Lillian Hearn (2017)
Lillian’s interest in environmental chemistry comes from a lifelong love of the natural world and a passion for investigating complex interactions between human activities and the environment.
Her career spans a range of diverse roles within the agricultural sector across several states, centred on understanding the intersection between agriculture and environmental stewardship.
“I love the space I’m working in and the interdisciplinary aspect of research. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with and be mentored by some incredible leading researchers across Australia, which has provided opportunities to present my work both locally and internationally, including in Aarhus, Denmark and Cambridge, UK.”
“The process of discovery keeps me interested and I find it incredibly motivating to investigate issues with economic, environmental and social implications.”
Career pathway
Lillian is currently completing an industry-based PhD in environmental chemistry through The University of Melbourne in partnership with Agriculture Victoria, contributing to a national grains industry project.
Based in Horsham, her research is focused on tracing the movement of nitrogen fertiliser through soil, plants and into the atmosphere, and understanding its contribution to atmospheric pollution.
She also recently began working as a scientist in the Sustainable Agroecosystems team at the Queensland University of Technology. Here she contributes to national projects that quantify greenhouse gas emissions in cropping systems and evaluate mitigation technologies.
While completing an Honours project at the University of Western Australia (UWA), Lillian also worked part-time as a correspondence officer in the office of the State Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development.
“This simultaneous exposure to the rigours of laboratory research and the demands of a Minister’s portfolio gave me an early appreciation of the connection between science, policy and evidence-based decision-making.”
After graduating from UWA, Lillian moved to Hobart to work as a natural resource management extension officer. Lillian is drawn to questions around how science can help address environmental challenges at both a local and global scale.
Lillian’s time at Grammar
“I am grateful to my Science and Maths teachers who sparked my interest in STEM.”
“More broadly, some of the most influential experiences came from outside the classroom. A French exchange pushed me beyond my comfort zone and taught me the value of taking risks. Discussions in Year 11 Literature strengthened my critical thinking and encouraged me to engage with different perspectives.”
“And finally, the commitment required for team sport in the early mornings and winter evenings and in all weather, rain, hail or sunshine taught me the importance of showing up, contributing and working as part of a team.”
Acknowledgement of Country
Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, live and work, the Wadawurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and actively implements measures to identify and manage any risks of harm to students within our school environment. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central and fundamental responsibilities of the School. We are firmly committed to fostering a child-safe culture that provides an environment where students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. Ballarat Grammar values diversity and strictly prohibits any racist or discriminatory practices. All members of our school community share the responsibility to care for children and young people by promptly raising any concerns regarding their safety, promoting their wellbeing, and protecting them from all forms of harm or abuse.
