Name: Deborah K 
Role: Research Scientist - Nematology 
Location: Institute for Horticultural Development Knoxfield 

ABOUT MY CAREER 

What is Nematology? 
»Nematology is the study of non-segmented, microscopic worm-like organisms that feed on plants, animals and even humans. 

What does a typical day in your job involve? 
»Here at the institute we concentrate on nematodes that cause a problem to plants and turf. There are two main streams, a diagnostic unit and research project work.
»The diagnostic work is the day to day testing and identifying of nematodes from plant samples brought in that are not healthy (sort of like plant doctors). 
»We identify which nematode is causing the problem, find out how many there are in the soil and give the grower advice on how to fix the problem. 
»The project work is more long term and involves doing research on a problem that is affecting an important horticultural industry. 
»One of the projects I am working on at the moment is finding out which nematodes are making carrots forked, short and out of shape. 
»We also test quarantine samples of fruit and vegetables to ensure nematodes that are not found in Australia do not enter the country. 

Why did you choose this career?
»I began my career as a customer service officer for our unit and after that worked as a technical officer which included some nematology work. 
»I decided in a career in nematology because it interested me. Nematodes are something that not many people know about, but affect every one of us that buy fruit, vegetables and grains. 
»My choice was made easier by the wonderful mentor I have. She taught me a lot of what I know today and encouraged me to follow the interests and opportunities I had. 

What would you like to do in the future?
»I hope to continue learning more and more about all the different types of nematodes. 
»I hope to understand how nematodes interact with plants, especially those plants that make up our food source, such as fruit, vegetables and grains.
»I hope that the research project I have been involved with will help ensure that good quality fruit, vegetables and grains are available to the public and are profitable for the grower. 
»I would like to do a PhD with some of the work we do. 
»I would like to share my knowledge with other scientists also working on nematodes around Australia and overseas. 

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MYSELF 

Where did you grow up? 
»I am a city kid through and through, but had a love for animals. 

How did this influence your choice of career?
»I chose a degree in Agricultural Science thinking that it would lead me into a career around animals, but this job opportunity in nematology research came up and I took it. 
»My other secret passion was gardening and my folk's garden was mostly my creation. 
»My suburban up bringing did not hinder my development in my chosen career. The most important thing that influenced my career and choices for courses were my interests. The rest is just learning! 
»I remember doing my first lot of work experience on a cattle farm. I called a cow paddock a 'meadow' and the grower looked and laughed. This was probably because I was also trying to avoid the cow patties as I didn't want to get my new boots dirty! As I continued my degree I became a seasoned pattie squasher and learnt all the correct terms.
»In my current job I enjoy learning about what makes plants sick, the only drawback is that it makes it very hard for me to choose my fruit and vegies from the local grocers, as I know what all the bumps, lumps and bruises are caused by!

MY EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

Were courses in secondary school planned for this sort of work? 
»No courses in agriculture were available at the secondary school I attended. We only had a choice of the traditional science subjects. 
»I learnt a little about plants and animals in Biology. I really enjoyed Biology and found it very interesting and easy to do well in. 
»This probably had something to do with the choice of degree I ended up doing. 
»My career adviser at school told me about the degree I ended up doing. I probably would have chosen a different degree if she had not suggested it. 

Which University or TAFE course have you completed?
»Agricultural Science at Latrobe University. 

Have you completed any Work experience? 
»Work experience was an important part of the degree I finished. 
»I chose to do work experience on a variety of farms, such as a cattle farm, vineyard and commercial seed company to get a good feel for the opportunities my degree could offer me. 

FUTURE OPPURTUNITIES 

Is there a lot of learning on the job? 
»I have gained a lot of knowledge from on the job training and attending courses and conferences. 
»In any form of science you never stop learning and quite often you are involved in creating the latest technology or knowledge, so it's very interesting! 
»Good communication with other nematologists within Australia and overseas ensures your learning continues and can lead to exciting work within Australia and worldwide. 

Do you plan to do further study? 
»Hopefully I will be able to do a PhD.

Do you travel much in your job? 
»The best part about my job is that it is not an office job. I spend more than half of my time in a laboratory, doing fieldwork or out on farms.
»I also travel interstate to conferences and courses (ie: I attend a nematology course held twice a year at Adelaide or Canberra University which every nematologist from around Australasia attends).

What are graduates from you course doing now? 
»PhD's 
»Science researchers 
»Extension Officers (people who mediate between the scientists and growers)
»Sales representatives 
»Agronomists 
»Teachers and Lecturers 
»Company Managers 

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW 

Primary students 
»If you are interested in science talk to people about it. Ask them how science and technology influences their careers and even their day to day life. Ask your teachers for projects to do with science and hunt down some interesting books. 
»Watch those horrible boring nature documentaries that your parents make you watch. You may just find them interesting!
»For a career in horticulture, get your hands dirty and try your hand at planting and growing all sorts of different seeds and plants. Enjoy watching them grow and flower or produce vegetables and fruit. 

Secondary students 
»Talk to your teachers about different opportunities and Science subjects that are on offer at your school.
»Talk to your Careers advisor and explore all the opportunities they suggest. You just might find that you will enjoy a course and career in an area you would have not otherwise explored. 
»Do work experience in a range of areas and keep an open mind. Choose your work experience place wisely. 
»Find a work place that will teach you about the career, not just the filing cabinets and photocopiers (The institute has a very good work experience program. I highly recommend it for horticultural interests).

Tertiary students
»Do work experience even if it is not a compulsory part of your course. 
»Do not believe that the degree you are doing is the only job or career path that you will do for the rest of your life. 
»Your degree is a beginning and aids you to develop an ability to learn, self motivate and develop professional skills. 
»You will find that most of your career learning is on the job, or at course or other opportunities you will have once in the work force. 
»Make contacts with people in the chosen career areas you wish to pursue. This is very handy for job opportunities once you have finished your degree.