Gentle on the Land

The RAS Foundation Agricultural PhD Research Scholarship is designed to support talented students pursuing doctoral studies in the field of agriculture, enabling them to conduct impactful research and contribute to the advancement of the agriculture industry.

This year the scholarship was awarded to Imogen Boughey in association with her studies at The University of Sydney, under the Animal Research Authority’s project approval for “Improving Alpaca Management with Real-time Monitoring using GPS Tracking Tags and Fecal Microbiome Testing”.

The aim of Imogen’s PhD studies is to trial GPS tracking technology in the form of livestock tags in alpacas and determine the suitability of the tags for commercial use. The project will monitor behaviours that can indicate general health or nutrition-based issues, and will deliver management guidelines for enhancing animal and paddock management.

In her undergrad studies, Imogen holds a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary BioScience (Production Systems Major) Hons I Class from the University of Sydney. The Honours Research project for her degree was on “The Effect of Injectable Vitamin A, D, & E in the Last Trimester of Alpacas on Progeny on Production and Fleece Traits”. 

Imogen is active in the NSW Alpaca Youth Group and is passionate about encouraging and supporting other youth in agriculture.

She shared with us, “Although I grew up in the city, through my high school agricultural program, university studies, and involvement in the alpaca industry and the broader agricultural community, I have developed a passion for livestock health and welfare. I aspire to be able to contribute to improving
animal health throughout my career.”

Imogen is undertaking her PhD studies at the University of Sydney, Sydney School of Veterinary Science. The RAS Foundation is proud to support her with the RAS Foundation Agricultural PhD Research Scholarship $10,000 award.