PROFILE OF AN ANIMAL SCIENTIST

My name is Sarah, I am nearly 30 years old and I moved to Australia in early 2000 to take up a position as a dairy scientist/lecturer at The University of Melbourne's Glenormiston Campus. I am British but lived overseas for part of my childhood.

I always wanted to study vet science but studied for a degree in animal science at Leeds University when I didn't get the results I needed. After completing my degree I went on to do a coursework Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare at Edinburgh University that included a project on lameness and behaviour in dairy cows.

I subsequently spent a little time calf rearing to gain practical experience before taking up a job as a research assistant at the Scottish Agricultural College's Dairy Health Unit, in the Veterinary Science Division, where I advised farmers on controlling mastitis and milk quality.

I then studied for a PhD, studying dairy cow behaviour, also at the Dairy Health Unit. During the course of my PhD I worked at the Danish Institute of Animal Science and travelled to Switzerland and Norway for conferences.

I found my current job on the Internet and have really enjoyed the opportunities available to me in Australia. I started at Glenormiston College, doing a small amount of teaching on campus but mostly working with dairy farmers in the areas of nutrition and quality assurance.

Later this year, I will move to Dookie College where I will mostly be teaching animal science to degree and advanced diploma students on campus. I also do research, still studying dairy cow behaviour. Animal science has been a great alternative to vet science.