Dr. Rebecca Thistlethwaite

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Rebecca Thistlethwaite graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Hons) in 2012 and completed her PhD in 2017. Her research focused on identifying genetic variation for heat stress mechanisms in wheat. Specifically, she evaluated genotypes from different sowing dates and employed various screening methods for heat tolerance in both field and controlled environments. After her PhD, she took a postdoctoral role at the University of Sydney's Plant Breeding Institute in Narrabri, where she continues her work on breeding heat-tolerant wheat. Rebecca has significant experience as a Research Agronomist and a part-time Research Assistant during her studies. She has presented her research at conferences in Amsterdam and Spain, and has also been active in the agricultural community as a Young Farming Champion. Outside of her professional work, she participates in various community roles, including serving as Vice-Chair of the Country Education Foundation Namoi's committee and volunteering for organizations supporting youth and disabled individuals.

Research Interests

Experience

Postdoctoral Research Associate

— Present

University of Sydney • Narrabri

Continuing research on breeding heat-tolerant wheat.

Research Agronomist

— Present

PGG Wrightson Seeds • Northern NSW

Worked while completing PhD studies.

Research Assistant

— Present

Pork CRC Feed Grains project •

Part-time role during PhD studies.

Requirements for University of Sydney

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:85
PTE
Listening
Required:54
Reading
Required:54
Writing
Required:54
Speaking
Required:54
Overall
Required:61
Prerequisites
A master's degree with a research component or a bachelor's degree with first or second-class honours. Demonstrated research experience and capability.
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research proposal (1000+ words)
  • Two academic referee reports
  • Evidence of residency status
  • Written statement of support from potential supervisor
Specialization Notes

This entry applies to Faculty of Science PhD programs including Departments such as Life and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics.