This month we are profiling Pragya Kant, a Project Officer in Domestic Quarantine within the Chief Plant Health Officer Branch, Biosecurity and Agriculture Services, of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) Victoria.
How did you find yourself on this career path?
I have always been a high scorer in science, particularly in biology, which was my favourite subject in high school. I was keen to know more about plants and pathogens. I delved deeper into the world of microorganisms and decided to become a plant scientist.
My journey into plant pathology and biosecurity began over two decades ago during my postgraduate studies in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology. I had the opportunity to work on a project focused on plant-microbe interactions. After completing my PhD in India, I was fortunate to gain international research experience in various countries including Israel, Canada, and now in Australia. Working at leading institutes in the agriculture sector was invaluable, teaching me how to find innovative solutions to protect our agricultural resources.
Throughout these years, I have remained driven by a passion for understanding plant diseases. This passion naturally led me to biosecurity and quarantine, where I now focus on preventing and managing risks associated with plant pests.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical workday involves a mix of research, project management, and stakeholder engagement. I spend a significant portion of my day reading the latest developments and reviewing and analysing data related to plant diagnostics. Coordinating with teams, both internally and across other organisations is a regular part of my role to ensure our projects stay on track and meet milestones. I also dedicate time to writing reports, developing new diagnostic protocols, and preparing presentations for workshops and conferences.
Since 19 August 2024, I have been working as a Project Officer in Domestic Quarantine. In this role I spend a significant portion of my time reviewing and understating policies, frameworks, and legislation to ensure smooth movement of produce within Victoria and interstate. It is rewarding to recognise the breadth of work required to protect our state and country from pests and diseases.
How long have you worked in this area?
When I arrived in Australia in 2011, I joined Agriculture Victoria’s research team at Grains Innovation Park in Horsham. There I worked on two GRDC-funded projects on Germplasm enhancement for pulse crops to address biotic stresses. During this time, I applied and expanded my knowledge in fungal and bacterial diseases.
In 2020, I moved to Melbourne and joined the bacteriology team in the Microbial Sciences, Pest and Diseases unit, where I had the privilege to work on a nationally coordinated Xylella preparedness project funded by Hort Innovation. This project significantly enhanced my knowledge of biosecurity, exotics, and high-throughput sequencing. Working with national and international experts and stakeholders was an invaluable experience.
I also worked as Project Manager for the National Grains Diagnostic and Surveillance Initiative funded by GRDC, which aimed to enhance preparedness for exotic pests and pathogens in the grains sector. I later joined the Domestic Quarantine team.
What roles have you held previously?
During my career I’ve held various roles Including:
- Project Officer, Domestic Quarantine, Agriculture Victoria
- Research Scientist, Microbial Sciences Pest and Diseases, Agriculture Victoria
- Research Scientist, Molecular Plant Breeding, Agriculture Victoria
- Research Associate, University of Guelph, Canada
- Session Lecturer and Principal Instructor, University of Guelph
- Postdoctoratal Researcher, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
- Research Associate, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, India
Each of these roles provided me with unique experiences and insights that have shaped my expertise in plant pathology and biosecurity.
What training/education have you received?
I hold a PhD in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, as well as a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences. My educational background provided a strong foundation in the sciences, and my international experience working with the latest technologies has equipped me to take on new challenges. I have grown professionally through diverse global research projects and throughout my career, I have participated in numerous workshops, symposia, and conferences— both as a participant and a speaker. These experiences have furthered my knowledge and skills in plant pathology and biosecurity.
What is your most memorable career achievement?
One of my most memorable career achievements was working on the Xylella preparedness project, “Improving Preparedness of the Australian Horticultural Sector to the Threat Potentially Posed by Xylella fastidiosa (a Severe Biosecurity Risk) (MT17006).” My work contributed to the development of improved diagnostic protocols and the implementation of cutting-edge nanopore sequencing technology, both of which have significantly impacted Australia’s biosecurity efforts.
I gained valuable overseas experience by visiting Brazil and California, USA, where I observed Xylella symptoms firsthand and gained insights into the research being conducted abroad. Spending time in their laboratories was an invaluable experience. The knowledge gained from this trip helped inform updates to the National Diagnostic Protocol for Xylella. Developing nanopore-based protocols for rapid diagnostics was a key outcome of this project.
What advice would you give anyone starting or changing their career?
My advice to anyone starting or changing their career is to remain curious and open to learning. The fields of biosecurity and plant pathology are dynamic, and continuous learning is essential to staying relevant and effective. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges or explore different areas within your field — diverse experiences can provide valuable insights and open up new opportunities. Networking and collaboration are also crucial; much of my work’s success is due to the relationships and partnerships I’ve built over the years.
Throughout my career, I have embraced new roles, taken on challenges, and learned valuable lessons from past experiences—all of which have significantly shaped my contributions in every position I’ve held. Each experience is valuable and can help define and refine your career path. With persistence and determination, you can learn anything you set your mind to and work consistently toward your goals.
Links to professional profiles
Pragya on LinkedIn
Pragya on Google scholar
Pragya presented outcomes of the “Improving preparedness of the Australian horticultural sector to the threat potentially posed by Xylella fastidiosa (a severe biosecurity risk) (MT17006)” project at the Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) Annual General Meeting, at Melbourne University.