PhD grad gives farmers competitive edge

Edward O'Daly

12 April 2011: Sweet potato farmers in Papua New Guinea have a competitive advantage thanks to PhD research at the University of Canberra.

Norah Omot graduated with a PhD at the University of Canberra graduation ceremonies at Parliament House on March 31 and April 1.

Her research, funded by a scholarship from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research involved analysing the entire process involved in bringing sweet potatoes to market –from the supply to chain to communication.

“In particular I looked at what consumers want and whether suppliers are meeting their needs,” Dr Omot said.

Norah Omot. Photo: Rohani Moore

Dr Omot works at the Papua New Guinea National Agriculture Research Centre and made a flying visit to Canberra with her husband Thomas, also a former University of Canberra student, to attend the ceremony.

The couple were the house guests of University of Canberra academic John Spriggs while they were in town, which Dr Omot said showed how welcome she had felt while studying in Canberra.

Graduating was “great relief”, Dr Omot added.

More graduation stories:

Indigenous elder graduates from UC

Elyssa makes the most of uni experience

UC graduate has big plans for the future

Boorowa couple graduate together

UC graduate scores AIS job

Teaching grad 'empowered' by education

Customs grad blazes trail in Middle East

UC grad packs her bags for Spain

UC grad drawn to New York's bright lights