From aspirations of nursing to PhD in plants genetics

I originally wanted to become a nurse when I was younger. However, a humorous side-story from my human biology teacher made me fall in love with genetics and led me to change my university course preferences towards the end of high-school. Four years later, never having looked back, I graduated from UWA with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Genetics and Breeding with First Class Honours. The fourth year of this degree similarly changed my ambitions and fate.

Thanks to the incredible mentorship and encouragement from my supervisors during my fourth-year Honours research project, I enrolled in a Doctor of Philosophy degree at UWA where I spent the next four years studying the genetic control of flowering time in lupin crops. I’m now working in my dream job as a junior research scientist, where I am currently exploring the genetic basis for herbicide resistance in weeds.

I believe there is no feeling quite like the one you get when you help another person. Although I’m not helping others directly as I would have if I became a nurse: my current job with the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative provides me with that same fulfilment. Each day I come to work, knowing what I’m doing will contribute globally to people seeking to provide a safe, reliable and nutritious supply of food for the world’s growing population. And I get to do this in a way that is as sustainable as possible for the environment.

What is the most interesting aspect of your career?

The most interesting aspect of my career is that it can take me literally anywhere I allow it to! The basic concepts of genetics remain the same and can be applied to a wide diversity of fields (e.g. plant breeding, animal breeding, conservation or human medicine), so there is a lot of freedom to dabble in different topics/organisms and genetic applications depending on my interests, even if they change over time.

What aspects or people at UWA were most important for you?

My lecturers had a very large impact on my student experience. Particularly during the later years of your BSc degree when the class sizes grow smaller as you specialise, you are able to closely interact with them and build long-lasting professional relationships. They are genuinely interested in your academic development and can often make recommendations or introductions that may shape your career pathway. Similarly, my peers had a very positive impact. Many had very different life journeys and were happy to share their knowledge and experiences. Plus, some have become among my closest and most treasured life-long friends.

How has your degree from UWA helped you in your current role?

The content of my BSc gave me a strong foundation for all things related to genetics, plant biology and agriculture. Meanwhile, my PhD gave me the opportunity to gain extensive practical/technical training in my area of expertise and to develop the soft skills I need in my current role (e.g. how to effectively manage my time and work productively in a team). Perhaps the most important aspect of my degrees, however, has been my lecturers and supervisors. Their knowledge and genuine interest in my education and professional development helped me to achieve more than I first thought I was capable of.

Do you have any advice you would give to those just starting their studies?

There are three pieces of advice I’d give to anyone starting a new degree at UWA.

Firstly, don’t be afraid if your interests lead you in a direction that is different from the path you first set out on. If you have an opportunity to pursue an area of study (and future career) that brings you joy and fulfilment, take it!

Secondly, it is obviously much more convenient to watch your lectures from the comfort of your home (maybe even in your PJ’s like I did on the odd occasion), but make sure you turn up in person for the majority of them, if you can!The interaction and relationship you have with your lecturers is really important, because they are genuinely interested in your education and you never know what they might teach you or who they may introduce you to which could make a lasting impact on your future.

Thirdly, it can be difficult to put yourself out there, but try to because you can learn an incredible amount from your peers who have different life experiences and academic backgrounds, and the friendships you make will last a lifetime!

More from Dr Taylor

Have a listen to Dr Taylors recent Podcast episode with the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative (AHRI), and find out a little more detail on how she is tackling herbicide resistance dynamics. 

About AHRI

The Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative was launched in 1998 by the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC), and operates out of UWA. With the goal to research and encourage sustainable cropping and weed control across Australia, they are leaders in the field, and are constantly updating their communications with their latest research. Find out more about them here.