You can contact LEARNZ, part of CORE Education, at:
Postal Address:
PO Box 13 678,
Christchurch 8141,
New Zealand
Meet Jess Byrne
Job:
Technician in Fruit Crops Physiology.
<- Homepage: Our Primary Industries: Unpacking the apple story
Job description:
I work with fruit trees to learn what makes them grow good fruit. We are trying to find ways to grow more apples that taste and look better. We also look at how fruit is after harvest, so we know how the fruit will be when you see it in your fruit bowl.
Work background:
I worked for two years at Mr Apple, which is one of the biggest apple export companies in New Zealand. I tested the fruit that they packed and also helped them find ways to make a pack house better (better packaging etc).
Favourite part of job:
I love getting to do science that helps people – we can learn new things and do good science while being able to impact real everyday people.
Least favourite part of job:
Sometimes the working conditions aren’t fun; working outside in the rain, mud and cold.
What I am working on now:
I am working on Future Orchard Planting Systems (FOPS), a new way to plant fruit trees that changes how we think about growing fruit like apples, pears and cherries.
A quick story about a job well done:
Being able to see FOPS go from a radical new concept to a functioning planting system that is being used by commercial fruit growers is really satisfying.
Qualifications:
BSc majoring in Biology and Psychology, minor in Biotechnology.
Interests outside work:
Netball, reading and seeing my friends.
Jess Byrne is a Technician in Fruit Crops Physiology at Plant and Food Research. Image: Supplied.