Name: Amanda
Role Title: Research Scientist
Location:Molecular Genetics Department, Victorian Institute for Animal Science (VIAS) a research institute for DNRE.

Description of work undertaken:
Amanda conducts research that aims to identify genes that affect milk production in dairy cattle.

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities: Amanda's day to day duties involve laboratory-based research, isolating DNA from bulls and cows and using this to generate microsatellite marker genotypes for those particular animals. These marker genotypes are then analysed to see if particular markers are linked to a gene that affects milk production, if so these markers may be used in the selection of animals for breeding purposes in the future.

Amanda conducts laboratory- based research

Future:
Amanda is about to start another project that will involve using a bovine genomic library and microarray technology to identify genes affecting milk production.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
Amanda grew up in Geelong and attended the Catholic Regional College. She developed a keen interest in dairy cattle as a result of involvement in her relatives' stud dairy operation. She has since participated in the organisation of a camp for young people interested in dairy cattle. Amanda's interest in dairy cattle lead her to commence a degree in Agricultural Science at La Trobe University, later transferring to Melbourne University on a DNRE Cadetship. At the end of second year Amanda was awarded the Holstein Youth Fellowship, sponsored by the Holstein Association of Australia and Semex Australia with a three-month trip to Canada to study their Dairy Industry which fuelled her interest in dairy genetics and the decision to major in genetics. Through the Cadetship program Amanda had three mentors, Cameron Nicholson, Dr Richard Fry and Prof. Mike Goddard (an Animal Geneticist highly respected worldwide). She was given the opportunity to complete her final research project at the Molecular Genetics Department at VIAS, which led to her current position.

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
Agricultural Science

Secondary:
In secondary school Amanda focussed on biology and mathematics.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Further study:
Her involvement in research places Amanda in an excellent position to further her studies so she hopes to do her PhD in the future.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
Amanda's skills will be constantly updated because her research is a new and innovative area.

Travel, etc.
Amanda believes that as animal genetics is an area of interest globally the opportunities for travel are endless, be it for work or study.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
Tertiary students
Amanda's advice to students interested in a career in genetics is to work hard in biology, chemistry and maths. She also said that to enjoy life and try to observe it whenever possible. Amanda believes that majoring in genetics and biotechnology should put you in a good position for a career in this area. If the opportunity arises definitely undertake an honours project, as this is generally extremely relevant to life as a research scientist.

OTHER:
Comments, thoughts, suggestions.
Amanda believes that careers for Ag Science graduates are endless. Agriculture covers areas across plants, animals, microorganisms, soil, the environment, economics and politics. It can involve working indoors or outdoors, with animals or plants or with farmers or industry. Amanda believes there are jobs available all across Australia and even all over the world in either public or private sectors.