Bianca Deans

Unlocking the Mysterious Chemistry of Tasmanian Native Plants

Growing up in Tasmania with a love of the outdoors, I was always fascinated by nature. I wanted to find out What? Why? How?! Where! & When !! for everything I saw around me.

Now I am a self-described Plant Lady, and plants are a big part of my life – both in science, and my at home jungle!

I studied a Bachelor of Science with Honours at the University of Tasmania, which opened many opportunities for experiencing science in Tasmania’s diverse environments.

Chemistry, agricultural science, zoology, and plant science were some of my favourite subjects at University. I also really enjoyed volunteering on research projects in the field & laboratories. These were fun & practical ways to apply the sciences I learnt, plus be inspired by passionate science researchers.

When I was doing my own chemistry research I got to combine my passions of chemistry, plants & exploring the Tasmanian wilderness. I got to go on spectacular bushwalking field trips just to collect native Tasmanian plants! My project involved collecting, extracting & identifying molecules made by Tasmanian native plants. Plant molecules get used in important stuff like medicine. Plants have evolved over millions of years & to suit many environments, and in doing so, have produced a wonderful mixture of chemicals. As a result, nature represents a rich source of molecules that humans have found useful in modern science and in traditional cultures for thousands of years. However Tasmania’s plants were largely a mystery in scientific terms. My research helped to find new chemistry & unusual variations, plus better understand the literal ‘family trees’ of some Tasmanian native plants, based on their chemistry – not just genetics, or their physical features.

I have since become a passionate about science communication too. What began with Young Tassie Scientists, turned into: presenting with Inspiring Tasmania at community events, co-founding the That’s What I Call Science radio program, and volunteered in the Tasmanian National Science Week coordinating team. in 2024 I am working at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) at the University of Tasmania in science outreach & industry placements. Promoting the exciting & diverse opportunities within agricultural science to students, educators, and the wider community. Please reach out if you or your community wish to explore agricultural science. It truly is practical problem-solving to make a difference!

Contact: [email protected]