promotes careers in agricultural science to students Australia-wide. After being selected from more than 100 Australian high school students who received varying scholarships under the 2011 PICSE scholarship program, Brydie completed her placement on 3 February. "Having the opportunity to work alongside local and international researchers such as Dr Courtney Gallup, a Dow AgroSciences plant pathologist from the United States, has really helped me to focus my future career goals," the 17-year-old said. "As part of the placement, I undertook both field study and lab investigations into the next generation of chemicals for plant protection being developed by Dow AgroSciences for cereal growers and fruit and vegetable producers worldwide. "The field work was a real highlight and I discovered a preference for working outside as opposed to in the lab," said Brydie. "Based on the experience, I selected biology over chemistry as part of the Bachelor of Science I'm about to start studying at the University of Western Australia. Focusing on biology should enable me to move more into field work. I've also selected a few marketing subjects, which gives me the flexibility should I wish to pursue more of a sales-based career in agrosciences," she added. Brydie was selected for the placement due to her passion and commitment to agricultural science, according to PICSE Science Education Officer, Belinda Pope. "Brydie had originally intended to become an actress but after participating in a Primary Industry Centre for Science Education placement camp last year, she was able to see the many benefits of a career in agricultural science," said Belinda. "I won't be at all surprised if I see her in the international limelight one day leading her chosen field of research in agricultural science." Dow AgroSciences Field Station Leader, Brian Husband, added that he was impressed by Brydie's enthusiasm and engagement during her time at Waireka. "This is a great program and we need to continue to support and encourage bright young people like Brydie to achieve their aspirations," he said. Dow AgroSciences Research and Development Leader for Australia and New Zealand, Dr Matt Cahill, added that the scholarships offered through the Dow AgroSciences and PICSE partnership illustrate very clearly the benefits of a career in agricultural science. "Today's emerging issues in food production, climate change and sustainability will be solved by the future generation of scientists such as Brydie, so it makes sense to work together and showcase the many and varied career options in agriculture," he said. "The partnership between Dow AgroSciences and PICSE will generate benefits for farmers and consumers everywhere who will be the recipients of the current and future scientific research into improved agricultural production." For Editorial Information:
Jim Phimister
Sharyn Casey |
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