The challenge of learning new technologies and working with a multitude of different species is by far the most enjoyable and unexpected experience of my job. Completing a double major in computer science and biochemistry led me naturally to a PhD in bioinformatics. This field is a combination of computer science, biology and statistics, which is ever changing. By working in primary industry, my days can often go from analysing sequencing data from the Greenshell™ mussel in the morning to ryegrass in the afternoon. Through this work, I can recognise the contributions I am making to science.