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SARDI scientists go 'speed dating'
Three SARDI scientists participated in ‘speed dating’ sessions as part of Science Alive 2011 Careers Day at the Adelaide Showgrounds on Friday, 5 August.
Sue Pederick (Plant Soil Health), Cameron Dixon (Aquatic Sciences) and Robyn Hargrave (Food Innovation and Value Chain) had to choose three words they felt would entice the curious mind of a teenager and appropriately describe their job.
Each of the 18 scientists involved spoke for six lots of six minute sessions to groups of 30 students from across the State.
With snakes and lizards for handling, stick insects, remote controlled cars, unusual lolly taste sensations, chemistry experiments, star dome, electric cars and more the day was enjoyed by thousands of students prior to the weekend displays open to the public.
Sue Pederick spoke on ‘Diagnostics in Horticulture’ telling the students it was a mysterious job as you were never sure what would come in the door to be tested. The challenge was choosing the test and identifying cause, while the reward was finding non-pathogenic fungi, virus or bacteria instead of known diseases on these plants.
“The students were interested to learn aerial photography could be used in agriculture to monitor and map diseases which assist growers in defining problems on their farms,” said Sue.
Although starting her working life as a florist Sue changed careers and obtained an Agricultural Science degree in honours, telling the students that although it was easier to go direct from school to university career changes can be made later as well.
Cameron Dixon related his experiences as a marine biologist, his current role being responsible for providing science to underpin the sustainable management and development of South Australia’s prawn and blue crab fisheries.
“This work requires a range of skills that include developing relationships with industry and government managers, managing research teams in the field, and timely delivery of high quality scientific reports to clients and peer-reviewed journals,” he said.
His extensive field experience has included countless hours at sea aboard research and commercial vessels and over 1,000 hours of scuba diving experience. The majority of his talk related to an enthralling description of a diving experience with a southern right whale and calf while undertaking abalone research in Victoria.
Food Scientist Robyn Hargrave gave students a taste of the world of Food Science and Technology.
Robyn gave an outline of the types of areas students could explore in this field, namely New Product Development, Food Safety/Microbiology, Quality Control, Sensory Technology and Packaging.
Her message was reinforced with food props in the form of fizzing lollies, jelly snakes and a clever pack of peanuts in Homer Simpson themed packaging.
The diversity of the field of Food Science and Technology was explained along with the satisfaction that comes from exploring your creativity and applying precise science with the additional reward of contributing towards the food products that people love.
Caption
SARDI scientists, l to r, Robyn Hargrave, Cameron Dixon and Sue Pederick with students from Henley High and Mitcham Girls High at Science Alive 2011.
SARDI scientists, l to r, Robyn Hargrave, Cameron Dixon and Sue Pederick with students from Henley High and Mitcham Girls High at Science Alive 2011.
