Pulse chemist

Benefits to primary industries

My research helps the pulse industry by improving our understanding of chickpeas and how and where to grow them. My work is part of the national chickpea breeding program. We aim to increase chickpea production. We breed chickpeas that are resistant to disease, that adapt to growing conditions in different locations, and that taste good to people in Zimbabwe.

Where do you live?

I live in a large regional centre where the lab is based.

What are some important skills?

I spend a lot of time meeting and talking with growers so it is important I can communicate well, in person and in writing. I use chemistry a lot and I also need to analyse global markets to make sure we are growing chickpeas that suit the needs of different consumers.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Problem solving is my favourite part of the job: working out why something is happening and then finding a way to fix it or how to improve the quality of our chickpeas so that Australian growers can sell more overseas.

What are the main tools of the trade?

We have a laboratory with specialised equipment for all the different tests we do and use computers to analyse and report on the results. We also use balances, sieves and seed counters for measuring, and a colour meter to decide whether the colour of the seed meets the preferences of different consumers.

What training have you had?

I have a Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry and after that I did 4 years of research and wrote a really big report to get a PhD qualification.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Still doing what I do and hopefully I will be recognised as a global chickpea expert!