Name: Wendy
Role Title: Soil Scientist
Location: Soil and Water Management Section at DNRE, Tatura.

Wendy enjoys her work as a soils scientist. She is researching the interaction between sodium and organic matter as part of a project to find a long term solution to the problem of soil sodicity (put very simply, too much sodium in the soils). Sodicity affects 30% of our soils, mainly in South Eastern Australia. The current solution is to apply gypsum which is costly and short term. Wendy is working to find a long term solution to the problem of soil sodicity

Wendy studied Agricultural Science at LaTrobe University, graduating in 1997 and immediately found work in the Soil and Water Management Section at the Institute of Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture (DNRE) near Tatura. She enjoys contributing to a team program with a network of scientists, and the opportunities for learning more. Wendy likes the idea that the team’s project, including her research will be useful to agriculture and will enhance the sustainability of Australian farming.

Although most of her job is laboratory based, some fieldwork is undertaken in the Shepparton and Horsham areas. Future career options for Wendy include work and study overseas, or working in extension which is the link between research and action on farms. The importance of organic matter in agriculture means future work opportunities for Wendy are likely to be many and varied.

When asked what advice she would give to students investigating their career options Wendy said, "Studying Agricultural Science opens many doors." She suggests that students studying Science should consider doing Honours as that creates more openings for employment.

Wendy studied with the support of a Department of Natural Resources and Environment cadetship, which includes tours of, and work experience in, different DNRE Institutes or agriculture enterprises. Information about the cadetships is available on the DNRE website.