Kiana Barrie-Gresham
Bachelor of Agriculture
Bachelor of Arts
Studying at Melbourne was always a clear choice for Kiana Barrie-Gresham.
As a high achiever in secondary school, Kiana was selected as a Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholar, which paved the way for her to study Agriculture at the University of Melbourne.
As a young female from rural Victoria, studying Agriculture at Melbourne seemed daunting but the support from the University in her VCE years and during the enrolment process was “amazing”.
During her studies she was exposed to opportunities that enriched her knowledge in her field, like attending the International Vietnamese Agricultural Tour where she worked with smallholder farmers to help combat issues in horticulture production.
Above all, Kiana says it is the on-farm experience at the Dookie campus that sets you apart as a Melbourne graduate.
If you’re studying agriculture, attending the Dookie campus semesters is a must as it offers the rare opportunity to study in a unique and rewarding environment while building lasting relationships and having fun.
Her favourite memories are those from her semesters at Dookie.
“The amazing cohort of like-minded peers and supportive staff who quickly became friends and family provided the feeling of connectedness I have come to love about the Dookie lifestyle.”
“I will undeniably miss my Dookie family, and our adventures on and off campus” she says, as her cohort prepares to enter the working world. “But have no doubt we will be friends into the future.”
Kiana’s advice to current and future students is to get involved in as much as you can at university and to take advantage of every opportunity, “especially those that see you extend yourself out of your comfort zone. Don’t wait until your last year to do this, push yourself in the first year to seek these prospects.”
Kiana will be working as a Graduate Research Agronomist in the Wimmera cropping region. Welcome to the alumni community, Kiana!