Science graduates share tales of career success in new podcast

Hear inspiring stories from science graduates in the University of Adelaide’s new podcast series launched today.

The initial six-episode series is named In Their Element – a play on words that describes our science graduates studying, and now working, in a field they love. 

You can listen via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, OmnyStudio, or via our website.

Meet some of our alumni who’ve turned their innate spark of curiosity into awesome, real-world careers – including Millie Shinkfield a graduate of our Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science. Millie is now a Quality Assurance Assistant at Mexex, one of Adelaide’s largest food manufacturers.

“When I was back in Year 12, I didn't really know which way I was going to go, Millie says.

“I was looking at university and I really enjoyed my science subjects. I got a lot out of chemistry and biology, and I was looking through all the course guides, trying to decide what to do.

“I was flipping through the University of Adelaide course guides because they had such a reputation for science and research, and I stumbled across the Food and Nutrition Science degree, which had such an element of application to the scientific theory, and also I'm a massive foodie.

“So, that instantly appealed to me. The course described as science and then applying that to food manufacturing. So then, when we actually started the degree, we did do core subjects of biology, chemistry, statistics, and then that went a step further and became food chemistry and food microbiology.”

Millie says the degree gave her hands-on experience manufacturing products from some of the key food industries including beverages, beer, confectionery, bakery, meats and cheese.

“It was very interesting, and just seeing those concepts applied hands-on, it was just so enjoyable.

“The links with industry were really great. That's how I ended up in the position I am now at Mexex and it was a really enjoyable degree."

Featured sciences alumni

Further to our chat with Millie, this week’s podcast launch also includes episodes with:

• Pip Edwards, a Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) graduate, who’s now a puppy education supervisor at the Royal Society for the Blind.
• Phoebe De Wilt, a Bachelor of Science (Space Science and Astrophysics) graduate who’s now an aviation forecaster for the Bureau of Meteorology.

In the coming weeks we will also be releasing conversations with:

• Jacob Maher, who works in environmental sustainability and is a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) graduate.
• Brendan and Laura Carter, the husband and wife team behind Unico Zelo and Applewood Distillery. Brendon is a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology graduate and Laura completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences.
• Reuben Jacob, Innovation Manager at Bellberry and Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) graduate.