Tommi Studdy is an agricultural science (honours) student who has moved to Sydney from regional NSW to complete her studies. In this time, Tommi has found community in her cohort and pursued a huge range of opportunities across the University and beyond.
I grew up on a farm in rural NSW, where agriculture was a part of everyday life. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for food production, sustainability, and the real challenges faced by regional communities. Choosing to study agriculture at the University of Sydney felt like a natural next step, it offered world-class teaching and research, while also pushing me outside my comfort zone. Moving to Sydney was both a personal and academic challenge, but one I embraced wholeheartedly.
What really set the University of Sydney apart for me was its strong connection to rural properties and regional Australia. These connections aren’t just symbolic; they actively feed into the knowledge base and research that flows back into farming communities to help future-proof agriculture across the country. It’s a place where learning is grounded in real-world impact.
As a young student, I felt supported and encouraged by professors and researchers who genuinely value new perspectives. They foster an environment where we’re not just learning existing science, we’re being asked to contribute to it, to question it, and to shape what comes next.
The agriculture community at the University of Sydney is incredibly close-knit, supportive, and down-to-earth. Even though we come from all over, rural towns, coastal areas, even inner-city suburbs, there’s a strong sense of shared passion and purpose that brings everyone together. It feels more like a big family than just a cohort. People are always willing to lend a hand, share advice, or have a yarn after class. Through societies like the Agricultural Society and events like field trips, industry nights, and volunteering initiatives, you really get to know your peers, lecturers, and industry professionals.
I’ve really tried to immerse myself in all aspects of the university experience. One of the highlights has been my involvement with the University of Sydney Agricultural Society, where I had the opportunity to serve as Secretary in 2023. That role gave me a deeper connection to the ag student community and allowed me to help organise events that brought students, academics, and industry together. I’ve also attended career and networking nights, which have been incredibly valuable for gaining insight into the agricultural sector and building connections with professionals. One recent experience was representing the University at the Royal Easter Show; it was a fun way to showcase practical skills and team spirit in front of the public.
Continuing into Honours felt like a natural next step for me, I wanted to deepen my research skills, challenge myself academically, and contribute to a field I’m genuinely passionate about. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I became increasingly curious about the complex systems that underpin agriculture and environmental science, especially the unseen drivers like soil microbiomes and plant–soil interactions. Honours has given me the opportunity to explore those interests in a focused and meaningful way.
Through this year, I’m hoping to produce research that not only strengthens my scientific understanding but also has relevance for on-the-ground practices. I want to grow as an independent thinker and build a strong foundation for future work in the research, sustainability, or ag-tech sectors.
What really set the University of Sydney apart for me was its strong connection to rural properties and regional Australia...It’s a place where learning is grounded in real-world impact.
Agriculture student
After completing my Honours, I’m aiming to gain hands-on experience and build a meaningful career in the agriculture or environmental sector. I’m particularly passionate about working on projects that drive real impact, whether through sustainability, agronomy, or applied research.
I don’t believe my study journey is over just yet. I hope to travel and explore agricultural and environmental practices in other parts of the world, not only to broaden my perspective, but to inform the direction of any future research or further study I pursue. In the longer term, I’m open to undertaking a PhD, potentially overseas, where I can contribute to innovative science and build on what I’ve learned so far.
The agriculture industry is incredibly diverse, with so many different pathways and niches to explore, from soil science and agribusiness to sustainability and technology. My advice would be to stay curious and give everything a go. Pay attention to what excites you as you move through different subjects and experiences. Notice which topics light you up or make you want to keep learning after class; those moments are worth following. Trust your gut, be open to change, and don’t be afraid to carve out your own path.
