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Who do you work for?
My funding body is the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Tropical Plant Protection. I also report to the ‘School of Life Sciences’ at the University of Queensland and the Bureau of Sugarcane Experiment Stations (BSES).
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What does your job involve?
Research into the spread of sugarcane Fiji disease virus by the insect Perkinsiella saccharicida. I study an insect that transmits a plant virus.
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What do you like most about your job?
There are lots of challenges and I have some control over the direction of the work that I do.
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What are the perks of your job?
The semi-flexible work hours. I get to do work that interests me. I work with a lot of like-minded, positive people who are inspired by things other than money.
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What is the most unusual or fun thing you’ve done in your job?
Recording the songs used by insects to attract members of the opposite sex.
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What inspired you to choose a career in this area?
The idea of raising the understanding of the phenomenon that impacts human society.
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How did you get to where you are now?
I went straight into undergrad from high school and then into Honours immediately after my Bachelor Degree. I had a year off doing non-science related jobs and then started my PhD in 2001.
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Who or what has been an inspiration to you?
Our almost complete ignorance about the biological systems that sustain life on the planet.
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What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
No PhD thesis has ever been produced by the drinking of beer.
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What training/qualifications do you have/need?
Bachelor of Science, University of Queensland. Honours Degree in Entomology, University of Queensland.
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What subjects did you study at school?
English, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Health and Physical Education.
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What are your career goals/plans for the future?
Complete my PhD and move into further research.
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What career opportunities are there for people in your field?
Academic positions, working for government agencies such as the Department of Primary Industries and CSIRO, Post Doctorate Fellowship, private industry.
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What is the average starting salary for a graduate?
$35-45K
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