Seek Wisdom

Growing up on a farm in the picturesque town of Denmark, Western Australia, Jasmin Bentink always knew she wanted to work outdoors. Her upbringing instilled a deep respect for the land and inspired her interest in sustainability, Indigenous engagement, and environmental stewardship. 

Now in her third year of a Bachelor of Environmental Science, majoring in Environmental Science and Management at UWA, Jasmin is turning that childhood passion into a career, with a focus on mine site rehabilitation and environmental management.  

Earlier this year, Jasmin joined her classmates on a field excursion to Burlong Farm as part of the Soil Science (ENVT2236) unit. The experience gave students the chance to swap lecture slides for shovels and discover that soil science is about much more than what lies beneath our feet. 

 

Learning beyond lectures 

Being out in the field is an important skill to develop early on, and this excursion gave us the opportunity to get hands-on with what we had been learning in class.” 

From samples to solutions

Back on campus, students put their Burlong Farm samples through comprehensive testing, analysing soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity, moisture, bulk density, organic carbon, and key nutrients levels such as nitrate and phosphate. 

"Together, these analyses helped us assess soil health and fertility," Jasmin explains. Based on their findings, the team recommended applying lime to improve the slightly acidic soil pH. "By increasing the pH through liming, the soil would become more suitable for plant growth and support better long-term soil health." They also suggested ongoing monitoring of nutrient levels and organic matter to maintain fertility and structure.  

Seeing how scientific analysis translates directly into actionable advice was a highlight of the field trip.  

What I enjoyed most about my time at Burlong was getting hands-on experience in the field and applying what we'd learned in class to a real-life setting. Being outdoors, connecting theory to practice, and gaining a deeper understanding of land management made it a really valuable part of the unit." 

Skills that matter 

For Jasmin, the skills developed through this unit extend well beyond the farm and she recognises their value in shaping her path toward environmental rehabilitation. 

“Understanding soil structure is essential when it comes to restoring degraded land and supporting successful revegetation.” she says. "The skills I've gained, from field sampling to lab analysis, will help me develop effective rehabilitation strategies that promote long-term ecosystem recovery." 

Associate Professor Louise Barton, who coordinates the Soil Science unit, says this shift in perspective is exactly what the unit aims to achieve. 

I love teaching this unit because the students are so engaged, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see their understanding evolve over the semester. By the end, they no longer see soil as just 'dirt'; they recognise it as a living, complex system shaped by biology, chemistry, and physics.”

Jasmin's advice  

When asked what advice she’d give to future students, Jasmin is straightforward:

Follow your heart and study something you're genuinely interested in. Passion makes all the difference."   

She's also quick to encourage others to embrace hands-on opportunities. “Once you're in, seek out experiences through placements, work experience, and internships, they really help you apply what you learn and shape your career direction. Also, don’t underestimate the power of networking and mentorship. WA is a small place, and introducing yourself and getting involved in the community can open so many doors. Say yes to opportunities and back yourself!”