Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

A one-way ticket to Perth landed me a career in the sandalwood industry after completing a Graduate Diploma in Botany.

I have been able to combine my skills in organic chemistry and botany to investigate the factors controlling oil quality of sandalwood.

I have a broad interest in the medicinal value of plants and my chemistry background enables me to extract potentially therapeutic compounds from plant species.

I am particularly interested in ‘ethnobotany’ – the study of how indigenous peoples use plants for medicinal purposes. I believe we should be drawing on indigenous knowledge to develop new plant-based medicines.

A degree in science majoring in botany opens up opportunities to work in pure and applied research relating to flora conservation and environmental management.