Nicole brings a wealth of experience to the SuniTAFE team and plays an integral role in ensuring project deliverables are met.

Nicole studied agricultural science at Melbourne University in the late 90s and completed her honours program through a Dried Fruits Australia summer scholarship that brought her to Mildura. With the love of researching industry problems and working outdoors, it didn’t take too much convincing for Nicole to pursue a career in the sector in regional Australia. 

Following graduation, Nicole moved to Wagga Wagga to embark on a PhD in winegrape physiology. Once this concluded, she was fortunate enough to secure employment back in the Mildura region, where much of her career was in the viticulture industry focusing on specific wine grape projects.
Nicole then moved into a role with the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia, where for 12 years, Nicole managed the operations of the farming group, with a particular focus on her interest in technology adoption.

Now with the SuniTAFE Smart Farm, Nicole is thrilled to be able to combine her passion of promoting technology adoption with a return to the horticultural sector. She is keen to increase participation by students, industry and community in the transition of the horticulture sector towards SMART Farming. Nicole likes to show-case the range of exciting career paths now available in the sector and demonstrate the many ways that precision farming can impact the triple bottom line for growers.

On a personal note, Nicole lived on a wheat and sheep station near Pooncarie on the Darling River with her husband and two primary school aged sons. Nicole enjoys camping, pedicures and sparkling wine.