On the farm or in the field, studying science with CQUniversity is a proven formula for building a big career around your passion.
For former café owner and craftswoman Maria Whitton, her love of learning led to funded research to improve primary producer processes.
Taking on CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Agriculture in 2018, the Rockhampton student got hands-on experience in growing trials – and never looked back.
“This newfound interest led to projects like growing mushrooms and working on black sesame trials with the team at CQU’s Central Queensland Innovation and Research Precinct (CQIRP),” Maria said.
“The turning point came in 2019 during a CQIRP industry placement when I was involved in poultry research (and) I found that I was not only interested in it, but also good at it.
“I had so much fun doing laboratory work that I stayed more hours than were even needed for the placement.”
CQU’s Bachelor of Agriculture equips students with industry-relevant training, experience and problem-solving skills, to drive improved productivity and sustainability of modern agriculture.
Available for flexible study online, and on-campus in Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Emerald, the three-year degree prepares graduates to make a difference in Australian agriculture – set to grow to a $100 billion industry by 2030.
Thanks to an Elevate scholarship, funded by CQU industry partners, Maria now has a funding to complete PhD research.
“I relish the camaraderie and the opportunity to engage with diverse projects… I’m eager to see where it takes me,” she said.
For businesswoman and mum Misty Neilson, her career in environmental science was decades in the making.
A passionate environmentalist in high school, she began her Bachelor of Science and Environment with CQUniversity aged 35.
“I had three kids and I worked, and CQU’s flexible degree was the only way I was ever going to be able to study – I couldn’t die without doing it,” she said.
During her studies, Misty began new roles in environmental science, co-founded her environmental and community consultancy Thriive, and supported CQU research projects.
Graduating in 2021, the North Burnett innovator continues to inspire and connect her community with citizen science.
This year she was named CQU’s Alumnus of the Year for Early Career Achievement, following her projects to protect local koala and greater glider populations.
Her groundbreaking work included mapping habitat, and DNA testing scats to understand genetic diversity and health.
“What I love about citizen science, is that people, community, they hold a wealth of information – and their interest in learning and being a part of something is immense!” she said.
“Citizen science can cover more ground than you ever would as a research scientist – and CQU has given me incredible experience, and an amazing platform to make these projects happen.”
