A University of Queensland postgraduate student will soon be working to bridge the divide between environmentalists, cattle farmers and other community groups thanks to a prestigious scholarship.
Taylah Faulkner from UQ’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences has been awarded a Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) postgraduate scholarship, receiving $10,000 per year, with an additional $8,000 per year in potential technical support, to help her complete a PhD.
“This scholarship is really going to open up doors for my research, helping me make a difference in the industry,” Ms Faulkner said.
“I’ve always had a love for the environment and a passion for sustainability and – during my undergraduate studies – I grew increasingly interested in the agricultural sector, particularly the cattle industry.
“Whilst on the road throughout Queensland, I had a chance to engage with producers and interact with rural communities, and truly loved it.
“Agriculture is so important to Australia and it needs to grow sustainably – the industry is facing challenges, but I’m passionate about conducting research to help shape its future.”
The MLA postgraduate scholarship assists students to undertake research towards higher degrees in disciplines relevant to the Australian red meat and livestock industries.
Through her research, Ms Faulkner hopes to better understand how industry can engage with community and consumer expectations of sustainability, and how it can more effectively communicate its sustainability initiatives.
“Achieving sustainability requires good communication, both within the cattle industry, but also with external stakeholders, and that’s currently a challenge,” she said.
“My research will focus on understanding communication between industry and diverse stakeholders, helping meet community expectations, while maintaining trust and support in the Australian cattle industry.”
With industry support behind her, Ms Faulkner is keen to get to work.
“Sustainability in the cattle industry is incredibly important to me and I aim to be a part of its future,” she said.
“I’m committed to encouraging and guiding change within the industry, so that in can create real environmental outcomes and build trust with the community.
“Ultimately, I’d love to work in the industry in a position where I can, and will, make the cattle industry more sustainable, ensuring it will thrive well into the future.”
Media: Taylah Faulkner, taylah.faulkner@uq.edu.au, +61 401 438 375; Dominic Jarvis, dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.
