Kylie completed what was the Bachelor of Applied Science (Aquaculture) this has been replaced by the Bachelor of Aquaculture, which has the same course content.

Why did you choose a science degree?

Generally from my interest in the world of marine science – growing up as a Professional Fisherman’s daughter and living in a coastal town provided me with a great deal of interest in the science behind the marine environment. My enjoyment in science through subjects at college and high school also lead me to a science degree

Did you have any experience of aquaculture before coming to the School?.

No

Why did you choose to study Aquaculture? Why study at the School of Aquaculture?

I chose to study my degree at the School of Aquaculture as the particular degree that was offered covered many subjects that directly related to both aquaculture and Biochemistry/Microbiology/histology etc; I was interested in both of these areas.

What do you do now?

I have worked as a Fisheries Biologist/Research Technician for the past 7 years for The Department of Fisheries Western Australia. I am currently employed in the Fish Health Section in South Perth working on Diagnostic and Research Laboratory submissions involving preparation for histology, bacteriology and biochemistry, Molecular testing using PCR for prawn diseases, and Fish Kill investigations including maintaining the program, state wide training and processing of fish samples for identifying causes of Fish Kills. As the key technical support person in all Department of Fisheries abalone aquaculture research trials I participated in and coordinated the extensive field work program, maintained and monitored the performance of abalone in research trials in both land and sea-based systems, purchased and maintained most of the abalone aquaculture research equipment and coordinated the use of industry resources in research trials. I have had an abalone Fisheries Research report published where I was sole author and have a few co-author scientific paper publications. I was the main researcher in a broodstock conditioning experiment that I recently presented at The World Congress of Malacology Conference 2004.

What is the best part of your job?

I really enjoy training and learning new skills. I get to travel within the state visiting various facilities and assisting wherever necessary; I have been to many National workshops/conferences and developed new skills visiting other laboratories around the country.

What was the best part of your degree? (the place, a particular unit, social activities?)

Enthusiasm and helpful staff and a great life as a student; lots of fun times, not too many hassles and onto graduation then we all entered the Adult world!!

In what ways did your degree prepare you for your current job?

The hands on practical component was extremely important it taught you the basics behind a lot of tasks that you would be faced with in future positions. Visiting operating farms was also very useful; Both the theory and practical components were very useful for my current position. The subjects that were covered in my particular degree covered many aspects of my current position within the Fish Health Laboratories.

Why would you recommend a career in Aquaculture?

If you look hard enough you will find that your degree allows you to work in many different areas of aquaculture and the science world; It is not too restricted to one particular field. The science world is very big. You can work on a farm for a private/commercial aquaculture farm, at a research facility, for the government, or in areas like policy or pure research. You can work for a university, you can go on to work in a laboratory like Fish Health where you deal with diseases in Aquaculture and other areas. The Aquaculture degree has allowed me to broaden my skills and career opportunities without going back to full time study. There are so many different species being targeted for aquaculture worldwide so a career in Aquaculture can allow you to travel