The WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight series highlights the career journeys, research, and insights of some of the State’s leading agricultural scientists.
This week, we feature Dr Nicholas George, a Senior Lecturer in Agricultural Sciences at Curtin University, whose diverse career path and passion for new crops have made a significant impact on the field.
A journey through agricultural science
Dr George’s journey into agricultural science was anything but conventional.
Growing up in Perth, he did not come from a farming background, but his early exposure to agriculture through his father, a Muresk graduate, sparked his interest.
However, it was a high school summer outreach program with an agricultural scientist at The University of Western Australia (UWA) that solidified his decision to study agriculture.
“I enjoyed growing things, but that program gave me a real insight into the science behind it,” Dr George said.
“It was a pivotal moment that led me to pursue horticultural science at UWA.”
Following his undergraduate studies, he took what he describes as the logical next step: a PhD in Crop and Pasture Sciences at UWA, which he pursued with a scholarship from the Community Resource Centre (CRC) for the Plant-Based Management of Dryland Salinity.
His research laid the foundation for a career that would take him across continents and disciplines.
Unlike those who follow a strictly linear path, Dr George’s career has been shaped by flexibility and adaptability.
After completing his PhD, his wife’s pursuit of her own doctoral studies overseas meant that he had to remain open to different opportunities.
“I feel like I jumped around without a plan,” Dr George said.
“I worked in different roles and research areas at several universities in the United States, including a postdoctoral position in the Horticultural Sciences Department at North Carolina State University.”
While such movement might have slowed his ability to specialise in a single area, Dr George views it as an asset.
“I’ve heard this kind of career described as having ‘character’ – it exposed me to vastly different farming systems and broadened my perspective in ways that staying in one niche never could,” he said.
Shaping the next generation of agricultural scientists
Today, Dr George is a teaching and research academic at Curtin University, where he plays a crucial role in preparing students for the realities of working in Australian and global food production.
His work balances theoretical instruction with practical, hands-on learning.
“My job is to help shape the next generation of agricultural professionals,” Dr George said.
“That means lectures, practical activities, and sometimes just reminding students that deadlines and group work are real things they need to get used to.”
But beyond the day-to-day teaching responsibilities, Dr George sees his biggest impact in the graduates he helps develop.
He used to be a full-time researcher, focused on innovations that benefited industry.
Now, he sees his students as his biggest contribution to agriculture.
“They will go on to shape the sector in ways that are more significant than any single research paper I could write,” Dr George said.
Exploring new frontiers in agriculture
Though teaching is his primary focus, Dr George remains committed to research, particularly in the area of new and underutilised crops – his attraction to this area being a mix of scientific curiosity and a contrarian streak.
“I’ve always been drawn to the unconventional,” he said.
“Right now, I’m supervising a student supported by WAARC and the South-West WA Drought Hub Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, who is researching native West Australian legumes as potential new crops.
“It’s an exciting case study in how well-adapted local flora can be developed into something useful for modern agriculture.”
Dr George sees the introduction of new crops as essential for the future of farming, as diversified farming systems tend to be more resilient and profitable.
When looking at the impact of canola and lupins over the past few decades, it’s clear that new crops can change the game.
“As agriculture faces challenges like climate change, land degradation, and feeding a growing population, integrating new crops and pastures is one way to build more sustainable systems,” Dr George said.
Working on new crops presents its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to funding.
Unlike major crops like wheat and barley which attract significant investment, research into alternative crops often struggles to secure financial backing.
“One of my proudest achievements is that I’ve never given up on my passion for new crops,” Dr George said.
“Even when funding has been scarce, I’ve fought to keep research in this area alive because I genuinely believe in its importance, and if nothing else, persistence is a skill I’ve mastered.”
Advice for his students, and any others
For students and early-career scientists looking to enter the field, Dr George’s advice is simple: stay adaptable and follow your interests.
“Agriculture will always need scientists to help address its challenges because people will always need to eat.
“Find an area that excites you, be willing to take unexpected detours, and don’t be afraid if your career doesn’t follow a straight line.
“Those detours might lead to the best opportunities.”
As Western Australia continues to push the boundaries of agricultural innovation, scientists like Dr Nicholas George play a crucial role in shaping its future.
Whether through his research on new crops or his work training the next generation of agricultural professionals, his impact is sure to be felt for years to come.
Through the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight series, WAARC celebrates the contributions of researchers like Dr Nicholas George, whose work exemplifies the dedication and innovation needed to advance agricultural science in Western Australia.
By sharing their stories, the series aims to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in this vital field, ensuring the State remains at the forefront of agricultural research and sustainability.