Sarah Holland-Clift

Research Scientist, Biocontrol Services Team, Department of Primary Industries, Frankston

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

"My workplace varies between the office, quarantine facilities, the laboratory, glasshouses, farms and bush land anywhere in Victoria."

I am the project officer for the biological control of gorse and bridal creeper, two weeds of national significance in Australia. I coordinate and deliver the biological control programs for these two weeds across Victoria. This involves the rearing and release of insects, mites and pathogens as biological control agents, educating and training the community in biological control and integrated weed management practices. It also includes research on the impacts of these organisms on the weed and the trialling of different rearing techniques and insect strains to gain the maximum impact on the weed. I love and am most challenged by the diverse range of skills required for this job. My workplace varies between the office, quarantine facilities, the laboratory, glasshouses, farms and bush land anywhere in Victoria, so I definitely never get bored with the work!

It was the atmosphere that I most enjoyed at Monash University. It is a perfect environment to interact with such a diverse range of people, including both staff and students, who have an amazing variety of ideas, interests and skills. You can learn so much both within and out of class, have the time to explore topics that merely interest you and be constantly challenged by what you believe.

My university experience constantly reminds me throughout my work to regularly interact and share ideas with colleagues, as they are a wealth of knowledge and skills. I certainly discovered my chosen career through studying and exploring different disciplines at university.