Phoebe Hunt (Ngāti Rangiwewehi) completed a double major in Agricultural Innovation and Botany for her Bachelor of Science degree. Her summer job came with the bonus of Toe the dog.
If someone had told Phoebe Hunt (Ngāti Rangiwewehi) when she was still at school that she would graduate with a Bachelor of Science, she’d never have believed it. However, after four years studying both Agricultural Innovation and Botany, Phoebe couldn’t be happier with her decision and the foundation it has paved for her future.
Phoebe’s decision to undertake a double major in Agricultural Innovation and Botany combined her interests in the role of plants to meet the world’s growing nutritional demands. She’s particularly interested in exploring how crops can be adapted to improve their nutritional value and help address global food security.
When Phoebe was in her final years of high school at Auckland’s Mount Albert, she’d put aside any thoughts of a science-based career. However, it was taking an agricultural and horticultural science subject while also helping on the school’s farm in her final year, when her passion for the area was ignited.
The deal was sealed when she attended Otago’s open day in 2021 and was introduced to the relatively new Agricultural Innovation programme with its focus on science and technology, and food production systems.
The transition to university level study wasn’t easy for Phoebe, particularly having to catch up on her core science subjects. She refers to the 100-level papers as the most challenging part of her degree.
"It was a real struggle, especially as I was enjoying the social aspects of first year too, but I persevered and got there,” Phoebe reflects.
By her second year however, Phoebe had settled into her studies and says she genuinely enjoyed learning. She says a huge part of her motivation and enjoyment for learning was due to passionate teachers.
“They really care about their topics, and I found it so easy to learn from teachers who I looked up to.”
She also jumped at every chance to attend events, public lectures, and symposiums, which helped build connections and to reinforce learnings from class. These opportunities included a summer job where Phoebe worked for Zoffee, a New Zealand start-up company that’s exploring the possibility of producing a sustainable alternative to coffee from a native plant.
As part of this job Phoebe undertook laboratory work in the Department of Food Science and she also collaborated with AbacusBio on the project. She has continued her relationship with Zoffee and says the opportunity has been an invaluable part of her overall learning. "All of these experiences have really boosted my ability to apply things in a real-world situation."
Phoebe credits the support she received from her lecturers, particularly Agricultural Innovation Professor Craig Bunt (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Mutunga), and course advisor Miriama Epere-Watson, who helped manage the complexities of a double major.
Professor Bunt says a big part of Phoebe’s success has been her making the most of every opportunity during her time studying at Otago.
“She’s been willing to explore different paths and take on challenges, and that approach has really strengthened her skills and confidence. I’m sure it will set her up well for her postgraduate studies overseas.”
Phoebe is now looking forward to her next adventure in Canada to complete her postgraduate studies at the University of Alberta. She will study for a Master of Science (Renewable Resources) with a focus on improving plant growth for the future of horticulture.
“The furthest I have travelled is to Fiji and I can’t explain it, but I’ve always wanted to go to Canada. So, to go and study there for two years is an absolute dream come true.”
"I've always believed in learning everything you can about what you're passionate about," Phoebe says.
"Now I’m even excited by the prospect of completing a PhD.”
- Kōrero by Guy Frederick (Sciences Communications Advisor)