Researching to make a difference

In particular, Rebecca has had an affinity with sustainable food production since an early age.

After going to Sydney University to study a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Honours, she then went on to complete a PhD in plant breeding and genetics.

Now a researcher for the University of Sydney Plant Breeding Institute based at Narrabri, NSW, Rebecca's research involves improving the heat tolerance of wheat for Australian grain growers as well as for people in developing countries.

"I was interested in the agricultural side of sustainable food production from a young age," Rebecca said.

"Even though I grew up in the city, my parents saw that I had an interest and gave me lots of opportunities to experience many different aspects of the industry.

"I have a passion for agriculture in developing countries and want to be in an industry where I can make a difference.

"I love the fact that thanks to agriculture we can eat healthy and readily available food every day.

"It's something that we in developed countries take for granted all too often.

"Australian agriculture is at the forefront of feeding an ever-growing population and the pressure to do more with less and under much more extreme weather conditions has never been greater.

"I'm very proud to know that our research is helping work towards a solution to such a big problem.

"I got my start in agriculture thanks to someone who was in the audience listening to my university honours presentation.

"He approached me afterward and strongly encouraged me to apply for a job with his company as a research agronomist.

"He's been one of my key mentors ever since and I'll be forever grateful for his help."

Rebecca is making the most of her role as a researcher, part of a large national pre-breeding program which is funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

"A plants ability to be heat tolerant is complex and involves many processes so determining if something is truly heat tolerant or not can be tricky," she said.

"We have developed faster and more accurate ways of determining the heat tolerance of wheat which will greatly speed up the breeding process for plant breeding companies.

"This type of research is crucial to the future of how we produce food and our work into identifying and developing heat tolerant wheat gives growers the genetic tools to be able to adapt and be productive even in years when the impact of high temperatures would otherwise be devastating.

"We're providing ways to secure our food production for a future climate that is going to be much harsher than it currently is.

"If we, as a research community, don't act now when it comes to climate change, we'll be left behind and it will mean dire consequences for the population."

While coming towards a cross-roads in her career, Rebecca is looking positively towards the future.

"I'm at an interesting time in my career as my current five-year project is ending and I'm deciding what my next step will be," she said.

"I'd like to continue to work in research as I feel like I've found my way and I'm much more confident in myself which shows in my work.

"Professional development has always been an important part of my career and I'm starting a part-time MBA later this year to push myself out of my comfort and immerse myself in something that isn't pure science."

Rebecca sees the role of women in agriculture growing significantly in the future.

"I see significant growth for the role of women since more and more workplaces are becoming aware of the difficulties of trying to juggle a career and a family," she said.

"Women shouldn't have to choose between one or the other and too often this is the case. We will see a huge increase in women in agriculture if this trend continues and I really hope that it does.

"I've been incredibly lucky to have had mentors in my career who have shown me the way in these areas, and I hope to do the same for women and men who are still finding their way.

"I would strongly encourage women to get involved in agriculture because it's a diverse area that is ever changing and has so many possibilities."