BCG is pleased to welcome Dr Yolanda Plowman to the team as Senior Research Manager.Â
What is your background?Â
I’m originally from Brisbane where I completed my undergraduate studies, and moved to Sydney in 2015 where I completed my PhD in soil microbiology associated with wheat roots. Prior to my scientific studies I worked in finance for a number of years in operations. At the beginning of 2023 I moved with my family to Birchip to join the team at BCG.
What is your role at BCG and what will you be doing?Â
My role is the Senior Research Manager, and my job is to manage the research team, ensure that BCG continues to carry out applied agricultural research to a high standard, and work with our Advisory and Research Committees to set the research strategy and outlook here at BCG.
What about the role interested you in applying?Â
This was a great opportunity to apply my scientific skills and knowledge in a real-world setting. I also love the huge focus that BCG has on extension; it really informs the work we do here, and that’s a refreshing change to my experience in pure research.
What are your interests outside work?Â
I have a wide range of interests, but the main ones would relate to food (making and consuming), staying fit, gardening, learning, and spending time with friends over a glass of wine. More recently since becoming a parent, one of my main interests is sleeping.
What are you looking forward to whilst working at BCG?Â
I’m really looking forward to actively researching on the ground, in the field; you can feel quite disconnected from things as an agricultural scientist operating from a university in a city. There’s so much for me to learn here, and I’m excited to see where this role will lead me.
