Marty Faville
Scientist
Forage Improvement
Being part of, and interacting with, a global research community is fun, challenging and motivational.
Biographical Information
"To me, a career in science represents a genuine opportunity to contribute something of value to the community, whether it is something material like a product that benefits the economy or something less tangible like the development of a new piece of knowledge."
AgResearch Forage Improvement Scientist Marty Faville says there were a number of reasons he pursued a career in science.
"I saw it as a career where I could make a worthwhile contribution to the community at large and indulge myself in unravelling problems and answering questions, something I find compelling."
Marty says one of the best parts of his job is that it offers variety so over the course of a day he can be working in a lab, outside looking at plants, talking to industry people or driving a computer analysis.
Marty says he became increasingly interested in science while at high school and while he can't pin point the catalyst he says it is probably due to a couple of pretty good biology teachers.
He says the enthusiasm shown by his teachers helped him tie what he was learning in the classroom to what he saw in the real world.
"My interest in science really grew at high school and it was during this time that I began to consider science, particularly biology, as an attractive career option."
"I studied biology, chemistry and physics at school; they were all important in that they gave me a solid grounding in the theoretical aspects of a lot of science areas as well as a bunch of practical skills that put me in good shape for university study."
"I'd add that subjects like mathematics and English also provided me with skills and knowledge that are also very important in this job."
Marty's work is targeted towards supporting the New Zealand agricultural sector, the backbone of our economy, and he says anything that can maintain the global competitiveness of that industry is very important and rewarding.
"I work in AgResearch's Forage Improvement Section, the overall goal of which is to develop improved forages to fuel our agricultural industries."
"I work in a team developing DNA markers that can be used as genetic tools by plant breeders to more efficiently and precisely produce varieties of ryegrass that have better feed and production qualities, better persistence in the paddock and better outcomes for the wider environment."
Marty says he has been fortunate enough to have opportunities to present his research at a number of overseas conferences which he rates as one of the most enjoyable parts of his job.
"Working in New Zealand I've also had the opportunity to be involved in a diverse and rewarding range of projects, from developing tools to aid the conservation of a rare New Zealand plant, to studying how asparagus behaves once you have hacked it off the plant, to creating genetic tools for making improved ryegrass varieties for New Zealand agriculture."
"Working in a group of scientists with such a long established and respectable international profile is also something of a highlight for me."
Marty's interests outside of work generally centre around his young family, particularly the entertainment of young children but when he does get a chance to pursue his personal interests he can often be found engaged in activities such as playing football or basketball, fly fishing, going to the gym or enjoying music and literature.
Marty says he is something of a sports nut and if he is not playing he is usually watching sport; in fact he says he would watch competitive wallpapering if it was free to air and there were peanuts within reach.
"I've participated in team sports for as long as I can remember and I guess it indulges my competitive side, enables me to let off a bit of steam and gives a bit of social balance to life."
"For me music and books are relaxation devices, although I enjoy seeing bands live which can't really be described as relaxing; I am particularly attracted to New Zealand music and books as there's a unique, almost maverick quality to our arts that is borne out of isolation and I think that is also reflected in the way we have achieved in other fields, like science, over the years."
"What I like about fly fishing is that you can make it into a bit of a hunt, even though it has got a miniscule brain, sneaking up on a trout and trying to tempt it on to a fly is pretty exciting."
"On the other hand it can just be a nice walk up a stream in the bush, stopping occasionally to thrash a line in a pool and give the residents a bit of a laugh, generally I'm no artist and the trout population is safe from me."