Miss FQ: How old are you?
Lucy: 22
Where are you from?
Christchurch.
What’s your dream and why do you want to Make It Happen?
My dream is to be a plant breeder. I’ve always had a passion for wanting to do something that was a little different and to make my mark on the world. And I’ve really enjoyed Biology, so I naturally progressed into this.
Tell us about the need for more food crops…
Every year our global population is increasing exponentially and unfortunately our production of food through crops is not keeping up. To keep up with human demand, we need to be making a gain of approximately 2% each year on the production of our crops and we are currently not matching this. I am a female working in the agricultural industry which is highly male dominated, so I would love to succeed and encourage other women to do the same. I am extremely passionate about the environment, food security and empowering women in science. I am a member of the Association of Women in Science and love seeing the passion and expertise come together, in a field that is so important.
What are you doing at the moment?
I am studying my Masters in science at Lincoln University.
Wow, so where to see yourself in the next five years?
Hopefully I would have completed a PHD and am working as a scientist.
Who is your ultimate scientist girl boss?
That’s a tricky one, because there is not many. But the woman I look up to in science is Associate Professor Hayley Ridgway at Lincoln University. She’s definitely one of the bosses.
Why do you love her so much?
She’s just so compassionate, and so nice but she is so successful at the same time. There is a huge need for more women in the primary industry sector.
Is this a job that will take you overseas?
Yes definitely, I would love to go and work in the UK or America.
Wow, awesome! When you are not doing science and plant breeding, what are your hobbies?
I always love to shop! Also just hanging out with my friends and definitely family time is very important to me.
What are your favorite stores to shop at?
That’s a tricky one, I love Ballantynes – a South Island Favourite! The container mall in Christchurch, that’s really cool. It has lots of shops there.
