A passion for genetics has been ignited in Elizabeth Woods.
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After receiving a scholarship into a highly sought after GRASS program at UNE, she has more than a foot in the door to perusing her dream.
The University of New England's Growing Regional and Agricultural Students in Science (UNE GRASS) program leads the development and delivery of education programs that inspire students towards science careers.
"I was really relieved and excited when I found out," she said.
"I had been looking forward to it, and there was a lot of anticipation leading up to see if I'd be accepted, or if the program had been cancelled because of COVID."
I had been looking forward to it, and there was a lot of anticipation leading up to see if I'd be accepted, or if the program had been cancelled because of COVID.
- Elizabeth Woods
Coming from a strong line of farmers from the region, growing up on properties makes the agricultural pursuit natural for her.
But what really triggered her dreams was taking part in a Rotary Youth program in 2018 where she was immersed in and go to see artificial insemination.
She is now looking forward to getting first hand insight into the profession, to see what she is in store for, gathering pieces of advice from professionals in the field.
"It thought it was a good step in the door to connect with people in the industry - and it offers a wide range of different industries," she explained.
"The amount of people in the outer community you wouldn't normally get to meet, you can meet straight off the bat in this program."
While the course offers many different science fields, genetics is the one for her.
She is working towards becoming a vet, before specialising in the genetic makeup of animals to see where that will take her.
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Planning on working back in the country when she's finished, she is looking forward to making her mark.
"I think it is more pushing towards a change and females aren't being seen as put in the corner," she said on being a woman entering a field traditionally male-oriented.
"They are getting out there and bringing a lot more new ideas to the table," she noted.
The HSC exams are almost upon her, nerves are kicking in a little and the high ATAR scores required are looming over her.
"But I just have to do more study and I'll get there in the end," she affirmed.
