"Without microbial processes, life on our planet would grind to a halt! That makes my degree relevant to everyone."
Lisa Flanagan is passionate about microbiology. “It’s such an exciting field. It suits both those who want to go into industry and business, and those who want to pursue postgraduate study,” she explains, “there also appears to be a huge shortage of microbiologists in industry, which means a job is highly likely at the end of your degree!”
Lisa finds microbiology and immunology interesting because vulnerability to infections and health problems is part of the human condition. “Microbes are everywhere on earth, and that makes my degree relevant to everyone on our planet.” Lisa also likes that microbiologists can work in so many fields, including food, industry, healthcare, research and education.
Lisa realised she wanted to study Microbiology and Immunology during her second year at the University of Otago. Lisa found this subject so interesting that she applied for the Honours programme. Her final year honour’s project researched the immune cells in different grades of cervical cancer that can be caused by Human Papillomavirus infection.
“The lecturers are passionate and inspiring, which makes the Department very popular,” she says, “but the highlight of my degree were the third and fourth years. During these years, I was able to apply fundamental skills and build depth to my knowledge, particularly to my research skills. You also become very close to your small class and comfortable presenting and working in groups. Plus, the social events are always looked forward to!”
Lisa credits her degree with teaching her how to think critically and how to present and communicate science. It also taught her the art of persistence when “things don’t go right first time in the lab.”
So where has Lisa’s degree led her? She is now working as a Graduate Technologist in the Fonterra Graduate Technical Programme (FGTP), while completing a Masters in Dairy Sciences and Technology through Massey. “I never expected to go into the dairy industry,” she admits, “but that is the great thing about this degree. It’s really versatile and there are so many career options. Working for Fonterra is exciting and I’m learning a lot of new skills. It’s also great fun!”
Since completing her degree, Lisa has discovered that there is a wealth of opportunities available for microbiologists. “It’s such a fascinating industry to be in, both now and in the future. So much is undiscovered and unknown.”
