精东传媒app

Between studying, working, parenting and life on the farm, Louise Fitzgerald has a lot on her plate – but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Recently named the winner of the Innovation Award at the 2025 精东传媒app of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Student Awards, Louise is currently studying a Bachelor of Science while working as a Project Officer with Reef Catchments and helping run her family’s agricultural business.

With a love of soil and a knack for practical ideas, she’s been busy (in her spare time!) turning her observations into tools that make a real difference for farmers.

Her latest creation? The pHtextura Spoon – a simple but effective tool that helps landholders test soil texture and pH.

We recently caught up with her to chat about her journey to UniSQ, the inspiration behind her latest work and what she’s got in the pipeline. Check out what she had to say.

Can you share a bit about your journey and what inspired you to pursue studies at UniSQ? What drew you to the Bachelor of Science?

I have a two-year-old girl, my partner and I run an agricultural contracting business and a small farm, and I also work a part-time job as a Project Officer for a company called Reef Catchments. I’m also finishing my Bachelor of Science. To sum up, I live a busy but fulfilling life! After working various roles within agriculture and then the birth of my daughter in 2023, I bit the bullet and decided it was time to go back to university. Though, study with a newborn (now toddler) is certainly not for the faint-hearted. After leaving Toowoomba and moving to Mackay, I chose to study at UniSQ as it not only gives me a reason to come back and visit but I also love the campus. With the Bachelor of Science, I love that I can major in both Animal Science and Plant Agricultural Science. This gives me the opportunity to cover both my interests (agronomy and animal health) and utilise that knowledge to grow my career.

What have been the highlights of your study experience so far? Are there any moments or experiences that stand out?

Other than receiving the Innovation Award, my biggest highlight was my time completing the soil science course. My lecturer, Dr Alla Marchuk, opened my eyes to the world of soil, and I discovered that my love for agronomy was so much deeper than just the roots of the plant. She’s really inspired me and I’m so grateful for the support she’s provided. I’m looking forward to being able to continue to use my passion for soil to advocate for soil health and inspire others to investigate the dirt beneath their boots.

You are currently working as a Project Officer with Reef Catchments. Could you tell us more about your role and the work you do there?

Through my work, I get to engage with local landholders in our region around drought and climate resilience. This includes running workshops and creating resources for them to utilise and implement what is relevant to their farming enterprise. Fortunately for me, this year’s focus is on soil health and its importance for drought preparedness and farm decision-making. This’ll have me out in the paddocks talking about soil, soil and more soil (which I’m incredibly excited about!). I can’t wait to share my passion and knowledge to help farmers in our region.

You recently developed the pHtextura Spoon, a tool that helps landholders test soil texture and pH. What inspired you to create this innovative tool?

It was simple. I love soil so I started thinking about how I could get more people interested in soil. I personally learn better by interacting and doing hands-on activities, so I combined that with two simple and important soil tests (pH and soil texture) to try and get producers interested in their soil. It has come all the way from a drawing in my diary to a spoon in action, and it makes me so happy to hear so much great feedback. Our soil health is so important, and I think sometimes we lose people in all the technicalities. We just need to bring it back to basics and focus on the fundamentals.

You were recently awarded the Innovation Award at the 2025 UniSQ Student Awards for your work on the pHtextura Spoon. How did it feel to receive this recognition, and what does it mean to you personally and professionally?

I can’t put into words how much it meant to be recognised and awarded the Innovation Award. Personally, it showed me that on the days I felt exhausted but kept pushing, all the effort I put into every aspect of my life was noticed and appreciated. Professionally, I believe this award, and the creation of the pHtextura Spoon, have kickstarted my career. I have a few things in the pipeline professionally, and I’m really excited to see what this year has in store.

What are your goals after finishing university? Do you have any specific career ambitions or projects you are excited to pursue?

After finishing my Bachelor of Science, I’d love to branch out into soil health and raise awareness about how important soil health is. I’d also love to be a part of a soil health project with Reef Catchments in the future.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Apply! Apply for the awards. I never thought in a million years that I’d be successful, and it was through the encouragement of my work colleagues that I self-nominated. Have courage and confidence in yourself, because even silent achievements can turn into something far greater than you initially anticipated.