The University of Queensland held its graduation ceremony this week, marking a significant milestone for students like Piper Christensen and Dr. Yuhan Liu. Both graduates celebrate the conclusion of their studies and the commencement of their careers in agriculture, illustrating the diverse paths that can lead to this vital industry.
From Cattle Property to Academic Success
Piper Christensen, who grew up on a cattle property in Central Queensland, sees her journey in agriculture as a continuation of family tradition. “I’ve grown up in the agricultural industry. My family are graziers in Central Queensland – agriculture is something I’ve always been surrounded by,” she explained. Piper is a third-generation student at the Gatton campus, where her mother and grandfather also studied. She fondly recalled her grandfather’s amusing anecdote about carving out a pool with a teaspoon at the institution in 1955.
Initially, Piper was inclined towards agribusiness, but her upbringing inspired her to major in agronomy. She expressed, “I felt confident in that area and wanted to learn something new.” Her passion for agriculture has taken her beyond the classroom. This year, she competed in the Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) program twice and has been selected to represent Australia next year. “I went to the Northern Conference in Rockhampton and later the National Conference in Wagga Wagga, where I placed in the top 17 competitors,” Piper noted, adding that her achievement led to her selection for Team Australia, with plans to travel to the United States in January 2024 for competitions.
Piper’s commitment to her studies and community has been significant. She recently completed two years as president of the UQ Agricultural Science Society and served as secretary for the UQ ICMJ committee. “I’ve just finished my time as a residential assistant on campus, so it’s been a busy few years!” she remarked. Piper feels she is right where she belongs. “I don’t think I could ever see myself doing anything outside of agriculture,” she stated.
A Journey from Business to Agricultural Science
Dr. Yuhan Liu offers a contrasting perspective. Originally from China, Yuhan began her academic journey at The University of Queensland in 2018, pursuing a master’s degree in agricultural science with no previous experience in the field. “My experience in Australia is mostly at The University of Queensland,” she recalled. Yuhan’s background was in business management, leading her to an eight-year career in engineering. However, she sought a new direction.
“I wanted to improve myself and do something different. I didn’t want to continue in business, and engineering didn’t feel right,” Yuhan explained. Her interest in agricultural science was sparked by researchers she encountered in previous roles, which inspired her to explore the connection between science and nature. This leap of faith culminated in her recent PhD, which investigates how legume-derived peptides regulate symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enhancing biological nitrogen fixation while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Currently, Yuhan contributes to the Hy-Gain project, focusing on developing self-reproducing hybrid cowpea and sorghum crops to improve food security and support smallholder farmers in Africa. “I love the connection to nature,” she said, reflecting on her research. She aspires to continue her academic career as a postdoctoral researcher, eager to further her contributions to the field.
Despite their differing backgrounds, both Piper and Yuhan have found a sense of belonging in the agricultural industry. They encourage future students to embrace diverse pathways in their careers. Yuhan emphasizes the importance of passion, stating, “Interest is number one. It will keep you going through challenges. Don’t be afraid to change paths.” Piper echoes this sentiment, highlighting the friendships and hands-on experiences she has gained during her studies.
As graduates of The University of Queensland embark on their respective journeys, they serve as inspiring examples of how varied experiences can converge in the agricultural sector, a field critical to global food security and sustainability.
