Dr Josephine Stokes

Job Title: Research Scientist

Company: Department of Primary Industries, Victorian Government

City of Residence: Melbourne

Year Graduated & Degree: Applied Chemistry Undergraduate Degree 1994, PhD 1997

Jo talks about being a Research Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries.

I conduct research, analysis and development of cleaner production projects and strategies. Some of the projects I have managed during my near 5 year employment with the DPI include:

Managing research projects involves project planning, establishing experimental field trials, monitoring, and reporting research findings to my colleagues and stakeholders in collaboration with researchers in a number of organizations. Most projects I manage require lateral and creative thinking to address complex issues, for the integration of agricultural into the landscape.

I maintain a high level of communication when presenting information through field day, seminars, scientific conferences and forums. I work amongst a variety of people with varied skills and culture, including farmers, industry, scientific leaders, universities and technical officers.

During my time in this area of research I have developed a good understanding of the Victorian and Commonwealth legislature frameworks and policies relevant to environmental protection, waste management and sustainable agriculture production.

I day I might spend my time traveling long distances to a field site to oversee the establishment of a field trial investigating different organic fertilizers, or collecting soil and plant samples. The next day I could be in the laboratory trying to identify a weed or a soil type, or analysing nutrients and heavy metals in different samples. The next day I might be in the office typing up my research findings…

There is always something different or new happening each day, which keeps my work interesting.

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