As graduation caps soar at The University of Queensland (UQ), students like Piper Christensen and Dr. Yuhan Liu are not only celebrating the completion of their studies but also the exciting new chapters they are about to embark upon in the agricultural sector. Their stories illustrate that diverse backgrounds can converge in the field of agriculture, revealing a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Familiar Roots and New Horizons
Piper Christensen’s journey into agriculture is deeply rooted in her upbringing on a cattle property in Central Queensland. “I’ve grown up in the agricultural industry,” she shared. “My family are graziers in Central Queensland – agriculture is something I’ve always been surrounded by, and I never really saw myself doing anything else.”
Studying agriculture at UQ Gatton felt like a natural extension of her heritage. Piper, a third-generation student at the Gatton campus, expressed pride in following her family’s footsteps. “My mum and grandfather both studied here,” she said. “Pa was here back when it was the Gatton Agricultural College. He claims he singlehandedly carved out the pool with a teaspoon for his mischief before finishing in 1955.”
Despite her background, Piper took an unexpected turn by majoring in agronomy rather than agribusiness, which she initially favored. This decision led her to explore new dimensions of the agricultural world. Her participation in the Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) program exemplifies her growing expertise. Competing twice this year, she earned a spot to represent Australia next year, with plans to travel to the United States in January to participate in the American ICMJ circuit.
“The experiences I’ve gained have transformed my love of the land into leadership roles,” she noted, reflecting on her tenure as president of the UQ Agricultural Science Society. Piper emphasized that her time at UQ has been invaluable, asserting, “I don’t think I could ever see myself doing anything outside of agriculture. It’s where I belong.”
A New Perspective on Agriculture
In stark contrast to Piper’s background, Dr. Yuhan Liu’s path to agriculture began in a bustling city far from farms. She arrived in Australia in 2018, pursuing a master’s degree in agricultural science at UQ, despite having no prior experience in the field. “My experience in Australia is mostly at The University of Queensland,” Yuhan recalled.
Originally from China, Yuhan’s interest in agriculture was subtle yet present. She reminisced, “Looking back, I did enjoy biology in middle and high school, but I didn’t realise it then.” Her bachelor’s degree in business management led her to a corporate career in engineering. However, after eight years, she sought a change. “I wanted to improve myself and do something different. I was inspired by researchers in the R&D centres at my previous companies; the computational modelling and data analysis fascinated me,” she explained.
This exploration of interests led Yuhan to agricultural science. Her recently completed PhD research investigates how legume-derived peptides regulate symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enhancing biological nitrogen fixation and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. She now contributes to the Hy-Gain project, which aims to develop self-reproducing hybrid cowpea and sorghum crops, enhancing food security for smallholder farmers in Africa.
“I love the connection to nature,” Yuhan expressed. “Plants don’t speak our language, but if you study their phenotype and genetics, you can understand them.” With aspirations to continue her research career as a postdoctoral researcher, Yuhan emphasizes that her journey has been both rewarding and transformative.
Though Piper and Yuhan’s backgrounds differ significantly, their experiences highlight the diverse pathways into agriculture. They both encourage future students to embrace their unique journeys. “Interest is number one,” Yuhan advised. “It will keep you going through challenges. Don’t be afraid to change paths. I spent eight years in a completely different industry, and that’s okay.”
For Piper, the key message is about the friendships and experiences gained along the way. “I’ve met some of my best friends, gained hands-on experience, and been supported to achieve things I never thought I could,” she concluded.
As these graduates step into their futures, they embody the potential of the agricultural sector and the diverse contributions that can emerge from varied backgrounds. Their stories serve as inspiration for those looking to make their mark in agriculture, proving that passion and curiosity can lead to fulfilling careers, regardless of where one starts.
