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Emma Mace

Name:

Emma Mace

Age:

35

Location:

Warwick

Current job title:

Senior Research Scientist

Qualifications

BSc, MSc, PhD

Past experience

Post-doctoral research position based at ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute) in Nairobi, Kenya, assessing the impact of grazing on the genetic diversity of forage plants in the Sahel. Then, a further post-doctoral position based at the University of Queensland, Brisbane establishing a core collection of taro germplasm for the Pacific Island Region, followed by a research scientist position based at ICRISAT (International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics) mapping disease resistance genes in peanut.

How did you get started?

I enjoyed science, particularly biology, from an early age at school and went on to study biology at University. I specialised in plant genetics during my Masters and PhD and have found this is very interesting and rewarding career.

Greatest professional achievement

Mapping disease resistance genes and drought tolerance genes in barley and sorghum during my current position at DPI&F; by applying molecular markers to identify targeted genomic regions and select for improved barley and sorghum in breeding programs, with the aim of speeding up the release of new improved varieties adapted to the Queensland environment.

Challenges the job presents

Intellectually challenging; a lot of new concepts and ideas to integrate with current research activities.

What you like most about your job

The intellectual challenge and interaction with work colleagues.

Typical day at work

Combination of data analysis, staying up to date with latest publications, face to face or email discussions with work colleagues on specific project activities, work-planning and trouble shooting with technicians in the laboratory.

Advice for other women

Select a subject you enjoy and are good at for under-graduate and post-graduate study; also don't underestimate the importance of networking for finding and getting the most out of a job in science.

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