“A microbiology degree will put you at the forefront of a rapidly developing scientific field.”
Rachel McIvor has always been interested in new technologies and the dynamic roles of microbes. In the Intellectual Property Office’s biotechnology team, she sees hundreds of new innovations from New Zealand and around the world being developed and released for use.
“On any given day I can be examining patent applications for new cutting-edge technologies such as anti-cancer drugs, immunotherapies, vaccines, genetically modified organisms and bio-fuels.”
With so many possibilities, no two days at work are ever the same. And it was similar when she was studying – Rachel says this is what was attracted her to microbiology.
“A microbiology degree provides a unique opportunity to study a broad range of topics, and will put you at the forefront of a rapidly developing scientific field.”
Rachel enjoys the on-the-job learning that is required to keep up with the latest biotechnology developments. But even so, she says her degree continues to have direct relevance to her job.
“Every day I am applying the academic knowledge that I have gained through my Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, specifically the microbiology and immunology components of the course.”
Rachel says that as well as being informative, the immunology classes were particularly enjoyable. She loved the way labs helped to demonstrate the real-world application of the content being taught in lectures.
“One of my favourite exercises was an immunology lab where we explored the use of immunotherapies in the treatment of melanoma. It was so engaging and it showed that microbiology is more relevant than ever in today’s world.”
