Name: Kerry
Role Title: Diagnostic Technician
Location: Crop Health Services, Institute for Horticultural Development (IHD) in Knoxfield

Kerry studied Agricultural Science at Melbourne University, graduating at the end of 1998 and she now works as a diagnostic technician in Crop Health Services at IHD. Her work is laboratory-based with time at the desk completing reports for clients. Crop Health Services provides a problem-solving service to farmers, nurseries, sports facilities with turf – anyone producing high value horticulture products which happen to be infected or under stress.

Kerry recieved a DNRE cadetship at the beginning of her second year at University

Staff identify the organisms causing the symptoms and diagnose the problems with follow-up advice about action to take usually provided to the clients. Teamwork is very important in this role to provide back up for each specialist area. By also offering a consultancy service, the Crop Health Services team increases its fields of work and interests for the staff. Kerry is making the most of her opportunities to study on the job to become a bacteriologist.

Kerry received a DNRE cadetship at the beginning of her second year at University. Her work experience placements took her to Institutes at Horsham, Tatura and Knoxfield, and coming from a farming background she has considerable farm-based experience also.