“Tiny organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye...they affect everything around us – from making us sick, to facilitating our existence.”
Abby Sawyer believes that Microbiology and Immunology focus on the core of our world. “It’s about the tiny organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye, and how they affect everything around us – from making us sick, to facilitating our existence.”
She decided to study Microbiology at Otago after completing her first year of University study – and never looked back. She especially enjoyed the fact that Microbiology gave her flexibility to try other subjects, such as Biochemistry and Chemistry, which deepened her understanding of her major. “I wanted to learn how microbes cause disease, the technology available to detect and combat them, and why they can be so beneficial to our environment.” Abby explains. She particularly enjoyed the practical laboratory work. Her lab skills have been valuable in her current job, especially with culturing cells and identifying bacteria.
Abby currently works as a Laboratory Technician at Silver Fern Farms Finegand, in Balclutha – a beef and lamb processing plant. “My job can be quite hectic at times,” she explains, “but it’s good to be kept busy doing something you love.” Her daily tasks vary widely. She has to take samples of meat products and test them for bacteria. She tests for fat and moisture, as well as testing effluent samples from the plant’s treatment facilities. Abby also collects and tests water samples and makes microbiological media.
“My job is never boring and it has everything to do with my degree!” Abby emphasises.
The best thing about being a microbiologist is that it has allowed Abby to put all the skills that she’s worked hard for to practical use. “I feel like I’m really doing something useful with my studies, as I do make a difference to the company’s success and products,” she says, “bacteria have always interested me and dealing with them in a real life situation such as with food quality is fantastic.”
So, what are Abby’s plans for the future? Right now, she’s enjoying her current position at Silver Fern Farms and gaining a lot of practical experience. However, she does plan on travelling at some point, and would like to get into the environmental or health microbiology sector in the future. For Abby, the best thing about her subject is its flexibility. “Microbiology can take you absolutely anywhere!”
