The road to success for one of our young scientists
Monday, 13 October 2008
When she set off to Massey University in 2002, Kirsty knew that she wanted to do something in the rural sector. Having grown up on a sheep and beef and then deer farm at South Kaipara Heads, this was not unusual. Kirsty believes that it was the New Zealand Dairy Industry Undergraduate Scholarship that pointed her studies towards a career in the dairy industry. “I applied for the scholarship programme in my second year at university and managed to keep my grades high enough to be funded by the programme for the remaining four years at university.” She is now one of 80 graduates of the programme that began in 2001 and supports recipients at either Lincoln or Massey Universities.
“The scholarship is not just about getting your university tuition fees paid, although that is great. What is more valuable is the support and mentoring from DairyNZ staff and the opportunities to network with industry leaders. It certainly helped me get a foot in the door,” said Kirsty, who graduated from Massey University in 2007 with a double degree in Science and Business Studies as well as a first class honours degree.
The DairyNZ Science Internship programme is in its first year and was set up to nurture future scientists in the industry. It allows interns to work in all areas of research as well with the possibility to complete postgraduate studies in New Zealand or abroad.
Kirsty is enthusiastic about her future in the industry. “The dairy industry is innovative and exciting and I think there is more room to grow as a scientist, as farmers are always seeking to improve their systems and technology.”
Kirsty has been involved in ground-breaking trials during her first six months with DairyNZ and has recently travelled to Brisbane to present her honours paper at the Australia and New Zealand Society of Animal Production Conference. “I am now working on a trial aimed at improving cow fertility; a grazing strategy and stand-off trial; and the feed conversion efficiency project, which involves identifying weaner calves that are more efficient at utilising feed,” Kirsty said.
Her future looks bright. “It’s nice to have a break from study and put back into the industry that has helped me out. But it is good to know that the support from DairyNZ is there when I decide to take on further postgraduate study.”