Published: 11 Aug 2022

During National Science Week 2022, we are catching-up with some of TIA’s researchers, who work across a wide variety of areas to help transform the knowledge of agriculture, food production and post farmgate practices of Tasmania’s farmers, to create sustainable economic benefit for Tasmania and the world.

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology.

National Science Week 2022 (August 13-21) officially starts this weekend and features exhibitions, festivals, workshops, and performances displaying the wonders of science.

This year is also a celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the formation of Young Tassie Scientists, a program that involves PhD candidates and early career researchers who present science talks and activities to schools around Tasmania.

Dr Alieta Eyles is a research fellow who feels lucky to have worked in a broad range of interesting topics including pollination of tree crops, post-harvest physiology of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole-tree physiology, resistance mechanisms and chemical ecology of pathogen/pest-plant interactions and tissue culture of potato.

What is the coolest thing about being a scientist?

We get to learn new stuff, share our knowledge with students and occasionally, help growers.

Why did you choose to follow this study/career path?

Agriculture science offered a good mix of theory and practical.

What are you working on right now that is especially exciting?

We are evaluating selected species of Traditional Chinese Medicinal herbs for growing in Tasmania.

Do you have any advice for students considering studying science?

Are you curious about life but don’t know yet what you want to do? - science provides a strong base for learning and then you can spread your wings from there.