University of Queensland agricultural scientist Jessie Harper has received a Westpac Future Leaders scholarship, hoping to improve sustainable farming practices and productivity globally.
The emerging PhD researcher, who grew up on her family's small beef cattle operation in Gatton, will receive up to $120,000 in research study support and leadership training.
Ms Harper followed the footsteps of mum and dad - Dr Karen and Dr Stephen Harper - in her career into agriscience. Ms Harper said despite initially resisting a career in agriculture she saw issues around food security too important to not act upon.
"I grew up around farms, and I saw my parents work with farmers to try and improve nutrition, pest management and animal welfare. Those experiences really grew a passion for agriculture and an appreciation of where food comes from," Ms Harper said.
"I didn't want to work in agriculture, because I everyone would say that's what your parents do. But I took two years off after school and did some work in agriculture and just fell in love with trying to increase crop yield."
"These were extremely formative experiences, shaping my passion for agriculture, and really showing me the importance of family and community."
While studying agricultural science at UQ Gatton, the inquisitive student began to think more about global food production after a "pivotal" university trip to Indonesia.
As part of her degree, Ms Harper spent three weeks working with Indonesian farmers, immersing herself inside different agriculture systems.
"Indonesia really changed my perspective, in Australia we can really take for granted food security and knowing that we will have food on the table every day," she said.
"I grew up on a 56 hectare farm, the average farm in Indonesia is only 0.6 hectares which would just be a backyard in Australia.
"The Indonesian farmers had such pride in their crops and livestock and were extremely generous to the Australian students - they ignited a desire in me, to help improve their productivity and livelihoods.
"We saw firsthand the challenges of food security facing the world and I understood the importance of agriculture in alleviating poverty.
Now, with support from Westpac and UQ, Ms Harper hopes to make her mark on the world.
"I'm so thrilled to be recognised with this scholarship - it offers the insights, learning and inspiration needed to tackle global agricultural problems," Ms Harper said.
"And the Westpac network will provide invaluable access to incredible people from diverse disciplines, as well as training through their nine-month Leadership Development Program.
"The purpose of my PhD is to develop more sustainable farming practices that will improve the quality and biology (health) of farming soils and systems while maintaining high productivity and providing enhanced environmental outcomes."
Susan Bannigan, CEO of Westpac Scholars Trust, said the opportunity to build strong leadership skills is a fundamental component for recipients like Ms Harper.
"Westpac Scholars' are chosen for their passion and potential to help solve important problems they care deeply about and have the potential to make a significant impact.
