Key takeaways from our chat with Dr Vivian Rincon-Florez

 At our online meeting in June, Dr Vivian Rincon-Florez reminded us that career paths are rarely straightforward. She shared her journey from aspiring astronomer after finishing high school in Colombia to her current role as a Research Fellow in plant pathology at the University of Queensland (UQ), highlighting lessons students can apply at any stage of their academic or professional journey.

Below are some of the key takeaways Vivian shared that students in plant health can put into practice.

Screenshot from our online meeting with Dr Vivian Rincon-Florez last year (2025).

(1) Create your own opportunities, don’t wait for them

One of the strongest messages from Vivian’s talk was the value of taking a proactive approach during your career journey.

Vivian noted that “the best opportunities often come from taking action rather than waiting for them to happen,” encouraging students to “present at industry roadshows, apply for grants, and volunteer.”

This proactive mindset shaped her career early on. As an undergraduate, she volunteered at a university herbarium, worked in tissue culture for Colombia’s flower export industry, and later sought out ways to share her research when conference funding was limited.

After completing her English studies at UQ, she joined the Schenk Lab as a volunteer, then as a casual research assistant. Here, a casual conversation with the supervisor of a student she was helping during a soil sampling trip led directly to being offered a PhD project.

(2) Rejection is often redirection, not failure

Vivian spoke candidly about rejection, from unsuccessful job applications to grant rejections. Rather than viewing these moments as setbacks, she framed them as learning opportunities.

“Sometimes rejection just pushes you towards something better,” she said, adding that “each rejection teaches you something new,” whether that’s improving a proposal or reassessing your career direction.

(3) Your career path does not need to be linear

Changing direction can feel risky, but Vivian’s experience shows that skills build over time, even if the path isn’t linear.

From astronomy to soil science to plant pathology, her career progressed through unexpected shifts. As she told students, “your path won’t be linear… sometimes [detours] lead you exactly where you need to be.”

She also shared how taking a research technician role after her PhD became a defining moment in her career thanks to strong mentorship, describing it as “a step forward in disguise.”

(4) Diversify your skills and experience

Vivian encouraged students to broaden their expertise, drawing on her work across multiple crops (wheat, banana, macadamia) and pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi).

“Diversify your skills, your experience and your perspective,” she advised, explaining that “this breadth of experience makes you more adaptable and opens unexpected doors.” Researchers who move into different fields often bring fresh ideas that complement specialist knowledge.

(5) The foundation of your success

When asked what advice she’d give her younger self, Vivian’s response was clear: “Believe in yourself… trust that you have been trained and have all the capacity and capabilities to do what you're doing right now.”

She also stressed the importance of mental wellbeing, encouraging students to talk to supervisors, seek feedback, and voice concerns when stress builds. Career success, she reminded students, is not sustainable without looking after yourself.

A big thank you to Dr Vivian Rincon-Florez for sharing her story with the Plant Health Student Network and reminding us that careers are built through curiosity, courage, and persistence.

The next step doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be taken!