Ariadne Gascon Hernandez joined GrainCorp as a Research & Development intern seeking hands-on experience to complement her studies. Today, she’s contributing to projects that aim to make the meat industry more sustainable.

Hailing from Mexico City, Ari completed a degree in Biotechnology Engineering at Tecnologico de Monterrey before landing a role in R&D at PepsiCo.

Her passion for food science and innovation brought her to Melbourne, where she undertook a Masters in Food Science and Agribusiness at Monash University.

“I chose R&D because I genuinely enjoy understanding how things work and learning something new every day,” Ari says.

Ari’s introduction to GrainCorp came during a Monash University event showcasing internship opportunities.

“GrainCorp caught my eye with the offer to work on sustainable and future-focused projects that could make a real-world impact, so I was excited to apply to be part of such a major player in the industry.”

Throughout her internship, Ari worked on a study examining supplements for ruminants like cows and sheep, with a goal to help reduce the industry’s methane emissions.

“My work involved a mix of theory and practical tasks – I expected to learn a lot, but it definitely surpassed my expectations,” she says.

Following the internship, Ari accepted a six-month contract as an R&D Technician.

“I enjoyed the work and the culture at GrainCorp. It felt like the right environment to continue developing my skills.”

In her current role, Ari’s day typically involves reviewing experimental results, preparing and conducting laboratory work, and researching scientific literature.

“What motivates me is the opportunity to learn something new every day. The work is intellectually stimulating and contributes to meaningful outcomes,” says Ari.

 “The study I’m working on has the potential to reduce methane emissions from cows and support a more sustainable livestock industry, which is something I’m passionate about,” Ari says.

Reflecting on her progress, Ari is proud of her technical development.

“I’ve become more confident and precise in the lab, which has improved the quality of my results.”

Her advice for those considering a career in agriculture or R&D is clear: “Stay curious. Research and development requires creativity, discipline, and patience. It’s important to think like a scientist and approach challenges as a problem-solver.”