They’re ambitious, innovative and highly intelligent – and they’re set to soon graduate from their chosen fields of study and launch careers that will inspire and change the world.
In the coming weeks we will profile 16 female graduates to watch in 2014 who are leading the next generation of female talent in science, medicine, law, business and research. They answer our questions on everything from what they hope to achieve in their careers, what inspires them and the challenges they anticipate they will face in their careers.
Nimesha Fernando has faced two challenges while completing her PhD: juggling work with being a new mum and undertaking her research in English, a second language. But despite these challenges, Fernando has published an award-winning paper exploring the effects of rising carbon-dioxide levels on the nutritional properties of grain, and will soon complete her PhD on the effect of elevated atmospheric C02 concentration on wheat grain quality. She hopes to make a significant contribution to the environment throughout her career, with ambitions to become a senior scientist in the field.
What degree are you studying and at which university?
PhD, University of Melbourne
When do you plan on finishing your studies?
September 2013
How old are you?
32
What is your PhD on?
My PhD is on the effect of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration on wheat grain quality: grain physical, nutritive, anti-nutritive and flour rheological properties. Also I looked at how wheat grain proteome altered under high atmospheric CO2. Further, my research focus on how to avoid negative effect of elevated CO2 on wheat grain protein.
What do you want to achieve in your career?
I want to continue my research career while sharing my knowledge.
What are the biggest challenges you face in trying to reach these goals?
One of the biggest challenges was my language; I am not a native English speaker. Once I moved to Australia, I had to struggle to understand the accent.
Working in such a challenging and big project like the Australian Grain Free Air Enrichment Facility with scientists in different disciplines, being a mother during my PhD candidature and being away from my parents and friends was also difficult.
Where do you hope to be in 10 years time?
Working as a senior scientist who contributes more to science, the environment and society.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Where there is a will, there is a way, so try your best”, and “the first impression is the last impression”.