Bonny Vogelzang has been working in the biosecurity field for the past 15 years. Her PhD is allowing her to draw on her work experiences and knowledge while building further her research skills.

Previously, Bonny worked for Australian Quarantine Inspection Service and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPI&F) and also freelanced. Her recent work with QDPI&F was on early warning surveillance and the Northwatch program.

Bonny says she has always been interested in the big picture of biosecurity.

"I think maintaining Australia's pest free status is important - exclusion is the first and often the most environmentally and cost-effective strategy for maintaining plant health and therefore keeping down costs to agriculture and the environment."

Taking on her PhD has meant a move from sunny Cairns to Adelaide and the chance to reconnect with friends and family in her childhood city. (She misses the warm weather, but is enjoying the South Australian environment, vegetation and landscape).

Climbing St Mary's Peak in the Flinders Ranges is one of her proudest personal achievements - pretty good for someone without a good head for heights.

Professionally, her work in assisting to set up a quarantine service in the newly independent East Timor was another big high.