My name is Emma Wharmby, I am a medical scientist currently working in microbiology at the Launceston General hospital for the Tasmanian Health Service. I hold a bachelor's in biology from Edith Cowan University and a graduate diploma in medical laboratory science from the University of Tasmania. My career path has always followed a scientific route and I have previously worked for the Department of Agriculture in Western Australia in entomology and managed a tissue culture laboratory for a Tasmanian potato seed company. I pursued a scientist role in microbiology because of my love of the visual and practical aspect of laboratory bench work. I enjoy the investigative process of diagnosis in unusual clinical cases and have a strong interest in fastidious pathogens.