Old Scholar Olivia Veronese (20) shares passion for science
Old Scholar Olivia Veronese (20) is a passionate agronomist whose love for science was ignited at a young age during her time at Pulteney. From her early fascination with making crystals in the science lab to helping care for the school’s lab “pets,” Olivia’s curiosity and enthusiasm for science kept growing throughout her schooling. Today, Olivia is working to bridge new research and technologies to assist with sustainable agricultural practices and food security.
Olivia, who served at Vice Captain in 2020, is delighted to hear about Pulteney’s plans to upgrade its science laboratories. She generously shared her insights and words of wisdom, reflecting on how her experience at Pulteney guided her to pursue her passion for science.
Can you tell us about your current role or studies in the field of science?
I’m a graduate agronomist with Nutrien Ag Solutions – I get to advise farmers on how to manage their crops to feed the world! On any day, I could be scouting for pests, weeds, and diseases, taking crop samples, concocting spray mixtures, planning field trials, & trying to predict the weather.
What initially sparked your interest in science? Was there a particular moment or person that inspired you?
I’ve always been a massive science nerd. I think my brain nearly exploded in Kurrajong when we got our first coveted expedition to the science labs to make crystals from a salt solution. To my 6-year-old self, getting to see, touch, and experience things in a science lab was the most exciting thing. In prep school, my friends and I used to help care for the science lab “pets” (if you consider lizards, hopping mice, and stick insects as pets!). Despite our most resilient pestering, lab tech Ms Smith welcomed us and made sure we stayed out of too much trouble. Other science teachers would occasionally demonstrate pracs for us in preparation for their next classes. It’s teachers like that who went above and beyond to encourage my interest in science that I am so grateful to.
Were there any specific science teachers or classes at Pulteney that left a lasting impact on you? How did they contribute to your interest in science?
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to study high school biology a year early thanks to the determination of Mr Drogemuller. Although I struggled with some of the theory, Drogs (Mr Drogemuller) always had a memorable practical or demonstration to back them up. I recall getting to blow air into the lungs of a pig, learning osmosis through soaking jelly in dye, and understanding the periodic table through exploding reactive elements in water.
In true science nerd fashion, I gave up a year 12 free period to study physics because I couldn’t live with the idea that the class would be all boys without me. I struggled with the concepts, but through patience and practicals to contextualise the theory, my physics teacher Ms Pearce ensured that I made it through to the end of the year.
Did you participate in any science-related extracurricular activities, clubs, or competitions while at Pulteney? How did these experiences shape your passion for science?
There is no substitute for passionate teachers! I consider myself so lucky to have teachers who encouraged my interest in science and went the extra mile to make classes engaging.
How do you see the role of science in addressing current global challenges? What excites you most about the future of your field?
Everyone needs to eat! Agriculture has massive potential for positive change. Australian farmers have moved away from tillage practices to conserve soil moisture, adopted technologies like optical spot sprayers and drones, and grow more tolerant crops thanks to the work of plant breeders. As an agronomist, I help bridge new research and products to farmers in ways that can benefit their production systems. I’m particularly excited about reducing fertiliser emissions using green urea and the potential of biologicals.
In what ways do you think Pulteney prepared you for the demands and opportunities of a career in science?
The support and encouragement of my teachers made me confident that I could tackle any problem that came my way.
How does your scientific background influence other aspects of your life, whether it’s decision-making, problem-solving, or your worldview?
I’m a super curious person! There are very few differences between me and a young kid who asks “why?” about everything – except that I will google the answers.
What advice would you give to current Pulteney students who are considering a career in science?
Go your hardest! There is so much awesome research and applications of research happening in every field of science. Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to what you know or have studied in the past either – a geology elective I took in my first year of university remains one of my most interesting classes.
Looking back, how do you feel about your journey from Pulteney to where you are now?
When I was a student at Pulteney, I could have never predicted that I would be working in agriculture. I did know that I was super excited about science. It’s because of the passionate teachers, engaging practicals, and access to science classes from Kurrajong to Year 12 that my interest in science has led me to what I think will be my career for life!
What would you say to potential donors about the impact that a refurbished science laboratory could have on future students?
Science is always changing and can’t be learnt just from a whiteboard. A refurbished science lab will help students see, test, and understand concepts in a more engaging and exciting way. If it helps one kid stay interested in science or grasp a difficult concept, I think that’s a win.