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Faculty of Science & Information Technology SUMMER VACATION SCHOLARSHIPS RESEARCH TOPICS (2016/17)

Global Centre for Environmental Remediation

Environmental Remediation……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2

School of Environmental & Life Sciences

Applied Science (Ourimbah Campus)………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6 Biological Sciences………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8 Chemistry………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 18 Earth Sciences……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 26 Environmental Science & Management………………………...... 34 Geography & Environmental Studies …………………………...... 40

School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences

Mathematics……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 42 Physics……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 49 Statistics …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 62

School of Psychology

Psychology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 64

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 1 Global Centre for Environmental Remediation

TOPIC TITLE OF DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH PROJECT PRINCIPAL SUPERVISOR CONTACT RESEARCH DISCIPLINE SCHOOL NO. RESEARCH DETAILS GROUP/CENTRE TOPIC 1 Microbial Soil can act both as a source and sink for greenhouse gases Professor Nanthi Bolan Global Centre for Environmental GCER carbon use such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Carbon P: (02) 4913 8750 Environmental Remediation efficiency storage in soil is considered as an important climate change E: [email protected] Remediation mitigation strategy. Soil microorganisms play an important role in carbon dynamics in soil. Carbon use efficiency of microorganisms controls the rate of turnover of carbon in soil. The aims of this project is to examine the effect of exogenous carbon sources such as biosolids and manure on the microbial carbon use efficiency in soil.

The project will help the student in learning the key skills that include: . Processing environmental samples such as soil, biosolids and manures. . Analysing environmental samples for various chemical properties including pH, carbon content etc. . Undertaking incubation experiments to measure carbon use efficiency. . Experience in writing research reports.

2 Microbeads – an Microbeads are minute pieces of plastic defined as 0.1 to 0.5 Professor Nanthi Bolan Global Centre for Environmental GCER emerging mm in size, and are added as exfoliating agent to cosmetics and P: (02) 4913 8750 Environmental Remediation contaminant in personal care products, such as soap, facial scrub and E: [email protected] Remediation wastewater toothpastes. Where cosmetics and personal care products are treatment plants washed down the drain after use, microbeads flow through sewer systems. Current wastewater treatment plants are not designed to filter out microbeads and hence these particles reach waterways including rivers and ocean. Microbeads are not biodegradable and once they enter the marine environment, they are impossible to remove. Aquatic organisms absorb or eat microbeads. These microbeads are passed along the marine food chain, ultimately reaching the humans. The objective of this project is to identify and quantify the sources of microbeads input to wastewater treatment plants.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 2 The project will help the student in learning the key skills that include: . Collecting wastewater and biosolid samples from wastewater treatment plants. . Analysing these samples for microbeads. . Experience in handing analytical equipments . Experience in writing research reports.

3 Biosolids for The shortfall in topsoil due to poor striping practices and low Professor Nanthi Bolan Global Centre for Environmental GCER Carbon farming in levels of organic matter have been identified as common P: (02) 4913 8750 Environmental Remediation mine site soils problems in rehabilitation of mining sites. High heavy metal E: [email protected] Remediation concentrations in mine soil can adversely impact microbial activity and subsequent revegetation succession. Biosolids that are low in contaminants can be used to rehabilitate mine spoils. Biosolids provide a source of nutrients and improve the fertility of spoils. Biosolids also act as a sink for heavy metals in mine tailings reducing their bioavailability. However, the mechanisms underlying increasing soil carbon capture in mine soils through biosolids application are poorly understood. The overall aim of the project is to quantify the carbon storage capacity of mine soils as impacted by biosolid application

The project will help the student in learning the key skills that include:

 Understanding the issues with mine sites  Collecting and characterising mine site soils  Analysing these samples for carbon and nutrients  Experience in writing research reports

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 3 4 Role of algal Under natural condition algae and bacteria occurs together and Dr Suresh Subashchandrabose Global Centre for Environmental GCER bacterial share nutrients between them. However when present together P: (02) 4913 8744 Environmental Remediation consortia in the in the contaminated sites bacteria protects algae from the toxic E: Remediation degradation of contaminants, while algae supplies nutrients and oxygen for the [email protected] organic bacterial survival. The individual role of algae and bacteria in the contaminants degradation of contaminants and their interaction will be studied by microbiological, biochemical and molecular tools.

The project will help the student in learning the key skills like: • Culturing the algae and bacteria. • Instrumentations used in the microbial and molecular analysis. • Biodegradation of organic contaminants.

5 Bacteria Vs Algae This project will explore how heterotrophic algae and bacteria Dr Suresh Subashchandrabose Global Centre for Environmental GCER - The competition share nutrients in soil environment. Microalgae and bacterial P: (02) 4913 8744 Environmental Remediation for nutrition in soil relationship in soil remains unexplored. Eukaryotic microalgae E: Remediation environment are capable of leading photo, mixo and heterotrophic lifestyle, [email protected] thus their interaction with heterotrophic prokaryotic microorganisms in soil has potential impact on soil health.

220 Microplastics – an In Australia, there are 159 single use plastics used per second. Dr Thava Palanisami Global Centre for Environmental GCER emerging There is an increasing evidence that plastic debris are a P: (02) 40339411 Environmental Remediation contaminant in potential threat to water and waste water systems. Plastics tend E: [email protected] Remediation wastewater to break down into small particles and these are called treatment plants microplastics (ranging in diameter from 1 micron to 5 millimetres). The studies from Europe showed that the treated municipal wastewaters contain synthetic textile fibres from washing of clothes and abrasive plastic fragments from cleaning agents. The average fibre concentration was 25 times higher and the particle concentration was three times higher in the effluent compared to the receiving body of water. This indicates that WWTPs may operate as a route for microplastics entering the sea. The objective of this study is to quantify and characterise the microplastics from waste water treatment plants and biosolids.

*This project is aligned with the recently approved major industry project and students have the opportunity to interact and work with 3 other PhD students. Further opportunities for funded Honours scholarship.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 4 221 Plastic Puzzle: Growing use of plastic materials led to a large amount of plastic Dr Thava Palanisami Global Centre for Environmental GCER Risk assessment debris in the environment. Although plastics are regarded as P: (02) 40339411 Environmental Remediation and management inert materials, concerns have been raised about the small-sized E: [email protected] Remediation of plastic debris in plastic particles, termed as microplastics, found in the the environment environment. Existence of microplastics attracted public concerns because potential harmful effects of microplastic particles and associated chemical contaminants on human and ecological health are suspected. The project aims to investigate the insidious association of microplastics with chemical contaminants and its significance to ecological and human health. This multidisciplinary theme has several topics to choose for a student with any science background.

*This project is aligned with the recently approved local government project and students have the opportunity to interact and work with govt department and experience real field sampling techniques. Further opportunities for funded Honours scholarship.

222 Beyond the Contaminant metabolites are the derivatives of parent chemicals Dr. Thava Palanisami Global Centre for Environmental GCER Obvious: Human which are often more toxic and bioavailable than parent P: (02) 40339411 Environmental Remediation health Risk compounds. These metabolites can be formed from the source E: [email protected] Remediation assessment of or transformation reactions inside the organisms. The role of contaminant these metabolites/transformation products in human health metabolites hasn’t been well understood. The project aims to use in in vitro and in vivo animal models to delineate the role played by contaminant metabolites in human health. This multidisciplinary theme has several topics to choose for a student with any science background.

*This project is aligned with the major EU collaborative network. Further opportunities for funded Honours scholarships.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 5 School of Environmental & Life Sciences:

TOPIC TITLE OF DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH PROJECT PRINCIPAL SUPERVISOR CONTACT RESEARCH DISCIPLINE SCHOOL NO. RESEARCH TOPIC DETAILS GROUP/CENTRE

6 The menstrual Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle have many Dr Xanne Janse de Jonge Exercise and Sport Applied SELS cycle and exercise physiological effects, which may in turn affect exercise P: (02) 4349 7899 Science Sciences performance performance and training adaptations. There are opportunities for E: [email protected] (Ourimbah research projects in this area. Details of specific projects will be Campus) determined in consultation with the academic staff.

7 Jump testing in There is an opportunity available to conduct a project on jump Dr Xanne Janse de Jonge Exercise and Sport Applied SELS elite soccer testing as a training monitoring tool in elite soccer. A professional P: (02) 4349 7899 Science Sciences soccer team is very interested in the project and details of the E: [email protected] (Ourimbah project will be determined in consultation with the soccer team’s Campus) sport science staff and the project supervisor.

8 A comparison of Although the kinematics of treadmill and overground running have Mr Adrian Schultz Exercise and Sport Applied SELS running previously been reported, no analysis of running kinematics P: (02) 4348 4151 Science Sciences kinematics and relative to muscle activity have been reported. Utilising new E: [email protected] (Ourimbah muscle activity for portable measurement technologies the purpose of this study will Campus) overground and be to compare running kinematics and muscle activity for trail, treadmill running road and treadmill running.

9 The influence of Lumbo-pelvic stability has previously been defined as the ability to Mr Adrian Schultz Exercise and Sport Applied SELS lumbo-pelvic control motion of the lumbar spine and pelvis relative to an P: (02) 4348 4151 Science Sciences stability on athletic arbitrarily defined neutral position. Research evidence suggests E: [email protected] (Ourimbah performance in that adolescent athletes exhibit poor lumbo-pelvic control Campus) adolescent compared with mature adult athletes. This research aims to athletes investigate the influence of lumbo-pelvic stability in adolescent athletes on measures of athletic and functional performance.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 6 10 The relationship The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) comprises a series of Mr Adrian Schultz Exercise and Sport Applied SELS between the tests that document movement patterns that are key to normal P: (02) 4348 4151 Science Sciences Functional function, and injury prevention in athletic populations. The FMS is E: [email protected] (Ourimbah Movement Screen gaining in popularity and is increasing being used by strength and Campus) and tests of joint conditioning professional s to screen athletes for injury risk and and muscle potential performance deficits. This research will investigate the dysfunction relationship between the FMS and tests that have historically used by strength and conditioning coaches and physical therapy professional s to assess joint and muscle dysfunction.

11 The kinematics of The research literature investigating the influence of running Mr Adrian Schultz Exercise and Sport Applied SELS sprint deceleration deceleration on athletic performance is severely limited. For the P: (02) 4348 4151 Science Sciences at various sprint purposes of this study rapid sprint deceleration will be examined in E: [email protected] (Ourimbah velocities and the context of sports that require repeated maximal or near- Campus) stopping maximal sprint running. The study will examine the kinematics of distances. deceleration at various sprint velocities using a variety of stopping distances. In addition, the study will attempt to quantify the differences between athletes of varying deceleration ability. 12 Reduction in Refrigeration minimises losses of fresh fruit and vegetables due to Emeritus Professor Ron Wills Nutrition, Food & Applied SELS energy usage in reduction in metabolism and hence ripening, senescence and rot P: (02) 9499 4437 Health Research Sciences postharvest development are delayed. However, the desirability of reducing E: [email protected] Group (Ourimbah handling of fruit greenhouse gas emissions and the rising cost of energy have Campus) and vegetables created a need to find more sustainable technologies. Ethylene Dr John Golding (Co-supervisor) is the naturally produced plant regulator that promotes all aspects P: (02) 4348 1926 NSW DPI of deterioration and wastage of fruit and vegetables. This project E: [email protected] examines whether controlling the concentration of ethylene in the atmosphere around produce is a feasible low cost alternative to refrigeration.

Projects will quantify the interaction of ethylene and temperature on the postharvest life of specific produce and then model the data on real marketing scenarios.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 7 13 Investigating the Pancreatic and stomach cancers have very poor survival rates Dr Chris Scarlett Pancreatic Cancer Applied SELS therapeutic and unfortunately, current chemotherapeutics are at best modestly P: (02) 4348 4680 Research Sciences efficacy of natural effective. As such, there is an urgent need to develop novel E: [email protected] (Ourimbah bioactive therapeutic strategies for pancreatic and stomach cancers. Nutrition, Food & Campus) compounds Naturally occurring compounds are potentially a major source for Health Research against gastro- new anti-cancer therapies with powerful effects being Group pancreatic demonstrated for many cancers. Our group is interested in cancers. investigating the efficacy of bioactive compounds, extracted from natural sources against pancreatic and stomach cancer cells to define their potential as novel therapeutic agents for gastro- pancreatic cancers.

14 Cell Biology of Upon leaving the testis, spermatozoa are incapable of A/Prof Brett Nixon Priority Research Biological SELS Spermatozoa progressive movement or the cascade of cellular events that P: (02) 4921 6977 Centre for Sciences result in fertilization of the oocyte. These functional characteristics E: [email protected] Reproductive i) Epididymal are only acquired as spermatozoa undergo maturation during Science Transit and epididymal transit. Given the absolute importance of epididymal Laureate Professor John Aitken Maturation maturation for the generation of fertile spermatozoa, it is clearly P: (02) 4921 6143 important that the molecular mechanisms supporting this E: [email protected] functional transformation be elucidated. Success in this area will have implications both for development of reversible male contraceptive agents and the aetiology of male infertility. This project aims to determine the role of microRNA (miRNA) in regulating the functional maturation of mammalian spermatozoa that occurs in the epididymis. It will build on our strong preliminary data indicating that miRNA play a key role in the establishment of the unique epididymal environment and that a subset of miRNAs are transferred to the spermatozoa as they are conveyed through this organ.

15 Cell Biology of Transcriptionally inactive spermatozoa rely heavily on post- Laureate Professor John Aitken Priority Research Biological SELS Spermatozoa translational modifications in order to acquire functional P: (02) 4921 6143 Centre for Sciences competence. These processes occur in two distinct phases as E: [email protected] Reproductive ii) Capacitation spermatozoa pass through the epididymal lumen and then ascend Science and Development the female reproductive tract. It is well established that both of Fertilizing events are essential for fertility, however the biochemical Ability mechanisms behind the maturation of these cells remains unclear. This project aims to characterise the entire complement of proteins present in spermatozoa. It will also decipher which proteins are up/down regulated, acquired and/or completely lost during both maturation procedures.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 8 16 Cell Biology of Mammalian sperm-egg interaction is arguably one of the most A/Prof Brett Nixon Priority Research Biological SELS Spermatozoa remarkable processes in biological science. This exquisitely P: (02) 4921 6977 Centre for Sciences specific cell recognition event depends upon a complex cascade E: [email protected] Reproductive iii) Formation of of interactions between free-swimming sperm and ovulated eggs. Science Sperm Zona Elucidating the nature of these interactions has been the subject Laureate Professor John Aitken Receptor Complex of intense investigation by many laboratories. Although this has P: (02) 4921 6143 led to extensive characterization of the respective gametes, such E: [email protected] studies have failed to elucidate the molecular basis of this event. In our considered judgement this lack of success stems from the Prof Eileen McLaughlin incorrect assumption that the sperm receptor is a single molecular P: (02) 4921 5708 entity that is constitutively expressed on the cell surface. In E: [email protected] contrast, recent research from our laboratory has provided support for a novel hypothesis that sperm-egg interaction is mediated by a multimeric sperm receptor complex. Furthermore, we have compelling evidence that this complex is assembled on the sperm surface through the concerted action of a family of molecular chaperone proteins that reside within specialised membrane domains, known as lipid rafts.

In this project we aim to confirm the validity of this model, establish the molecular composition of the sperm surface receptor complexes and characterise the downstream signalling cascades that culminate in fertilisation.

17 Cell Biology of The purpose of this research is to determine the role of the A/Prof Brett Nixon Priority Research Biological SELS Spermatozoa dynamin family of proteins in the regulation of gamete quality and P: (02) 4921 6977 Centre for Sciences function. We have strong preliminary data that this novel group of E: [email protected] Reproductive iv) Regulation of GTPases play essential and complementary roles in differentiation Science acrosomal of the male and female germ cells and are key regulators of Prof Eileen McLaughlin exocytosis sperm-egg interactions. Furthermore, we hypothesise that the P: (02) 4921 5708 dysregulation of dynamin function will compromise gamete E: [email protected] development in both sexes and block fertilisation. In this project we shall employ a suite of innovative first-in-class dynamin inhibitors/activators, unique mouse germ cell specific null models, and extant panels of infertile donors to determine the mechanisms by which dynamin regulates gamete quality and function in the mouse and human.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 9 18 Regulation of the The mammalian testes possess a special immunological Dr Kate Redgrove & Prof Eileen McLaughlin Priority Research Biological SELS host cell response environment due to its state of immune privilege and the P: (02) 49216267 Centre in Sciences during Chlamydia effectiveness of the innate immune response within the region. E. [email protected] Reproductive infection in the Despite these limitations, the testicular immune response is still Science testis able to clear sexually transmitted infections, albeit often at a much slower rate. However, opportunistic intracellular bacteria such as Chlamydia are capable of down-regulating specific host cell responses, including the innate immune response, in order to remain undetectable and to continue replicating. Using RNAseq technology, we have identified a number of detoxifying and apoptotic pathways that are down-regulated in the male reproductive tract during an active Chlamydia infection. We aim to determine if adoptively immunising mice with Thelper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) CD4+ T cells, and thereby increasing the immune response within the testis, results in elimination of an active Chlamydia infection and the return of these specific pathways to normal function.

19 Does Chlamydia The production, differentiation, and presence of male gametes Dr Kate Redgrove & Prof Eileen McLaughlin Priority Research Biological SELS infection disrupt represent inimitable challenges to the immune system, as they are P: (02) 49216267 Centre in Sciences normal unique to the body and appear long after the maturation of the E. [email protected] Reproductive spermatogenesis? immune system and formation of systemic self-tolerance. As a Science result, the testis experience a state of immune privilege with the primary response being regulated through innate immunity and immune cells found only in the interstitium of the seminiferous tubules. With the innate immune response primarily consisting of an inflammatory response, it is thought that chronic or recurrent Chlamydia infection within the testis may results in significant damage due to the sustained inflammatory response invoked by the host cells. This project therefore aims to investigate markers of normal spermatogenesis including DDX4, PRM1/2, HSPA2, TES and SOD2 to determine if spermatogenesis is detrimentally affected by Chlamydia infection.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 10 20 Does Chlamydia Active Chlamydia infections resulting in a sustained inflammatory Dr Kate Redgrove & Prof Eileen McLaughlin Priority Research Biological SELS infection results in response has the potential to negatively impact the developing P: (02) 4921 6267 Centre in Sciences oxidative stress germ cells within the seminiferous tubules, particularly if tubule E. [email protected] Reproductive and DNA damage structure or supporting Sertoli cells are also adversely affected. Science in the male This project aims to determine if Chlamydia infection results in germline? oxidative stress and subsequent DNA damage within the developing germ cells and morphologically mature sperm, using 8- OHdG, BODIPY and COMET assays.

21 The role of Premature ovarian failure (POF) is the early loss of ovarian Dr Jessie Sutherland & Prof Eileen Priority Research Biological SELS cytokine signalling function characterised by reproductive senescence before age 40. McLaughlin Centre in Sciences in the regulation of Affecting approximately 3% of all women, the exact cause of POF P: (02) 4913 8735 Reproductive female fertility remains unknown. Our preliminary findings suggest that the Janus E: [email protected] Science kinase and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) signalling pathway plays an essential role in regulating the ovarian follicle reserve and consequently POF. This summer scholarship will aim to explore the expression of all key JAK/STAT members throughout ovarian development at both the gene and protein level.

22 Highly conserved The rate of men diagnosed with testicular cancer is increasing Dr Jessie Sutherland & Priority Research Biological SELS small proteins in rapidly to a point at which it is now the second most common Prof Eileen McLaughlin Centre in Sciences testicular tumour cancer in young Australian men. There is an unmet need for the P: (02) 4913 8735 Reproductive progression development of new prognostic factors to understand and predict E: [email protected] Science testicular tumour progression and this study will develop new targets for clinical investigation. Our preliminary work in humans and mice has identified two novel candidates to be used for targeting in testicular cancer: Enhancer of rudimentary homolog (ERH) and Headcase protein homolog (HECA). This summer scholarship will aim to determine the expression and interactions of ERH and HECA in 2 human testicular cells lines.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 11 23 The importance of The ovarian follicle reserve dictates a woman’s reproductive Dr Jessie Sutherland & Priority Research Biological SELS granulosa cells in lifespan. Additionally the deterioration of egg quality with age has Prof Eileen McLaughlin Centre in Sciences the development significant impacts on female fertility, genetic abnormalities (e.g. P: (02) 4913 8735 Reproductive of a healthy egg trisomy 21/Downs syndrome), and long term susceptibility to E: [email protected] Science conditions such as cardiac disease, diabetes and obesity. The granulosa cells surround and support the growing egg and changes in these cells indicate changes in egg development. Our preliminary findings indicate high expression of the RNA binding Musashi-2 (MSI2) in mammalian granulosa cells with depletion of MSI2 resulting in poor egg quality and infertility. This summer scholarship will aim to determine the interactions of MSI2 in human and mouse granulosa cells.

24 Characterisation of FtsK is a protein that links the key processes of bacterial cell Dr Ian Grainge Priority Research Biological SELS the FtsK DNA division, chromosome segregation and chromosome unlinking. It P: (02) 4921 7238 Centre for Chemical Sciences trasnlocase acts as a molecular “pump” that moves DNA (whole E: [email protected] Biology and Clinical chromosomes) away from the site of cell division and is involved Pharmacology in the untangling of the chromosomes and co-ordinates this with cell division. This project will further characterize the mechanism of this protein.

25 Xer recombination DNA repair in bacteria with circular chromosomes can lead to a Dr Ian Grainge Priority Research Biological SELS in pathogenic potentially lethal product, a chromosome dimer. This is resolved P: (02) 4921 7238 Centre for Chemical Sciences bacteria by a site-specific recombination event catalysed by the XerCD E: [email protected] Biology and Clinical proteins. This project will characterise the XerCD genes from Pharmacology pathogenic bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

26 Activation of Xer recombination resolves chromosome dimers in bacterial cells. Dr Ian Grainge Priority Research Biological SELS recombination: the These dimers are lethal if unresolved. XerD requires interaction P: (02) 4921 7238 Centre for Chemical Sciences XerD-FtsK with the C-terminus of FtsK for catalytic activity, and this project E: [email protected] Biology and Clinical interaction will investigate this interaction. Biochemical and crystallographic Pharmacology studies will be combined to understand how activation occurs.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 12 27 The interaction The overall objective of this project is to examine whether Dr Ian Grainge Priority Research Biological SELS between bowel bacterial universal stress response genes (usps) are the key P: (02) 4921 7238 Centre for Chemical Sciences inflammation,hypo switch that enables a benign, commensal bacterium to become a E: [email protected] Biology and Clinical xia and bacterial pathogen in the gastro-intestinal tract, in response to hypoxia and Pharmacology; pathogenesis inflammation as seen in irritable bowel disease. Priority Research Centre for Digestive Health and Neurogastroenterolog y

28 Characterisation of NusA is a highly conserved transcription elongation factor from Prof Peter Lewis Priority Research Biological SELS the function of the bacteria that is essential for cell viability. We have developed a P: (02) 4921 5701 Centre for Chemical Sciences essential system for deleting wild-type NusA and simultaneously expressing E: [email protected] Biology and Clinical transcription mutant forms which will be used to determine which Pharmacology elongation factor regions/functions of NusA are required for cell viability. This NusA project will involve using this system to screen a panel of mutant NusA constructs. The results will help in the design of new approaches to target essential bacterial processes for the development of new antibiotics

29 Understanding the RNA polymerase in bacteria contains multiple subunits. In Gram Prof Peter Lewis Priority Research Biological SELS role of the delta positive bacteria, in addition to α2, β, β’ ω, there are additional δ P: (02) 4921 5701 Centre for Chemical Sciences subunit of RNA and ε subunits. δ appears to be important in pathogenicity, E: [email protected] Biology and Clinical polymerase although it remains unclear how it controls RNA polymerase Pharmacology activity. This project will build on previous work to identify the binding site of δ that will help us understand how it functions. The project will involve PCR, cloning, protein purification and protein binding assays.

30 Making an Antibiotic resistance is a growing global problem, and there are Prof Peter Lewis / Dr Karla Mettrick Priority Research Biological SELS antibiotic sensitive now bacterial strains resistant to all clinically useful drugs. In P: (02) 4921 5701 Centre for Chemical Sciences bacterium Gram negative bacteria the efflux protein TolC plays an important E: [email protected] Biology and Clinical role in removing antibiotics from the cell, so making them Pharmacology resistant. In order to better understand how we can develop new drugs we will construct a deletion in the gene encoding TolC and compare its antibiotic sensitivity against the wild-type using established drugs as well as compounds currently under development in the lab.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 13 31 Identification of a Transcription factors are needed to control the activity of RNA Prof Peter Lewis / Dr Ian Grainge Priority Research Biological SELS new transcription polymerase and in many bacteria have important roles in bacterial P: (02) 4921 5701 / (02) 4921 7238 Centre for Chemical Sciences factor pathogenicity. The recently described factor CarD in the causative E: [email protected] Biology and Clinical agent of tuberculosis is essential and plays a role in controlling the Pharmacology initiation of transcription. We have identified a gene in pathogenic gram positive bacteria similar to CarD and wish to establish if it is an ortholog. We will tag the candidate gene with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and establish whether the protein co-localises with RNA polymerase using live cell fluorescence microscopy.

32 Identifying Baked or fried food contain acrylamide. Ingestion of the compound Dr Shaun Roman Priority Research Biological SELS compounds to leads to DNA damage in sperm. This is mediated by an enzyme. P: (02) 4921 6818 Centre in Sciences target sperm DNA We have an assay to test the efficacy of compounds in inhibiting E: [email protected] Chemical Biology damage the activity of the enzyme. This summer scholarship would allow and Clinical the student to test compounds in the assay and then perform Pharmacology some Dan damage analysis.

33 Identification and The model plant Arabidopsis encodes five double-stranded RNA Dr Andy Eamens Centre for Plant Biological SELS molecular (dsRNA) binding proteins, DRB1 to DRB5. DRB1, DRB2 and P: (02) 4921 7784 Science Sciences characterisation DRB4 are expressed in the plant cell nucleus and bind structurally E: [email protected] of drb124 triple distinct dsRNAs and deliver these to Dicer endonucleases that knockout mutant ‘dice up’ the dsRNA into different classes of microRNA (miRNA). plants Following their nuclear maturation, miRNAs are exported to the plant cytoplasm and are used by effector complexes to regulate gene expression. This project aims to identify Arabidopsis plants that harbour knockout mutations in all three nuclear DRBs in order to determine the importance of miRNA-mediated gene expression regulation in plant development.

34 Identification and Most Arabidopsis miRNAs required DRB1 for their nuclear- Dr Andy Eamens Centre for Plant Biological SELS molecular localised production. DRB1-dependent miRNAs are subsequently P: (02) 4921 7784 Science Sciences characterisation exported to the cytoplasm and loaded by the effector protein E: [email protected] of drb/ago double ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1). AGO1 uses the loaded miRNA as a knockout mutant guide to identify, bind and subsequently cleave miRNA target plants gene mRNAs. However, a small number of Arabidopsis miRNAs require DRB2, and not DRB1 for their nuclear production and this DRB2 production requirement marks these miRNAs to be loaded into different AGO effector proteins in the cytoplasm. This project will identify and molecularly characterise plant lines harbouring DRB2 (nucleus) and AGO2, 3 and 7 (cytoplasm) knockout mutations.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 14 35 Biofuel Increasing fuel costs, finite resources and the need to develop Prof Christopher Grof Centre for Plant Biological SELS feedstocks for more carbon neutral and cleaner fuels have created a need for P: (02) 4921 5858 Science Sciences arid environments renewable resources. Sorghum bicolor (Sorghum) is a crop plant E: [email protected] I. adapted to the hot, water limited environments of northern Australia, both as a grain and forage crop. As a result of its rapid growth rate, sorghum is an ideal crop for biofuel production from grain, sugar and biomass accumulation. This project will be encompassed within the two broad strategies:

1. Identification and characterisation of novel cell wall mutants in Sorghum and Setaria.

2. Identification of regulatory mechanisms important in biomass accumulation.

The techniques and tools that will be encountered during the project include: . Quantitative expression analysis using RT-qPCR from RNA isolated from plant tissues and organs. . Immunolocalisation of selected proteins. . Functional characterisation of transporters in heterologous systems including yeast mutants and Xenopus oocytes. . FTIR microscopy and GC-MS analyses.

36 Biofuel Lignocellulosic bioethanol derived from plant biomass will provide Prof Christopher Grof Centre for Plant Biological SELS feedstocks for a cost effective contribution to environmental sustainability and P: (02) 4921 5858 Science Sciences arid environments energy security. Setaria italica (foxtail millet) is an ideal genetic E: [email protected] II. model to dissect biomass quality traits. A large number of plants exhibiting broad genetic diversity will be screened using Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectral analysis to identify those ecotypes with differing cell wall composition.

37 Novel membrane As membrane transport of sucrose is a key determinant of crop Prof Christopher Grof Centre for Plant Biological SELS sucrose yield, a detailed understanding of genes encoding sucrose P: (02) 4921 5858 Science Sciences transporters transporters provides fundamental knowledge towards increasing E: [email protected] crop yield. This project aims to identify and functionally characterise novel sucrose transporters utilising a yeast mutant as an innovative positive selection tool.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 15 38 Feeding a Hungry This project will contribute to an on-going study using the model A/Prof David McCurdy Centre for Plant Biological SELS World: higher plant Arabidopsis thaliana to identify ‘master’ genes P: (02) 49 21 5879 Science Sciences Manipulating controlling transfer cell development. Transfer cells are important E: [email protected] transfer cell for regulating nutrient transport in plants and consequently development to identifying novel genes regulating their development will provide improve crop new avenues for improving crop yield. Several candidate genes yield have been identified and this project will use molecular (RT-PCR, (several projects gene cloning) and cellular (confocal microscopy) approaches to available) further characterise the involvement of these genes and their protein products in regulating transfer cell development. The project is ideally suited for a student wanting to gain laboratory experience in contemporary cell and molecular biology research.

39 Transcriptional This project will contribute to an on-going study using Illumina- A/Prof David McCurdy Centre for Plant Biological SELS analysis of based sequencing (RNA-Seq) to analyse transcriptional changes P: (02) 49 21 5879 Science Sciences transfer cell occurring during induction and wall ingrowth building of transfer E: [email protected] development cells (TCs). The experimental approach uses the model genetic species Arabidopsis thaliana and will involve analysis of selected mutants as well as bioinformatics analysis of selected gene expression. The project is suited for a student wanting to gain experience in molecular biology skills and bioinformatics.

40 Improving food Seed and fruit are organs of major agronomical importance. We Prof Yong-Ling Ruan Centre for Plant Biological SELS security: have recently identified a set of key genes control seed and fruit P: (02) 4921 7958 Science Sciences Characterizing development (e.g. Jin et al 2009 Plant Cell; Wang & Ruan 2016 E: [email protected] genes controlling Plant Physiology; Liu et al 2016 Plant Physiology). This project seed and fruit set aims to elucidate the molecular basis underpinning the roles of these genes in seed and fruit set and to develop novel approaches to sustain seed and fruit yield under drought and global warming.

41 Identifying master This project will identify regulatory genes controlling nutrient Prof Yong-Ling Ruan Centre for Plant Biological SELS genes controlling partitioning in plants, thereby developing innovative molecular P: (02) 4921 7958 Science Sciences resource solutions to improve crop yield and quality. Contemporary E: [email protected] partitioning in molecular, cellular and biochemical approaches will be utilized to plants for high address a set of hypotheses. yield

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 16 42 Searching for In many sink organs such as developing tomato fruit, Prof Yong-Ling Ruan Centre for Plant Biological SELS SWEETS: photosynthesis-derived sucrose is unloaded from phloem into P: (02) 4921 7958 Science Sciences Identifying novel extracellular space for hydrolysis into hexoses before being taken E: [email protected] sugar up by the recipient cells. Recent exciting development in the field transporters and (e.g. Chen et al 2012 Nature) suggests this process is likely sensors mediated by set of sugar effluxers and influxers and sensors. This project aims to identify these novel SWEETS genes through collaboration with leading experts in USA.

43 Improving heat Heat and drought are two major stresses that cause reproductive Prof Yong-Ling Ruan Centre for Plant Biological SELS and drought abortion, hence yield loss in crops. This project will identify key P: (02) 4921 7958 Science Sciences tolerance for high genes that control the responses of reproductive organs to the E: [email protected] yield in crops abiotic stresses with the ultimate goal to prevent abortion under, heat and drought in crops.

44 Bacterial Staphylococci can respond to small changes in environmental Prof Hugh Dunstan / Dr Margaret MacDonald Metabolic Biological SELS responses parameters by altering membrane composition and cytoplasmic P: (02) 4921 5086 / (02) 4921 5687 Research Group Sciences to environmental biochemistry. Staphylococcus aureus, S. lugdunensis and S. E: [email protected] stressors epidermidis are known for their ability to change from commensal to pathogenic microorganisms and can survive the associated challenges presented in the changing environment. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry will be used to investigate responses by taking biochemical snapshots of homeostasis under the changing conditions that can be found on skin and wound tissues. Understanding how staphylococci respond will help identify new targets for anti-microbial drug design. Several projects are available within this subject area.

45 Analysis of Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and perform Prof Hugh Dunstan / Dr Margaret MacDonald Metabolic Biological SELS nutrient numerous essential functions in the body. During physical P: (02) 4921 5086 / (02) 4921 5687 Research Group Sciences Losses in sweat exercise as well as during sickness, trauma and stress, amino E: [email protected] in Relation to acids can be lost via excretion as a result of the breakdown of fatigue and muscle proteins. Replacement through food is limited during recovery exercise as digestion is highly restricted. This project will investigate the efficacy of the use of amino acid supplementation for direct absorption to alleviate fatigue and improve endurance and performance in recreational athletes. Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry will be used to measure the amino acid levels in urine, blood and sweat before and after exercise and supplementation to determine whether supplementation will result in a reduction in fatigue and increased exercise performance.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 17 46 Medicinal Project to advance knowledge in the area of broad-spectrum Dr Michela Simone Priority Research Chemistry SELS Chemistry antiviral agents. The production of effective antiviral agents which P: (02) 4985 4037 Centre for work via novel modes of action is crucial in the management of E: [email protected] Chemical Biology diseases which evolves quickly and develop resistance to current and treatments. Pharmacology

47 Medicinal Project to advance knowledge in the area of broad-spectrum Dr Michela Simone Priority Research Chemistry SELS Chemistry anticancer and imaging agents. A number of these compounds P: (02) 4985 4037 Centre for have been designed to exploit novel modes of biological action. E: [email protected] Chemical Biology Paramount to this investigation is the study of the structure of and these target compounds and intermediates. Pharmacology

48 Medicinal Project to advance knowledge in the field of glycosidase inhibition. Dr Michela Simone Priority Research Chemistry SELS Chemistry New families of aromatic compounds are being developed to P: (02) 4985 4037 Centre for novel antidiabetic agents, agents for the management of E: [email protected] Chemical Biology lysosomal storage disorders and antivirals. and Pharmacology

49 How do Carbon A carbon nanotube is a sheet of carbon atoms in a chicken wire Dr Alister Page Priority Research Chemistry SELS Nanotubes Grow? pattern, rolled up into a cylinder. Although they are only ~1 P: (02) 4985 4585 Centre for nanometer in diameter, they can be several millimeters in length, E: [email protected] Frontier Energy are ~100 times stronger than Kevlar, and can transport ~1000 Technologies and times as much electricity as copper wires. They can also be both Utilisation electrically conducting and semiconducting, depending on how the carbon atoms in their structure are arranged. Development of future carbon nanotube-based technologies is currently prevented by our inability to synthesise particular carbon nanotubes selectively. This project will determine how selective carbon nanotube “growth” can be achieved, and will pave the way for the future development of carbon nanotube-based devices.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 18 50 Water Splitting Hydrogen is a superior energy source due to its high energy Dr Alister Page Priority Research Chemistry SELS Perovskite density, ease of storage and transportation, and the fact that it P: (02) 4985 4585 Centre for Materials produces water as the only chemical product from combustion. E: [email protected] Frontier Energy One potential method for producing hydrogen is by splitting water, Technologies and

according to the stoichiometric equation 2H2O(l)  2H2(g) + O2(g). Utilisation Being able split water photocatalytically – i.e. using solar irradiation – is the ultimate goal of hydrogen energy technologies. Recently, a new class of photocatalysts – perovskites – have begun to show significant potential in this area. Perovskites are binary metal oxides with chemical structure ABO3, where a metal cation A occupies 12-coordinate interstitial sites within octahedral BO6 units. The aim of this project is to optimise new perovskite materials for photocatalytic water-splitting using computational chemistry.

51 Origins of In the late 1800s, Franz Hofmeister discovered that, while some Dr Alister Page Priority Research Chemistry SELS Hofmeister salts would decrease the solubility of egg whites in water, others P: (02) 4985 4585 Centre for Effects in increased their solubility. This phenomenon is known as the E: [email protected] Frontier Energy Thermoresponsiv Hofmeister effect. Despite its apparent simplicity, consensus over Technologies and e Polymers the origins of the Hofmeister effect still has not been reached. In Contact: Prof Erica Wanless Utilisation the century since Hofmeister's discovery, the Hofmeister effect Phone: (02) 40339355 has been observed in a wide range of other dissolved solutes, Email: [email protected] from DNA, enzymes, surfactants and colloidal suspensions. This project will use molecular simulations to understand the origins of the Hofmeister effect in temperature-sensitive polymers, and how dissolved salts influence the polymer-solvent interface.

52 New Solvents for The emission of environmentally harmful gases, such as CO2, NO2 Dr Alister Page Priority Research Chemistry SELS Gas and SO2 leads to very serious and well-known problems. Although P: (02) 4985 4585 Centre for Sequestration technologies exist to capture these gases, these methods E: [email protected] Frontier Energy themselves produce large amounts of waste, and if treated Technologies and improperly, can be a secondary source of environmental pollution. Utilisation Ionic liquids are molten salts, as opposed to aqueous salts, that exhibit excellent thermal and electrochemical stabilities, and vanishingly low vapour pressures. For these reasons, ionic liquids represent an attractive alternative for capturing environmental gases. The aim of this project is to design ionic liquids for the efficient capture and storage of environmentally harmful gases.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 19 53 Preparation and Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are formed by adding a molecular Prof Rob Atkin Priority Research Chemistry SELS Characterisation species to a high melting point salt, and are prepared by simple P: (02) 4033 9356 Centre for Energy of new Deep mixing. The molecular component is a hydrogen bond donor that E: [email protected] Eutectic Solvents binds to an acceptor atom of the parent salt. This weakens cation – anion attractions and frustrates crystallisation, drastically reducing the melting point. In materials research, DESs have been employed to produce well-defined nanoparticles, metal−organic frameworks, porous nanocarbons and colloidal materials. DESs can direct chemistry at the nanoscale in several ways, e.g. by acting as the supramolecular template, the metal/carbon source, or the sacrificial agent. This project will focus on preparing new DES and charactering there properties and nanostructure.

54 New Solvents for Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant source of carbon on Prof Rob Atkin Priority Research Chemistry SELS Biomass Conversi the planet, and is potentially 100% renewable. Lignocellulosic P: (02) 4033 9356 Centre for Energy on biomass is a complex and varied material composed of cellulose, E: [email protected] hemicellulose and lignin, which forms the support structures within plant cell walls. The same intermolecular interactions that provide the stiffness required for lignin function as a biological support mean that it is difficult to break down into its constituent monomers and polymers. As a result, it is more energy intensive, and therefore expensive, to convert lignocellulose into fermentable sugars than the starches derived from corn or the sucrose in sugarcane. A current key road block to the economic viability of a biorefinery is the inability to cost effectively fractionate biomass into lignin and cellulose streams. This project will investigate the use of protic ionic liquids (PILs) can be used to extract lignin from lignocellulose to produce lignin-rich and cellulose-rich streams.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 20 55 Effect of Electrod Interest in ionic liquid (IL) electrochemistry is primarily a Prof Rob Atkin Priority Research Chemistry SELS e potential on Ioni consequence of ILs wide electrochemical windows. Until recently P: (02) 4033 9356 Centre for Energy c Liquid Interfacia atomic force microscope (AFM) experiments have only been E: [email protected] l Structure conducted at the open circuit potential (OCP), but we have recently modified our AFM cell to allow images and force curves to be obtained as a function of potential. As the magnitude of the potential is increased the strength with which IL ions are bound to the surface also increases, which will affect a variety of electrochemical processes, including electrodeposition, batteries and capacitors. The effect of dissolved solutes (particularly ions) on interfacial properties will be examined, allowing mechanisms for tuning interfacial structure to optimise electrochemical performance to be determined.

56 Ionic Liquid Simple inorganic salts like NaCl (M.P. 801 °C) melt when the Prof Rob Atkin Priority Research Chemistry SELS Nanostructure at temperature is sufficiently high to weaken electrostatic forces that P: (02) 4033 9356 Centre for Energy Solid Surfaces lock the ions into a crystal lattice. Ionic liquids are molten salts, E: [email protected] distinguished by having melting points below 100 °C, and have exhibit excellent thermal and electrochemical stabilities, and vanishingly low vapour pressures. Researchers are attempting to exploit these properties by incorporating ionic liquids into applications to produce a performance advantage over conventional solvents. This goal is impeded by the complex way in which ionic liquid ions arrange themselves in space – their “nanostructure” – particularly in the presence of a solid surface. The goal of this project is to determine ionic liquid nanostructure on solid silica and alumina surfaces, and understand how and why this differs from typical, bulk ionic liquid nanostructure.

57 Tribotronic Ionic liquids are excellent lubricants because they adsorb strongly Prof Rob Atkin Priority Research Chemistry SELS Lubricants to solid surfaces and form a boundary layer that lowers friction P: (02) 4033 9356 Centre for Energy and presents wear. Because ionic liquids are composed of E: [email protected] positively and negatively charged ions, changing the surface potential alters the ratio of cations and anions in the boundary layer, and this alters the friction. The ability to internally control friction in this fashion is referred to as tribotronics. This project will investigate tribotronic lubrication on different metal surfaces for pure ionic liquids, and mixtures of ionic liquids with oils.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 21 58 Nanostructure of Surfactants and block-co-polymers self-assembled into a rich Prof Rob Atkin Priority Research Chemistry SELS Soft Matter variety of liquid crystals in polar solvents including water, ethylene P: (02) 4033 9356 Centre for Energy Assemblies near glycol and many ionic liquids. The structures formed by these E: [email protected] Solid Surfaces materials adsorbed to solids surfaces is well understood, but it is only recently that our group has adapted AFM imaging techniques for studying the near surface structure of these materials. The near surface structure gives deep insight into the properties of these materials which is the key to oprimising their use in a wide array of applications, such as for catalytic or separation technologies.

59 Ionic Liquids as Ionic liquids are salts that have melting points below 100 °C. They Dr Hua Li Priority Research Chemistry SELS Lubricant are promising candidate lubricants due to their excellent physical P: (02) 40339373 Centre for Additives properties, i.e., high temperature stability and thermal conductivity, E: [email protected] Advanced and their selective affinity for solid surfaces. However, pure ionic Particle liquids are expensive, which restricts their extensive application in Prof Rob Atkin Processing and industry. This problem can be solved by applying ionic liquids as P: (02) 40339356 Transport lubricant base oil additives, where small amounts can improve the E: [email protected] lubricity of the oils significantly. In this project, the lubricating performance of ILs as lubricant additives will be tested on alumina surfaces by atomic force microscopy. The outcomes will assist to develop of high-performance and cost-effective lubricants for light- weight metals.

60 Preparation of This project will examine the feasibility of preparing molecularly Dr Clovia Holdsworth Advanced Chemistry SELS MIP by imprinted polymers sans functional monomers but in the presence P: (02) 4921 5481 Synthetic Conventional of functional chain transfer agents (CTA). Briefly, the template and E: [email protected] Materials Group; Chain Transfer crosslinker will be mixed with a chain transfer agent which will PRC Organic prematurely terminate the polymerisation process but,when Electronics functionalised with a group capable of interacting with the template (e.g. COOH), will have the ability to retain and imprint the template within the polymer. As a model system, thiogycolic acid CTA will be tested using R,S-propranolol as the template.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 22 61 Assessment of This project aims to determine the nature of binding sites in MIPs Dr Clovia Holdsworth Advanced Chemistry SELS the Nature of (whether superficial or cavity-based). Usually bound analytes are P: (02) 4921 5481 Synthetic Binding Sites in extracted in dilute acid (e.g. acetic acid). Superficial bound E: [email protected] Materials Group; MIPs PRC Organic analytes are released first followed by analytes bound more Electronics strongly bound within the bulk polymer. The aim here is to monitor the release of bound analytes, by NMR or HPLC, and correlate the rate of release to the nature of binding sites in MIPs and their non-imprinted equivalents.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 23 62 MIP/Conductive This project aims to determine the nature of binding sites in MIPs Dr Clovia Holdsworth Advanced Chemistry SELS Polymer (whether superficial or cavity-based). Usually bound analytes are P: (02) 4921 5481 Synthetic Composites extracted in dilute acid (e.g. acetic acid). Superficial bound E: [email protected] Materials Group; PRC Organic analytes are released first followed by analytes bound more Electronics strongly bound within the bulk polymer. The aim here is to monitor the release of bound analytes, by NMR or HPLC, and correlate the rate of release to the nature of binding sites in MIPs and their non-imprinted equivalents.

63 Electrostatic Liquid marbles are liquid droplets coated with colloidal particles Prof Erica Wanless Priority Research Chemistry SELS formation of liquid such that a collection of these objects has the appearance of a dry P: (02) 4033 9355 Centre for marbles powder, but is largely liquid. They have inspired a variety of E: [email protected] Advanced Particle applications, including pollution and gas sensors, actuators, Processing and microreactors and drug delivery vehicles. In a novel electrostatic Transport formation process we are establishing a new design paradigm for liquid marble manufacturing, accessing marble geometries and compositions not previously possible through traditional production methods. This project is a combination of colloid and interface science, particle electrostatics and materials science.

64 Direct observation Colloidal particles can be used to stabilise foams and emulsions in Prof Erica Wanless Priority Research Chemistry SELS of bubble & the absence of any surfactant by adsorbing in close-packed P: (02) 4033 9355 Centre for droplet particulate monolayers at the air-water interface. We are E: [email protected] Advanced coalescence investigating the mechanism of bubble coalescence using high Particle using high-speed speed video at up to 3500 frames per second in order to Processing and video imaging understand the role of particles at the interfaces of coalescing Transport bubbles and droplets. Such coalescence processes are important wherever there are bubbles from champagne to mineral separation by froth flotation, and in emulsions from foods to cosmetics.

In addition we have the capability for complementary simultaneous measurement of interfacial elasticity and surface tension. You will use one or both techniques to directly observe particle-stabilised bubbles or droplets and their coalescence.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 24 65 Smart polymeric Polymer films can radically change the surface of a material while Prof Erica Wanless Priority Research Chemistry SELS coatings leaving the bulk properties of the material intact. The polymer P: (02) 4033 9355 Centre for surface coating controls the interaction with other objects through E: [email protected] Advanced nanoscale forces. We will fabricate a new generation of polymer Particle films that contain an inbuilt molecular-scale switch from attractive Processing and to repulsive interactions, offering a means for dictating Transport macroscopic character such as the wettability, adhesion or friction of a surface. Academic and industrial interest in these coatings is increasing rapidly, for potential application as low-friction coatings for confined parts or rheology modifiers.

This project can have either a polymer synthesis, characterisation, or materials engineering focus. You will join the group effort aimed at synthesising and studying these smart polymer coatings and perform state-of-the-art surface characterisation that will ultimately determine their use!

66 Core-shell particle Core-shell particles have a central core made of one material Dr Frances Neville Priority Research Chemistry SELS synthesis surrounded by another material and can be organic or inorganic in P: (02) 49216458 Centre for nature. This project will produce new types of core shell particles E: [email protected] Advanced with different properties including being magnetic. The overall aim Particle is to take advantage of the surface interactions of the specifically Processing and designed shell surface and the properties of the central core of the Transport particles. The particles can be used in several applications including catalysis, separation, labelling and drug delivery. This project will run in conjunction with a project in Chemical Engineering which will carry out computer simulations of the experimentally made particles.

67 Marine antifouling Marine biofouling is the build up of organisms on submerged Dr Frances Neville Priority Research Chemistry SELS composites: A aquatic surfaces. Biofouling is a global economic issue costing P: (02) 49216458 Centre for dual approach billions of dollars a year, and a major environmental problem due E: [email protected] Advanced combining to unwanted marine pests. However, it can be reduced by Particle surface physico- producing better antifouling coatings whose main components are Processing and chemical control composite particles. Transport and enzyme antifouling This project will make novel composite particles for marine activity coatings using surface physical properties and biocidal enzymes. In this project a range of techniques in the areas of surface chemistry, inorganic chemistry and bionanotechnology will be used.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 25 68 Relationship Soil is the 2nd largest store of organic carbon globally. There A/Prof Greg Hancock Environmental Earth SELS between soil appears to be a dearth of studies examining soil carbon at the P: (02) 4921 5090 and Climate Sciences carbon and soil hillslope and catchment scale. It is important that hillslope soil E: [email protected] Change erosion processes be understood if we are to model carbon dynamics at Research Group the catchment scale and better understand the role of soil carbon in climate change. In this project the student will investigate the relationship between soil carbon and its position in the landscape using an existing data set held by Hancock and research team. The student will be integrated into an existing project and research team investigating this issue. End goal will be potentially publishable findings relating soil C to soil erosion and deposition on the hillslope and catchment scale.

69 Prediction of soil Soil moisture is a driving factor in plant growth, runoff processes A/Prof Greg Hancock Environmental Earth SELS moisture across and agricultural systems. This project will examine soil moisture P: (02) 4921 5090 and Climate Sciences catchments from data from a number of sites in the Upper Hunter and examine how E: [email protected] Change limited spatial different sites within a number of catchments respond to rainfall. Research Group data The project will assess how many and where soil moisture should be measured so that catchment scale predictions can be reliably made. The project is part of an ARC Discovery project looking at the spatial and temporal variability of soil carbon. This research is ideally suited to someone with an interest in soils and soil moisture and has good GIS and data management skills.

70 The use of remote Remote sensing offers the ability to quantify spatial and temporal A/Prof Greg Hancock Environmental Earth SELS sensing for the changes in vegetation, soil quality and potentially soil P: (02) 4921 5090 and Climate Sciences determination of biogeochemistry especially in relation to soil carbon and soil E: [email protected] Change soil carbon, soil nitrogen. This project will examine a range of remote sensed data Research Group erosion and soil (MODIS, Landsat, ALOS and Quickbird) for their ability to predict biogeochemistry above ground biomass, soil C and N as well as soil type and properties. The project is ideally suited for someone with an interest in GIS and Remote Sensing.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 26 71 The evaluation of Mining is a central component of the Australian economy. It is vital A/Prof Greg Hancock Environmental Earth SELS erosion models that best practice environmental assessments and technology be P: (02) 4921 5090 and Climate Sciences for the employed to assess post-mining rehabilitation designs. This E: [email protected] Change assessment of project will assess the use of the SIBERIA and CAESAR models Research Group mine site for their ability to predict erosion and landscape evolution on the rehabilitation ERA Ranger mine in the Northern Territory. These models are stability and off- state of the art assessment tools and require calibration, validation site water quality and then analysis of their suitability as rehabilitation tools. The project is ideally suited for someone with an interest in GIS and Remote Sensing and environmental modelling.

72 Assessment of Since the release of the IPCC 4th Assessment Report research Dr Anthony Kiem Environmental Earth SELS General has been directed at evaluating the ability of GCMs to simulate the P: (02) 4921 8656 and Climate Sciences Circulation present/historical climate in an attempt to identify the GCMs that E: [email protected] Change Model’s (GCMs) are best for the region/application of interest. At present, most Research Group ability to metrics used to assess the ability of GCMs to simulate climate realistically variables (such as rainfall, temperate etc.) are based on seasonal simulate local and and annual time scales. However monthly, seasonal, or longer large-scale averages can hide biases or systematic errors. drivers of natural climate variability This project aims to investigate the potential of an alternate GCM in southeast assessment technique which seeks to identify the GCMs that Australia successfully simulate the major local and large-scale climate drivers known to be important for southeast Australia. We already know which GCMs do a particularly poor job at simulating El Niño- Southern Oscillation (ENSO), but what about the other drivers known to influence southeast Australia (e.g. Indian Ocean Dipole, Southern Annular Mode, Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation, Sub- Tropical Ridge, ENSO Modoki etc)?

73 Characterising This project aims to firstly catalogue the location, duration and Dr Anthony Kiem Environmental Earth SELS southern severity of wet epochs in the Southern Hemisphere. This will P: (02) 4921 8656 and Climate Sciences hemisphere wet involve a literature review and analysis of both instrumental and E: [email protected] Change epochs and their pre-instrumental (paleo) records. Secondly, the climatic drivers of Research Group causal processes the identified wet epochs will be investigated with the ultimate objective being to put recent flood events in QLD and NSW into context and to more realistically quantify flood risk so more robust adaptation strategies can be developed.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 27 74 Research into the The recently carried Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) of the Dr Anthony Kiem Environmental Earth SELS use of Worms in Australian Federal Government is a response to the political P: (02) 4921 8656 and Climate Sciences Mitigating realities that make agriculture a ‘no-go’ area as far as outright E: [email protected] Change Greenhouse Gas carbon taxation applies while acknowledging that agriculture itself Research Group Emissions from represents around 17% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas Dairy Farms. outputs. The CFI offers a voluntary scheme to farmers in which carbon credits may be earned through greenhouse gas mitigation projects in line with Australia’s undertakings through the Kyoto Protocol. Such credits would be tradable both within Australia and overseas as such markets become operational. Consequently, farmers may obtain significant earnings capacity through such measures. However, in order to qualify any proposed methodology must be rigorously scientifically tested, peer reviewed and largely proven and the methodology itself must be monitored in an on-going manner to further prove the actual savings in order for the payments/credits to be secured. A project is available in collaboration with a small, non-profit company located in Sydney’s south west which has worked on waste reduction measures for many years including worm farming. Many of the worms they grow are fed cow manure and they have noted the capacity of worms to reduce the impact of manure as a greenhouse gas emitter. The research project would aim to test and quantify these claims with a view to determining whether worm farming represents a viable greenhouse gas mitigation strategy.

75 Characterising This project aims to firstly catalogue the location, duration and Dr Anthony Kiem Environmental Earth SELS Victorian bushfire severity of bushfires in southeast Australia, specifically Victoria. P: (02) 4921 8656 and Climate Sciences risk and its causal This will involve a literature review and analysis of both E: [email protected] Change processes instrumental and pre-instrumental (paleo) records. Secondly, the Research Group climatic drivers of the identified bushfires will be investigated with the ultimate objective being to put the recent “Black Saturday” Victorian bushfires into context and to more realistically quantify bushfire risk so more robust adaptation strategies can be developed.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 28 76 East Coast Lows The June 2007 Pasha Bulker storm was one of the most Dr Anthony Kiem Environmental Earth SELS and the Newcastle significant meteorological events in Australia’s history. It was the P: (02) 4921 8656 and Climate Sciences Pasha Bulker 4th largest general insurance loss since insurance records were E: [email protected] Change Storm started in 1968. The storm consisted of three distinct impacts (1) Research Group flash flooding in the urban area of Newcastle on the 8 June (about 1 in 100 year return period) (2) more general flooding on the Hunter River 3 days later and (3) high winds and wave heights, the worst in the Newcastle-Sydney region since the “Sygna” storm in 1974.

Both the Pasha Bulker and Sygna storms were the result of an East Coast Low (ECL). ECLs are the cause of most major flood events on the East Australian Coastal strip. The context for the June 2007 ECL and the resulting storm will be provided. How big was it historically? Where and when have similar ECL occurred before, and how frequently? What are the “typical” impacts associated with ECLs and was the June 2007 ECL “typical”? What is the likely trend of ECL intensity and frequency with climate change? What is the likelihood of similar events occurring elsewhere in Australia?

77 Establish the East Coast Lows (ECL) are complex weather systems that travel Dr Anthony Kiem Environmental Earth SELS long-term (1000 parallel to the east coast of Australia from south-east Queensland P: (02) 4921 8656 and Climate Sciences years) natural to Victoria. They can cause significant storm damage to both the E: [email protected] Change variability of East natural system and human infrastructure (e.g. the Pasha Bulker Research Group Coast Lows storm). The historical records over the past century show that the magnitude and frequency of ECLs is linked to decadal-scale variability in the climate system. This project will use insights into the mechanisms that drive climate variability in Australia to produce a time-series of ECL frequency and intensity over (a) the last century using instrumental records and (b) the last 1000 years using proxy data based on palaeo reconstructions. The project will provide the basis for risk assessment of extreme ECL events both under natural and anthropogenic climate change.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 29 78 Defining ‘east The area of land between the tablelands and the coast of NSW and Dr Anthony Kiem Environmental Earth SELS coast’ climate southern Queensland is home to more than nine million people. A P: (02) 4921 8656 and Climate Sciences variety of high impact weather events occur in this area, generating E: [email protected] Change Research damaging winds, flooding, hail, heavy seas and swell. Rainfall Group during these weather events also plays a critical role in our State's water supply, filling dams and supplying base flows for inland river systems and groundwater recharge. However, the climatic processes in this part of Australia are the least well-understood in terms of climate change and its impacts.

This project will identify the drivers of climatic variability in the ‘east coast region and highlight differences between the ‘east coast’ and other areas of Australia. The project will form the basis for addressing the gaps in our knowledge relating to the impacts of climate variability and change along the ‘east coast’. This is necessary to develop informed and robust planning and adaptation strategies to ensure the sustainability of this heavily populated region.

79 Quantifying the This project will quantify the percentage of waves in the surf that are Dr Hannah Power Environmental and Earth SELS fraction of broken breaking using field data. Knowing this is a crucial step in improving P: (02)4921-5606 Climate Change Sciences waves in the surf coastal models that are used for predicting beach change, such as [email protected] Research Group zone erosion, and for coastal management. The project will use a combination of video data and pressure transducer records to provide clear estimates of the fraction of broken waves and how it varies between beaches. In this project you will learn how to collect and analyse coastal field data. You will also learn computer programming and image analysis techniques.

80 Water velocities Understanding the link between wave heights and water velocities in Dr Hannah Power Environmental and Earth SELS and wave heights the surf zone is crucial for understanding sediment transport on P: (02) 4921-5606 Climate Change Sciences in the surf zone beaches. In this project you will investigate why two waves of the E: [email protected] Research Group same height can suspend different amounts of sediment. You will conduct a field experiment to obtain data on wave heights, water velocities, and suspended sediment concentrations, and analyse this data to identify which waves suspend the most sediment. In this project you will learn how to collect and analyse coastal field data. You will also learn computer programming techniques.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 30 81 Storm erosion on This project will investigate how beaches respond to storms using Dr Hannah Power Environmental and Earth SELS beaches: A case the June 2016 east coast low storm as a case study. This storm P: (02) 4921-5606 Climate Change Sciences study of the June caused the greatest coastal erosion observed on NSW beaches in E: [email protected] Research Group 2016 storm over 40 years. This project will use topographic and bathymetric datasets collected before and after the storm to investigate beach change including how beach profiles changed and the magnitude of shoreline erosion. In this project you will learn to use GIS to combine topographic and bathymetric datasets and to conduct your data analyses.

82 Barrier This project will use a range of data to identify beaches in NSW that Dr Hannah Power Environmental and Earth SELS overtopping and are most at risk of wave overtopping due to extreme runup during P: (02) 4921-5606 Climate Change Sciences dune erosion on storms. The project will use high resolution coastal LiDAR data to E: [email protected] Research Group NSW beaches obtain dune elevations for several study sites. Offshore wave height data will then be used to obtain runup elevations based on standard formulations. The sites at risk of dune overtopping and erosion will then be identified to inform state-wide coastal management. In this project you will complete a thorough literature review of methods for predicting coastal runup and the causes of dune erosion and wave overtopping. You will use GIS to analyse the LiDAR data and NSW offshore wave height data to obtain the input parameters for the runup models.

83 Wave runup on This project will examine wave runup on beaches and rock Dr Hannah Power Environmental and Earth SELS beaches and rock platforms using field data. Understanding wave runup on beaches is P: (02) 4921-5606 Climate Change Sciences platforms crucial for coastal management including being used for predicting E: [email protected] Research Group beach erosion during storms and for predicting coastal barrier overtopping due to waves. Understanding wave runup on rock platforms is important for understanding the hazards associated with rock platforms and for coastal management. It is also relevant for other factors such as defining biological habitat zones. The project will use a combination of video data and pressure transducer records to investigate wave runup. In this project you will learn how to collect and analyse coastal field data. You will also learn computer programming and image analysis techniques.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 31 84 Fingerprinting the There is much debate about the extent of warming in the South Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd Environmental Earth SELS Medieval Warm Hemisphere during the Medieval Warm Period (MWP). It has P: (02) 49215749 and Climate Sciences Period in the actually been suggested that some regions of the Southern E: [email protected] Change Research Southern Hemisphere may have been relatively cool during this period and Group hemisphere that a La Nina dominated regime persisted during this time. This project will analyse the existing proxy climate records that capture rainfall and temperature variability in the Southern Hemisphere during the MWP, with the aim to fingerprint the regional response of the MWP. The study will also use information on large-scale drivers (ENSO, IPO etc) to reconstruct a picture of the MWP using a climate analogue approach.

85 Defining and With drought being such a large problem faced so often in Australia, Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd Environmental Earth SELS monitoring it is crucial that a sufficient method be developed to effectively P: (02) 49215749 and Climate Sciences drought in monitor the various categoriesand stages of drought. The current E: [email protected] Change Research Australia system employed in Australia to classify and monitor drought- Group affected areas (primarily agricultural drought) is the Rainfall Decile System, however there are a number of problems associated with this method, highlighting the need to apply alternative techniques. Therefore, the aim of this project is to review and assess the applicability of existing methods and indices (developed in the USA and Europe) for monitoring drought in Australia that will include, but are not limited to, the Palmer Drought Severity Index, Crop Moisture Index, Byram-Keetch Drought Index, Antecedent Precipitation Index, Standardised Precipitation Index, Total Water Deficit, Rainfall Anomaly Index and the Rainfall Decile System. Remote sensing techniques will also be investigated

86 Characterising This project aims to firstly catalogue the location, duration and Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd Environmental Earth SELS southern severity of dry epochs in the Southern Hemisphere. This will involve P: (02) 49215749 and Climate Sciences hemisphere dry a literature review and analysis of both instrumental and pre- E: [email protected] Change Research epochs and their instrumental (paleo) records. Secondly, the climatic drivers of the Group causal processes identified dry epochs will be investigated with the ultimate objective being to put the current southeast Australian drought into context and to more realistically quantify drought risk so more robust adaptation strategies can be developed.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 32 87 A GIS based A prolonged drought period occurred in South-east Australia (SEA) Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd Environmental Earth SELS analysis of the during the 15 year period from the mid 1990’s through the 2010, P: (02) 49215749 and Climate Sciences Millennium known as the ‘Millennium Drought’. The drought had significant E: [email protected] Change Research Drought in South- impacts on the economy, environment and society. An ongoing Group east Australia source of contention related to the drought is that the decrease in rainfall observed during this period does not seem to fully explain the decrease in streamflow. This project will review the possible causes of the reduction in flow during the drought and use GIS and remote sensing to test some of the theories, in particular changes to land cover and vegetation health.

88 Characterising Tropical cyclones have devastating impacts on the Island nations of Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd Environmental Earth SELS and attributing the Pacific. The variability in the path that tropical cyclones take P: (02) 49215749 and Climate Sciences variability in once they are established makes forecasting and planning for these E: [email protected] Change Research cyclone tracks in events challenging. This study will use GIS techniques to assess Group the Southwest historical cyclone tracks and determine the underlying causes of this Pacific variability

89 An evaluation of It has become apparent that the Earth can be divided into two Prof Bill Collins Tectonics and Earth SELS the supercell mantle supercells during the Phanerozoic (550-0 million years) and P: (02) 4921 5407 Earth Resources Sciences concept for the Paleoproterozoic (2000-1400 million years), but it is not clear what E: [email protected] Neoproterozoic happened in between (Neoproterozoic). This project is a literature review looking at the U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic data from zircons, in order to assess what was the global geodynamic context during the 1400-550 Ma period. It is essentially a database management project, requiring erecting the isotopic database, but combining it with geospatial information to evaluate the location, timing and evolution of Neoproterozoic orogens.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 33 90 Petrological The 1150 million year old Teapot Dolerite Dykes are highly unusual Prof Bill Collins Tectonics and Earth SELS evolution of the in that they reflect mantle-derived magmatism in the centre of the P: (02) 4921 5407 Earth Resources Sciences Teapot Dolerite Australian continent, and were associated with extensive partial E: [email protected] dykes, Central melting of the crust in the region. The dykes are unusually olivine Australia: tectonic rich, and have high MgO contents, which suggests high degrees of implications partial melting of the mantle, but it depends on the origin of the olivines. If they are xenocrystic (remnants of the mantle source region), then the degree of partial melting was much lower and the result is not surprising. However, if they formed by crystallisation from the basaltic magma (phenocrysts), then the temperatures of melting were unusually high, or they were produced by fluid-fluxed melting during subduction.

This project aims to unravel the origin of the olivines using micro- geochemical techniques to analyse the composition of the different types of olivine, to determine if xenocrystic or phenocrystic. If phenocrystic, a combination of petrographic analysis and whole- rock geochemical analysis can be used to deterime whether the magmatism was subduction-related or caused by an unusual thermal anomaly in the mantle. The tectonic implications are crucial for understand the assembly of the Australian continent.

91 Effects of Estrogenic compounds are a subset of endocrine disrupting Dr Geoff MacFarlane Environmental Environmental SELS estrogenic chemicals which mimic the female sex hormone estrogen. Such P: (02) 4921 7858 Water Science Science and compounds on compounds are present in sewage effluent and are discharged into E: [email protected] Research Group Management native molluscs our own local aquatic waterways via sewage treatment effluents. We are interested in how estrogenic compounds influence the Dr Richard Yu production of the female egg yolk protein vitellogenin, and using this P: (02) 4921 6990 as a biomarker of exposure in real field situations. E: [email protected]

We are also interested in the “gender-bending” properties of estrogenic compounds and how estrogens may facilitate sex change, turning males into females in aquatic organisms. There are possibilities for honours students conducting studies both in the field and at the Fisheries Research Station at Port Stephens investigating effects of estrogens on molluscs, including the native commercial, edible species, the Sydney Rock oyster. Such a project would provide both experience in lab and field work and also working within an industry context.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 34 92 Assessment of the Lead is a widely occurring environmental contaminant. In humans, it Dr Geoff MacFarlane Environmental Environmental SELS bioaccumulation acts as a potent neurotoxin and is of particular concern during P: (02) 4921 7858 Biology and Science and of lead in chicken childhood development. The primary exposure pathway is via E: [email protected] Biotechnology Management eggs from ingestion of contaminated soil or dust, but with increases in urban Group residential farming, exposure via home-grown produce is an increasing Dr Emily Grace backyards in the concern. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential for P: (02) 4921 5725 vicinity of a lead accumulation from soil into chicken eggs produced in urban E: [email protected] disused Lead/Zinc backyard chicken coops. The metal content of eggs, soil and smelter chicken feed will be measured in 30 backyard coops across the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle regions and a survey of household consumption habits will enable estimation of lead exposure via home-grown eggs.

93 Assessing the Ecologists are agreed that among the first habitats to be impacted Prof Michael Mahony Conservation Environmental SELS potential impact of by human induced climate change will be on high mountains since P: (02) 4921 6014 Biology Science and Climate Change the communities they support are already restricted by climate E: [email protected] Laboratory Management on high altitude variables such as high rainfall and cool temperatures. This project amphibians involves examining the behavioural ecology of several native amphibians that are found only at high altitude in cool and warm temperate rainforest habitats. The study involves investigating the phenology of reproductive behaviour (timing of male calling and female egg deposition) relative to climatic features such as temperature, humidity, rainfall and light cycle. You will assist in field work observations of reproductive biology and in the analysis of the field observations.

We currently have remote recording devices deployed at 15 locations in five rainforest areas in northeast NSW and the information from these are analysed by sound recognition software. Field work will involve several trips to north east NSW of up to five days and you will accompany a research team. All transport cost and food are provided.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 35 94 Assessment of This project will involve field investigations in a 16 pond enclosure Alex Callen, PhD candidate Conservation Environmental SELS aquatic on Ash Island at Hexham (NSW) as part of a broader study E: [email protected] Biology Science and invertebrate examining population and disease dynamics associated with a Laboratory Management composition and biological re-introduction of the endangered pond-breeding green Prof Michael Mahony abundance and golden bell frog. Aquatic invertebrates are commonly used as P: (02) 4921 6014 considering pond indicators of water quality which is an important consideration for E: [email protected] depth and salinity the population viability of the re-introduced species at the site influence. particularly in relation to the survivability and vigour of tadpoles in future natural breeding events. At the study site there are 8 deep and 8 shallow ponds which are either freshwater or have been subjected to manual salt dosing regimes. Water quality data for these ponds has been undertaken weekly and invertebrate surveys fortnightly, so there is an existing dataset to build upon.

The project will involve taking surface water quality measurements and aquatic invertebrate surveys to complement the existing data sets and analysing the water quality parameters to determine whether there are particular parameters (and the appropriate ranges of each parameter) that influence the composition and abundance of aquatic invertebrates across the ponds. The importance (or otherwise) of each of aquatic invertebrates in the broader ecosystem will also need to be identified. Students will assist in fieldwork in conjunction with the broader re-introduction research team, which is usually on Mondays (daytime). There will be opportunities to become involved in other monitoring activities at the site as required, including surveys for the green and golden bell frog. Skills to be developed during the project are: water quality assessment, aquatic invertebrate sampling and identification, environmental data analyses. This project has the potential for becoming an honours project.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 36 95 Habitat restoration This project will involve field investigations in a 16 pond enclosure Alex Callen, PhD candidate Conservation Environmental SELS for an endangered on Ash Island at Hexham (NSW) as part of a broader study E: [email protected] Biology Science and amphibian. examining population and disease dynamics associated with a Laboratory Management Vegetation biological re-introduction of the endangered pond-breeding green Prof Michael Mahony community and golden bell frog. 16 ponds were constructed in late 2012 and P: (02) 4921 6014 composition for this included some planting of aquatic macrophytes. Other plant E: [email protected] created green and species have also since colonised the site, including non-native golden bell frog species typical of disturbed and floodplain environments. A detailed habitat at Ash vegetation inventory is required to provide the foundation for Island, Hexham vegetation surveys at the site which will measure successional (NSW). change across the site, and whether pond depth, and salinity concentrations influence the composition and abundance of plant species across aquatic, pond edge and terrestrial environments. The inventory will provide photographic and text descriptions of each species observed at the site, particularly in relation to habitat preference and response to salinity. The inventory will also identify and describe non-native species observed at the site and their potential invasive status. Where time permits, documentation of species found at adjacent ponds outside of the site would also be useful.

This project is suitable to be conducted in all seasons of the year, with only certain species (largely grasses) difficult to identify outside of their flowering season. Students are required to be available to undertake fieldwork in conjunction with the broader re-introduction research team, which is usually on Mondays (daytime). Other days will be considered on request where the team can accommodate these. There will be opportunities to become involved in other monitoring activities at the site as required including surveys for the green and golden bell frog. Skills to be developed during the project are: vegetation assessment, plant identification, and environmental data analyses. This project has the potential for becoming an honours project as we are interested in understanding the seasonal variation in the flora.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 37 96 Comparison of This is largely as desk-top study however the successful student will Alex Callen, PhD candidate Conservation Environmental SELS body be required to assist with field investigations at the site as required. E: [email protected] Biology Science and morphometry This may include evening surveys and early morning field work. The Laboratory Management (body shape and investigation site is a 16 pond enclosure on Ash Island at Hexham Prof Michael Mahony size) of frogs in (NSW) which was created in late 2012 as part of a broader study P: (02) 4921 6014 freshwater and examining population and disease dynamics associated with a E: [email protected] saltwater ponds biological re-introduction of the species. The site provides frogs with a choice of deep and shallow pond environments as well as freshwater and saltwater environments. Approximately 200 frogs have been individually marked (microchipped) and re-introduced to the site. Weekly surveys of frogs is undertaken to determine whether individuals exhibit repeated preferences for certain ponds. This data has not yet been analysed. It is proposed to interrogate the existing data set to determine; a) whether frogs do exhibit a marked preference for pond types and, if they do, then b) whether frog morphometrics differ between frogs that use freshwater ponds and those that use saltwater ponds.

This investigation will provide preliminary insight into pond use by frogs at the site. The successful student will also be required to be available to undertake fieldwork in conjunction with the broader re- introduction research team, which may be day/evening/early mornings on any day of the week as well as laboratory work. He/she will become part of a large and dedicated team focused on understanding the ecology of the green and golden bell frog for conservation purposes. Skills to be developed during the project are: field survey design and methods, frog capture, handling, marking, and morphometry. There is the potential for good students to transition into related honours projects.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 38 97 Mark-recapture This project involves part of team of PhD and honours students Dr Debbie Bower Sustainable Use Environmental SELS surveys of bell looking at the distribution and demography of frog populations at P: (02) 4921 5105 of Coasts & Science and frogs in Sydney Sydney Olympic Park. The work involves a series of 6 days field E: [email protected] Catchments Management Olympic Park trips during which accommodation and gear are provided. In this Amphibian Research Group - Group project you will learn methods for mark-recapture estimates and Environmental Biology and Biotechnology surveying, capture, handling and identifying frogs. You will work alongside post graduate students and other volunteers to learn methods in research of amphibians and assist in postgraduate projects.

98 Visual encounter This project involves part of team of PhD and honours students Dr Debbie Bower Sustainable Use Environmental SELS surveys of bell looking at the distribution and demography of frog populations at P: (02) 4921 5105 of Coasts & Science and frogs in Sydney Sydney Olympic Park. The work involves a series of 6 days field E: [email protected] Catchments Management Olympic Park trips during which accommodation and gear are provided. In this Amphibian Research Group - Group project you will learn methods for visual encounter surveys and Environmental Biology and Biotechnology surveying, capture, handling and identifying frogs. You will work alongside post graduate students and other volunteers to learn methods in research of amphibians and assist in postgraduate projects.

99 Scavenging as an Ecosystem function can be assessed in many different ways Dr Troy Gaston Sustainable Use Environmental SELS indicator of however, this usually involves conducting complex field P: (02) 4349 4569 of Coasts and Science and ecosystem function experiments. Ecosystem functioning is also important in the E: [email protected] Catchments Management assessment of ecosystem health. This project will use scavenging (Ourimbah Campus) Group by secondary consumers as an indicator for ecosystem functioning. This project will involve fieldwork using underwater video systems.

100 Crustaceans as an Sustainable management of coastal lagoons relies upon the Dr Troy Gaston Sustainable Use Environmental SELS indicator of nutrient identification of stressors to that system. This involves the P: (02) 4349 4569 of Coasts and Science and source in coastal determination of nutrient sources to these coastal systems so that E: [email protected] Catchments Management lagoons any adverse impacts due to nutrient loading can be mitigated. (Ourimbah Campus) Group Stable isotope analysis is a tool that can identify the dominant source of nutrients to a waterway. This project focuses on using crustacean species as an indicator of nutrient source to coastal lagoons.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 39 101 Ecosystem health Ecosystem health reporting has become a requirement at the local, Dr Troy Gaston Sustainable Use Environmental SELS reporting for state and federal government level, however, there is some debate P: (02) 4349 4569 of Coasts and Science and coastal lagoons over the definition of ecosystem health. The components of E: [email protected] Catchments Management ecosystem health include: key processes operating to maintain (Ourimbah Campus) Group stable and sustainable ecosystems, zones of anthropogenic influence do not expand or deteriorate, and critical habitats remain intact. This project will use water quality data to assess the ecosystem health of coastal lagoons.

102 Cryptic invader: Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides is one of the most invasive Dr Maria Schreider Sustainable Use Environmental SELS green alga algae, and its introduction to NSW can have serious environmental P: (02) 4348 4228 of Coasts and Science and Codium fragile implications. Due to its similarity to the native subspecies E: [email protected] Catchments Management ssp. (tasmanicum and novae-zelandiae), the introduction is likely go (Ourimbah Campus) Group tomentosoides in undetected until the alga is well established. This study will NSW undertake the first quantitative assessment of the invasion by non- native C. fragile in NSW and document its distribution and abundance along rocky shores and estuaries of the state. This will help to identify the degree of infestation and to assess potential damage to the environment.

103 Urban and Project to advance knowledge in the area of cultural and Dr Sarah Bell Centre for Urban Geography & SELS Regional Studies environmental aspects of urban and regional studies, including E: [email protected] and Regional Environmental studies of urban parks as spaces of encounter between human and Studies Studies nonhumans.

104 Urban and Project to advance knowledge in the area of social, cultural, A/Prof Jenny Cameron Centre for Urban Geography & SELS Regional Studies economic or political aspects of urban and regional studies, P: (02) 4921 5095 and Regional Environmental including case studies of enterprise innovation and societal E: [email protected] Studies Studies transformations more broadly.

105 Urban and Project to advance knowledge in the area of social, cultural, Dr Paul Hodge Centre for Urban Geography & SELS Regional Studies economic or political aspects of urban and regional studies, P: (02) 4921 5092 and Regional Environmental including critical development studies, migration and asylum, E: [email protected] Studies Studies strengths-based practice and community development, and vegan geographies.

106 Urban and Project to advance knowledge in the area of social, cultural, Dr Hyeseon Jeong Centre for Urban Geography & SELS Regional Studies economic and political aspects of urban and regional studies, E: [email protected] and Regional Environmental including studies of practices of giving (at various scales) and urban Studies Studies liveability.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 40 107 Urban and Project to advance knowledge in the area of social, cultural, A/Prof Kathy Mee Centre for Urban Geography & SELS Regional Studies economic or political aspects of urban and regional studies, P: (02) 4921 6451 and Regional Environmental including urban regeneration, home and homemaking, E: [email protected] Studies Studies neighbourhood dynamics and geographies of mobility.

108 Urban and Project to advance knowledge in the area of social, cultural or Dr Meg Sherval Centre for Urban Geography & SELS Regional Studies political aspects of urban and regional studies including everyday E: [email protected] and Regional Environmental practices of rurality, contestations associated with mining and Studies Studies changing corporate culture in the energy sector.

109 Urban and Project to advance knowledge in the area of social and cultural Dr Jill Sweeney Centre for Urban Geography & SELS Regional Studies aspects of urban and regional studies including the roles and E: [email protected] and Regional Environmental impacts of social media and other online geographies. Studies Studies

110 Urban and Project to advance knowledge in the area of social, cultural, Dr Miriam Williams Centre for Urban Geography & SELS Regional Studies economic or political aspects of urban and regional studies including E: [email protected] and Regional Environmental the practices of food sharing in contemporary settings. Studies Studies

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 41 School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences:

111 Graph Theory Graph decompositions, automorphism groups of graphs, Conjoint Professor Brian Alspatch Priority Research Mathematics MAPS Cayley graphs and tournaments. P: (02) 4921 2026 Centre for Computer E: [email protected] Assisted Research in Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA)

112 Growth of regular Regular sequences are generalisations of linear recurrent Dr Michael Coons Priority Research Mathematics MAPS sequences and the sequences based on a finite set of matrices. The joint spectral P: (02) 4921 5364 Centre for Computer joint spectral radius radius of a finite set of matrices is a generalisation of the E: [email protected] Assisted Research (second or third year) spectral radius of a single matrix, the absolute value of its in Mathematics and largest eigenvalue. In this project, you will attempt to Dr Mumtaz Hussain its Applications characterise the types of growth possible for regular sequences Dr Wadim Zudilin (CARMA) based on properties of the joint spectral radius. A good Number Theory Group understanding of Linear Algebra (MATH2320) is necessary for this project.

113 Asymptotic Group  The goal of this project is to:Learn about group growth Associate Professor Murray Elder Priority Research Mathematics MAPS Theory and geodesic growth P: (02) 4921 7472 Centre for Computer E: [email protected] Assisted Research  Learn about self-similar groups in Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA)  Understand in detail the Gupta-Fabrykowski group, and describe its geodesics

 Write computer code to experiment with deodesics in the Gupta-Fabrykowski group

 Prove or disprove that the Gupta-Fabrykowski group has intermediate geodesic growth

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 42 114 Allocation of Suppose you are coaching a soccer team. To divide the Dr Thomas Kalinowski Priority Research Mathematics MAPS Indivisible goods players into two teams, you select the two best players as P: (02) 4921 6558 Centre for Computer captains and then let them alternate at picking the remaining E: Assisted Research team members. Is the best way to get an evenly matched [email protected] in Mathematics and game? Perhaps it would be better to reverse the order of their its Applications picks every round (so that the captain who picks first in the first (CARMA) round picks second in the second round)? This is an example of a problem in allocating indivisible goods. A number of real world problems involve allocating indivisible goods “fairly” between competing agents subject to possibly different preferences for these goods. For example, the allocation of landing and take-off slots at an airport is a problem of allocating indivisible goods. Airlines are competing for popular landing and take-off times, but have different preferences as to precisely which slots they want. The goal of the project is to:

 Learn about mechanisms for allocating indivisible resources to competing agents,

 Write computer code to compare allocation policies for small number of items,

 Prove that the alternating policy maximizes the expected utilitarian social welfare,

 Characterize policies minimizing the expected absolute value of the difference between the agent’s utilities.

115 Numerical Analysis Dr Bishnu Lamichhane Priority Research Mathematics MAPS of Differential P: (02) 4921 5529 Centre for Computer Equations E: Assisted Research [email protected] in Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA)

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 43 116 Variational Method Dr Bishnu Lamichhane Priority Research Mathematics MAPS in Image Processing P: (02) 4921 5529 Centre for Computer E: Assisted Research [email protected] in Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA)

117 Numerical solution of We all wonder how the coat patterns of animals are formed. Dr Bishnu Lamichhane Priority Research Mathematics MAPS a reaction diffusion Alan Turing claimed that animal coat patters arise as a result of P: (02) 4921 5529 Centre for Computer equation diffusion of some chemicals in the animals' skins. Now this can E: Assisted Research be studied by solving a reaction diffusion equation numerically. [email protected] in Mathematics and Different animals coat patters can be studied using a reaction its Applications diffusion equation. A reaction diffusion equation is a simple (CARMA) partial differential equation.

118 Modelling with There are many applications where differential equations are Dr Bishnu Lamichhane Priority Research Mathematics MAPS differential equation used. For example, heat conduction, wave interaction, fluid P: (02) 4921 5529 Centre for Computer flow, multiphase flow, and industrial processes such as film E: Assisted Research casting, fibre spinning, fluid mixing, etc. all involve differential [email protected] in Mathematics and equations. In this project student will focus on one application. its Applications (CARMA) 119 Modelling the The breakup of ice shelves (floating glaciers) is one of the A/Prof Mike Meylan Priority Research Mathematics MAPS Vibration of Ice critical threats of climate change because it has the prospect to P: (02) 4921 16792 Centre for Computer Sheets induce dramatic sea level rise. Recent technological advances E: [email protected] Assisted Research have made it possible to deploy arrays of seismometers to in Mathematics and measure the vibration of ice shelves. These measurements its Applications have shown surprisingly strong vibration and coupling with the (CARMA) surrounding ocean. This project would involve modelling wave- ice shelf interaction using differential equations, a topic which is currently being developed. Ideally you would have taken some courses in differential equations but the simplest models involve constant coefficient ODE’s which are introduced in first year.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 44 120 Mathematical Lyapunov functions associate “energy” to states of a dynamical Dr Bjorn Ruffer Priority Research Mathematics MAPS Systems Theory P: (02) 4913 8989 Centre for Computer n E: [email protected] Assisted Research system, eg. A system of the form xk+1 = f (xk ) with xk ∈ R or in Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA) systems given by differential equations. Lyapunov functions can be used to show that the equilibrium state of the system (xe = f (xe)) is asymptotically stable, that is, if a trajectory starts close t o xe it will remain close and moreover it will converge to the eq uilibrium point asymptotically. For this the Lyapunov function ne eds to have a global minimum at xe.

The difficult part is to find Lyapunov functions in the first place. But once you have one, proving asymptotic stability becomes r elatively easy, e.g., it reduces to showing that V (f (x)) < V (x) for all x /= xe. Your help is needed for the difficult part.

Possible topics involving Lyapunov functions could be:  To find Lyapunov functions for queuing networks (various levels of difficulty are possible here); or  To investigate how well so-called sum-and max separable Lyapunov functions can approximate each other (knowledge of linear algebra is desirable).

121 Combinatorics Many combinatorial objects can be “factorised” in an Dr Judy-Anne Osborn Priority Research Mathematics MAPS analogous sense to that in which we factorise numbers. The P: (02) 4921 5543 Centre for Computer process usually takes a lot of computation, in which a E: [email protected] Assisted Research computer acts as a “blackbox.” The project is to make that in Mathematics and process visible in an explorable “factorisation tree.” A its Applications prototype has already been developed in work with Nathan (CARMA) Clisby of Melbourne University and Nathan Van Maastricht, a student here at UON. This project requires a strong programming background.

122 Number Theory Visualising the Kolakoski sequence as a random walk. Dr Judy-Anne Osborn Priority Research Mathematics MAPS This project requires a programming background with P: (02) 4921 5543 Centre for Computer familiarity with python. E: [email protected] Assisted Research in Mathematics and

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 45 its Applications (CARMA)

123 Mathematics Dr Judy-Anne Osborn Priority Research Mathematics MAPS Education P: (02) 4921 5543 Centre for Computer E: [email protected] Assisted Research in Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA)

124 Iterated function Exploring metric spaces and fractals. Dr David Robertson Priority Research Mathematics MAPS systems P: (02) 4921 5777 Centre for Computer E: [email protected] Assisted Research in Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA)

125 Groupoids Knowledge of Topology a requirement. Dr David Robertson Priority Research Mathematics MAPS P: (02) 4921 5777 Centre for Computer E: [email protected] Assisted Research in Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA)

126 Banach-Tarski Knowledge of algebra and linear algebra required. Dr David Robertson Priority Research Mathematics MAPS paradox P: (02) 4921 5777 Centre for Computer E: [email protected] Assisted Research in Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA)

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 46 127 Feasibility Problems Feasibility problems concern finding a point in the intersection Conjoint A/Prof Brailey Sims Priority Research Mathematics MAPS of two or more (constraint) sets. Such problems arise in many P: (02) 4921 5540 Centre for Computer situations, for instance; optimisation problems, signal/image E; [email protected] Assisted Research reconstruction (basic to telecommunications and medical in Mathematics and imaging), solving puzzles such as sudoku, and deriving the its Applications structure of large biomolecules from X-ray diffraction data. (CARMA) Projection type algorithms have proved to be powerful, though in many cases little understood, tools for their solution.

The project involves investigating the relative effectiveness of different algorithms when applied to various test problems. S ee: https: //carma.newcastle.edu.au/DRmethods/ and i n particular, http:// arxiv.org/abs/1305.2657 This project falls within the realm of experimental mathemat ics and have both a theoretical and computational aspect. Bes ides encountering some new and interesting mathematics they will involve the vacation scholar learning and applying various computer software:

 Maple (or Mathematica)  Cinderella A dynamic geometry package, see http://www.cinderella. de/tiki-index.php and possibly  Python (or C++)

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 47 128 Parameter Estimation Many situations in the physical, life and behavioural sciences; Conjoint A/Prof Brailey Sims Priority Research Mathematics MAPS engi- neering; and economics/finance are modelled by P: (02) 4921 5540 Centre for Computer differential equations. For example, the growth of a hatchery E; [email protected] Assisted Research trout is approximately described by, in Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA)

where w(t) is the weight of the fish after t days, w0 is the initia l weight at day 0 and α, β are parameters. As with many diff erential equa- tions an explicit solution is not possible. Nonet heless, given a set of observations of a fish’s weight on succe ssive days, say w(n) = wn for n = k, k + 1, k + 2, · · · , K, we wish to determine values for α and β that best fit the observat ions. This is one instance of a parameter estimation problem. The project involves exploring the efficacy of a proposed way of doing this for a variety of different differential equa- tions. This project falls within the realm of experimental mathema tics and have both a theoretical and computational aspect. Be sides encountering some new and interesting mathematics they will involve the vacation scholar learning and applying various computer software: • Maple (or Mathematica) • Cinderella A dynamic geometry package, see http://www.cinderella. de/tiki-index.php and possibly • Python (or C++)

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 48 129 Zero-dimensional 0-dimensional groups describe the symmetries of relational Prof George Willis Priority Research Mathematics MAPS symmetry (any year, structures such as trees and graphs and they also arise as P: (02) 4921 5666 Centre for Computer with a preference for groups of matrices over the field of p-adic numbers. Projects E: [email protected] Assisted Research third year) are available, depending on the level of students, that will in Mathematics and explore groups of symmetries of trees that preserve some its Applications additional structure, such as a colouring of the vertices. This (CARMA) exploration will help with an eventual classication of 0- dimensional groups. An account of this research program may be seen at: http://www.mfo.de/math-in-public/snapshots/files/zero- dimensional-symmetry

223 Optimisation in To advance knowledge in an area of interest in optimisation, Dr Hamish Waterer Centre for Optimal Mathematics MAPS Operations Research in particular, mixed integer programming, using state-of-the- P: (02) 4921 5951 Planning and art techniques. Please arrange a topic for a potential project E: [email protected] Operations (C-OPT) with me prior to submission of your application.

130 Physics Summer project to advance knowledge in an area of interest Dr John Furst Surface and Physics MAPS in Physics or Photonics. Please arrange a topic and P: (02) 4348 4117 Nanoscience Group supervisor for a potential project prior to submission of your E: [email protected] application.

131 Astrophysics of High-mass star formation is an important open problem in Prof. James Jackson Astrophysics group Physics MAPS High-Mass Star astrophysics. In this project the student will analyse data P: (02) 4921 5424 Formation from radio telescopes that probe the physical conditions and E: [email protected] motions of molecular gas clouds that are forming stars. The goal is to deduce how clouds fragment, and how these fragments collapse into individual stars.

132 Laser Processing This project will use a state-of-the-art femtosecond laser, Dr John Holdsworth Priority Research Physics MAPS continuous diode laser and nanosecond pulsed lasers to P: (02) 4921 5436 Centre for Organic investigate annealing and welding of materials in organic E: [email protected] Electronics solar cell development.

133 Two-Photon Two-Photon Microscopy allows deep imaging of live tissues. Dr John Holdsworth Priority Research Physics MAPS Microscopy The optical arrangement and optimisation of a two-photon P: (02) 4921 5436 Centre for Organic microscope incorporating a novel scan engine will be the E: [email protected] Electronics topic of this work.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 49 134 Ultra-fast Laser Supercontinuum generation in optical materials is widely Dr John Holdsworth Priority Research Physics MAPS Continuum used in ultra-fast spectroscopy. This project will use a state- P: (02) 4921 5436 Centre for Organic Generation of-the-art femtosecond laser spectroscopy system to E: [email protected] Electronics generate and analyse continua in microstructured optical fibre.

135 Molecular The breakup of a diatomic molecule by UV light is possibly Dr John Furst Surface and Physics MAPS Photodissociation the most basic chemical reaction. Experiments at the P: (02) 4348 4117 Nanoscience Group Advanced Light Source, in Berkeley California, involving the E: [email protected] measurement of circular polarisation emitted from neutral hydrogen and nitrogen after the breakup of H2 and N2 have generated a large amount of data. This project will involve the analysis of this data using Mathematica or Matlab and the development of skills in the use of angular momentum techniques to look at the fundamental processes involved in the transfer of angular momentum into molecules.

136 Assessment of Radiation therapy dose calculations are currently performed Prof Peter Greer Research Group: Physics MAPS distortion in MRI using CT scans. MRI scans offer much better soft-tissue P: (02) 4014 3689 Medical Physics images for head and contrast however they suffer from distortions due to non- E: [email protected] Priority Research neck radiation linearity in magnetic gradients and patient induced distortions Centre: Cancer therapy planning in the local magnetic field. A project to acquire MRI scans for patients and develop methods to plan treatments using MRI will commence at the Calvary Mater Newcastle in 2014 using the state-of-the-art Siemens 3T wide-bore MRI scanner. This project will develop a phantom and perform experiments to determine the distortion at air/water interfaces in different MRI sequences. Methods to correct the distortion will be developed.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 50 137 A prospective study Radiation therapy dose calculations are currently performed Prof Peter Greer Research Group: Physics MAPS of MRI-alone using CT scans. MRI scans offer much better soft-tissue P: (02) 4014 3689 Medical Physics treatment planning contrast but lack electron density information required for E: [email protected] Priority Research for prostate radiation dose calculations. A method to map electron densities to Centre: Cancer therapy pelvic MRI scans has been developed in a collaborative project between Calvary Mater Newcastle and CSIRO E- Health Centre. Evaluation of this method by comparison of dose calculations on CT with dose calculations on the synthetic CT derived from MRI have shown that this method can be used for patient planning. This project will conduct the worlds first prospective study of MRI alone treatment planning for prostate radiation therapy for a group of prostate patients. Patient treatment plans will be developed using the synthetic CT scans with CT scan plans used only for verification.

138 Dosimetry of high A method to perform dosimetry of high energy treatment Prof Peter Greer Research Group: Physics MAPS energy radiation radiation beams using a flat-panel imaging device has been P: (02) 4014 3689 Medical Physics beams with flat-panel developed at the Calvary Mater Newcastle and developed E: [email protected] Priority Research imagers into a prototype commercial system by Varian Medical Centre: Cancer Systems, the worlds largest vendor of radiation therapy equipment. This system called Absolute Portal Dosimetry will be installed at CMN for evaluation with a new Truebeam linear accelerator in September 2014. This project will perform measurements to evaluate the accuracy of this new dosimetry system using patient intensity modulated radiation deliveries.

139 Three-dimensional A method to perform dosimetry of high energy treatment Prof Peter Greer Research Group: Physics MAPS dosimetry of high radiation beams using a flat-panel imaging device has been P: (02) 4014 3689 Medical Physics energy radiation developed at the Calvary Mater Newcastle and developed E: [email protected] Priority Research beams with flat-panel into a prototype commercial system. This method converts Centre: Cancer imagers images to 2D dose planes in a virtual water phantom. To determine three-dimensional dose from these images in phantom would be advantageous but requires modelling of the attenuation of the beam through the phantom. This project would develop a sophisticated Monte-Carlo model of the linear accelerator and treatment beam to enable conversion of images to 3D dose distributions in phantoms.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 51 140 Simultaneous Currently devices designed for imaging patients and Prof Peter Greer Research Group: Physics MAPS dosimetry and separately for dosimetry exist in radiation therapy. However a P: (02) 4014 3689 Medical Physics imaging in radiation system that can simultaneously acquire images and dose E: [email protected] Priority Research therapy (a “best of information would be advantageous. Digital imaging devices Centre: Cancer both worlds” imager) in radiation therapy use a phosphor scintillator to produce visible light photons which are then detected by a large (1024x768) array of photodiodes, each diode being 0.4x0.4 mm in size. The imager has a large energy-dependent response due to the high atomic number of the phosphor with low energy x-rays preferentially absorbed. When the phosphor is removed the imager performs as an accurate dosimeter. By using grids to absorb the optical photons we have shown that both dose and image information can be obtained simultaneously. However a small systematic offset was found in the dose from the grid and the dose with the phosphor removed. This project will extend this work to determine the physical reason for the systematic offset. Interpolation will be investigated to obtain full dose and image from the initial grid image. This project could result in a new type of imaging system for radiation oncology – the “best of both worlds” imager.

141 Investigation of new Recently, new beam types have been developed for radiation Prof Peter Greer Research Group: Physics MAPS FFF beams for therapy. These beams are called “flattening-filter-free” or FFF P: (02) 4014 3689 Medical Physics radiation therapy beams. They are highly peaked in intensity and have much E: [email protected] Priority Research higher dose-rates than conventional flattened beams. This Centre: Cancer allows treatments to be delivered much faster with intensity modulation used to flatten the beams where necessary. This project will investigate how these new beams can be measured with EPID. Measurements will be performed to characterize how well these beams can be measured and what the limitations of the devices are for these beams. A model to convert EPID signal to dose-in-water planes would be modified to work with FFF beams. This project will lead to more widespread use of these imaging devices to measure FFF beams. These beams are only available currently at North West Cancer Centre in Tamworth and the Central Coast Cancer Institute in Gosford.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 52 142 Assessment of dose For multi-centre clinical trials where an experimental Prof Peter Greer Research Group: Physics MAPS delivery at remote treatment is compared to a standard treatment, the accuracy P: (02) 4014 3689 Medical Physics treatment centres for of dose delivery or quality of the delivery is crucial in E: [email protected] Priority Research clinical trials determining the outcome of the trial. A unique project has Centre: Cancer commenced to measure the dose delivery accuracy at each centre using flat-panel imagers that are present on the linear accelerators. Data collected at each centre will be sent to Calvary Mater Newcastle for analysis. This project will analyse data collected, particularly the dosimetric performance of the flat-panel imagers and the uniformity of these dosimetric properties between difference centres.

143 Time-resolved Modern radiation therapy delivery using medical linear Prof Peter Greer Research Group: Physics MAPS dosimetry of complex accelerators is intensity modulated with the beam intensity P: (02) 4014 3689 Medical Physics radiation therapy varying with time to delivery complex 3D dose distributions E: [email protected] Priority Research deliveries within the body. With a flat-panel imaging device the beam Centre: Cancer geometry can be measured as a function of time. However the relative dose-rate is more difficult to measure. In this project a monitor of the beam dose-rate will be implemented and combined with the geometry information to provide a time-resolved measurement of the beam delivery. This will be tested using actual off-line patient treatment deliveries.

144 Improving secondary A method can be implemented whereby the accelerator Prof Peter Greer Research Group: Physics MAPS jaw calibration using secondary beam collimator calibration procedure is P: (02) 4014 3689 Medical Physics EPID. performed based on flat-panel images. Currently this is E: [email protected] Priority Research performed with the light field and graph paper, but will be Centre: Cancer more accurate using the imaging device which should result in better treatment collimation accuracy

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 53 145 Surface Plasmons in Surface plasmons are collective excitations of valance A/Prof Vicki Keast Surface and Physics MAPS Metal Nanostructures electrons that propagate along a surface. They are currently P: (02) 4921 6653 Nanoscience Group of enormous technological interests for applications such as E: [email protected] single molecule detection, sub-wavelength optics and even tumour therapy. Surface plasmons can be generated by light or by fast electrons. There are clear connections between the two types of excitations because both can be represented by time-varying electric fields. However the time and spatial dependence of these fields is distinctly different. Having computational models available to simulate the plasmonic interactions is essential for development in the field. This project will develop computer codes for the calculation of plasmonic interactions.

146 Understanding Most metals are shiny and reflective, but colourless. There A/Prof Vicki Keast Surface and Physics MAPS unusually coloured are some exceptions such as gold and copper. But there are P: (02) 4921 6653 Nanoscience Group metals a range of more unusual metallic compounds, such as AuAl2, E: [email protected] CoSi2 and TiAlN that can show a range of colors from violet, deep blue, bright yellow and everything in between. The purpose of this project will be to use advanced quantum mechanical calculations to understand how these colors arise.

147 Understanding the Silver nanoparticles are finding widespread application in A/Prof Vicki Keast Surface and Physics MAPS Corrosion of Silver medical and consumer products due to their antibacterial P: (02) 4921 6653 Nanoscience Group Nanoparticles activity. It is also possible to use the enhanced E: [email protected] electromagnetic field generated on their exposure to light in a variety plasmonic applications. However, the particles rapidly corrode which has important consequences for the effectiveness in real-world situations. Further, understanding the corrosion process is important in understanding their ecotoxic behaviour if released to the environment. There are a variety of possible projects available in this area. These include experimental examination of the corrosion process using transmission electron microscopy and computational projects exploring the changes in silver surfaces that occur at an atomic level.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 54 148 Why Don’t Girls Do In many other fields the traditional gender imbalances have A/Prof Vicki Keast Surface and Physics MAPS Physics been overcome, yet the number of girls choosing to study P: (02) 4921 6653 Nanoscience Group physics at the secondary and tertiary level remains stagnant. E: [email protected] There are a number of possible project ideas in this area that can be tailored to the student interests. This includes questioning and exploring the nature of physics itself and the way it is practiced, in the context of gender interests and preference. Projects that examine if there is gender bias in which physics is taught and tested are also available.

149 Radiation Damage in MAX phase materials have the capacity to operate in extreme Prof John O’Connor Surface and Physics MAPS MAX Phase materials environments and may be candidates for high temperature P: (02) 4921 5439 Nanoscience Group and high radiation environments. One particular environment E: [email protected] is as a construction material in a fusion reactor where it would experience significant radiation damage.

This project would involve the investigation of ability of MAX phase materials to withstand exceptionally high levels of radiation damage while retaining key physical properties. The experiments will involved accelerated radiation damage with ion implantation, RBS, SIMS and XRD.

150 Control Systems for New equipment has been purchased which will allow the Prof John O’Connor Surface and Physics MAPS Low Dose Surface automated control of a low energy accelerator and data P: (02) 4921 5439 Nanoscience Group Analysis using Low acquisition system. The goal in this project is to bring the key E: [email protected] Energy Ion Scattering elements together in a Labview application which has considerable flexibility to maintain a broad range of experiments while also minimising radiation damage to the surface under analysis.

151 Computational Single One of the major theoretical endeavours of the Surface and A/Prof Marian Radny Priority Research Physics MAPS Molecule Molecular Nanoscience Group is to contribute to the development of the P: (02) 4921 5447 Centre for Energy / Electronics new field of molecular electronics by modelling processes E: [email protected] Surface and which will allow control of the positioning and functionality of Nanoscience Group individual atoms on silicon and germanium surfaces. This project builds on past successes in describing the interaction of acetone [(CH3)2CO], water, and phosphine (PH3) molecules with the Si(001) surface and will employ a theoretical modelling based on ab initio techniques.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 55 152 Experimental Single One of the major experimental endeavours of the Surface A/Prof Marian Radny Priority Research Physics MAPS Molecule Molecular and Nanoscience Group is to contribute to the development P: (02) 4921 5447 Centre for Energy / Electronics of the new field of molecular electronics. By using a scanning E: [email protected] Surface and tunnelling microscopy (STM), this project involves a Nanoscience Group fundamental understanding on the interactions between organic molecules and silicon surfaces at an atomic level. The formed structures will be used to make organic silicon hybrid devices for single molecule molecular electronics. 153 Design your own The Centre for Space Physics has research interests in both Dr Murray Sciffer / A/Prof Colin Waters Centre for Space Physics MAPS Space Physics the computer simulation and analysis of experimental data P: (02) 4921 5800 Physics Project from HF radar, satellites and other ground based detectors. E: [email protected] The data are mostly measurements of fields (electric and magnetic), particles and optical emissions (e.g. ultraviolet images of the aurora from space). If you have an interest in near-Earth space science and would like to explore a particular interest then come and see us.

154 Numerical This project will teach you how to solve differential equations A/Prof Colin Waters Centre for Space Physics MAPS Simulations in that describe mixtures of neutral and charged magnetised P: (02) 4921 5800 Physics Ionosphere Physics fluids. This involves a conductivity tensor. The project applies E: [email protected] to the Earths ionosphere and will extend our existing 1-D simulations into 2-D using a formulation that is Fourier analysed in time (e-iωt ). The solution will involve teaching you to use tri-diagonal, sparse matrix solvers in Fortran on multi- processor computers.

155 Remote sensing killer Ground magnetometers detect small variations in the A/Prof Colin Waters Centre for Space Physics MAPS electron energisation geomagnetic field which are caused by magnetised plasma P: (02) 4921 5800 Physics electric fields in wave energy in near-Earth space. The associated electric fields E: [email protected] space energise electrons to high energies which pose a threat to spacecraft operations. This project will develop the link between the recorded ground magnetic signals and the electric fields in space and compare these with spacecraft data.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 56 156 Radar Signatures of An important dynamic structure in the inner magnetosphere is A/Prof Colin Waters Centre for Space Physics MAPS the Plasmapause the plasmapause. Modeling work suggests that ULF wave P: (02) 4921 5800 Physics energy transfer from the auroral regions to Australian latitudes E: [email protected] critically depends on the structure and location of this boundary. Observations of ULF wave signatures using our HF radars in Tasmania and New Zealand have shown a distinct localized band of enhanced ULF power. Are these the signature of wave growth associated with a well formed plasmapause? This project will use existing methods for locating the plasmapause, (EUV instrument onboard the IMAGE spacecraft, ground magnetometer data, GPS data) to identify the radar signature of this structure. This will be excellent training in the operation and data returned from multi- pulsed HF radar instrumentation, similar to those use in defence surveillance.

157 Water-based Students within the Centre for Organic Electronics have Dr Warwick Belcher Priority Research Physics MAPS Conducting Polymers developed a new system of aqueous conducting polymers for P: (02) 4921 5468 Centre for Organic for Organic Solar use in solar cells based on colloidal nanoparticles (less than E: [email protected] Electronics Cells 100nm diameter). We are currently in the process of using (PRCOE) (up to 2 projects) these materials to develop a commercially viable renewable energy platform. The interested student(s) will be part of a large (>10 students) research team working together with this aim and have the opportunity to contribute significantly to ongoing research. The proposed project will investigate a number of different conducting polymer systems used for solar cell fabrication to conclude their suitability for this method of fabrication. In the course of the project the student will develop skills in the production and characterisation of conducting nanoparticles and in the fabrication and characterisation of solar cells.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 57 158 The Use of Flow A series of porphyrins will be prepared as potential recognition Dr Warwick Belcher Priority Research Physics MAPS Chemistry to Prepare elements for environmentally important gases such as NO2, P: (02) 4921 5468 Centre for Organic Porphyrin Derivatives SO2, CO and CO2. A growing number of literature studies E: [email protected] Electronics have shown that a wide range of porphyrin complexes, both (PRCOE) free-base and metalloporphyrins, show substantial changes to their UV-Vis absorption spectrum upon exposure to even trace amounts of these and other gases. A series of simple tetra- arylporphyrins (TAPs), both free-base and metallated, will be prepared using the Flow Chemistry apparatus available in chemistry for inclusion in the fabrication of OTFT devices for assessment as gas sensors. Flow chemistry is ideally suited to the rapid production of a large library of derivatised porphyrins allowing an array of porphyrin to be developed. By utilising such an array of porphyrin materials and OTFTs a gas sensing “nose” will be developed for the detection of gases such as NO2, SO2, CO and CO2.

159 Preparation and The student will prepare a series of molecular recognition Dr Warwick Belcher Priority Research Physics MAPS Assessment of materials for assessment for inclusion in the organic gate P: (02) 4921 5468 Centre for Organic Recognition electrode of OTFTs as the recognition elements in transistor- E: [email protected] Electronics Elements for based sensors. A series of recognition elements will be (PRCOE) Explosives Sensors synthesised based on the 1,3,5-tris (3- (methylamino)pyridiniumyl)-2,4,6-triethylbenzene (TMAPT) hexafluorophosphate salt. These “venus flytrap”-like tripodal molecules have been shown to be excellent anion binders, can be easily synthetically modified and show selectivity and sensitivity to a range of anionic analytes. The three fold symmetry of the binding sites in the TMAPT series of molecules is perfectly arranged for strong selective binding to neutral molecules with the same symmetry of functionality. Amongst these potential target molecules trinitrotoluene (TNT) is an obvious target of importance. A range of TMAPT derivatives will be prepared and assessed as recognition elements for TNT with the goal of a transistor-based explosives sensor.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 58 160 Biosensors from Diabetes currently affects over 300 million people worldwide, a Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Plastic Electronics number that is predicted to rise to over 500 million by 2020. P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic Diabetes sufferers are condemned to a lifetime of painful, E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) invasive blood testing many times a day. This project involves designing, building and characterising OTFT biosensors for diabetes management. This project is suitable for students with backgrounds in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.

161 Explosives Current electronic detonator technology relies on expensive Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Detection: Arrays electronic components to provide detection and timing signals. P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic and Architectures In collaboration with a major industrial partner, the Centre for E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) Organic Electronics (COE) has a major project to develop sensors based on organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) to detect a number of different signatures of explosives.

This project will build on previous COE research to develop low cost printable sensor arrays for explosives detection. This project is suitable for students with backgrounds in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.

162 Explosives Organic electronic components are now able to be assembled Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Detection: into complex electronic circuits. In collaboration with a major P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic Components and industrial partner, the Centre for Organic Electronics (COE) has E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) Circuits a major project to develop circuits based on organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) to provide timing and wireless communications. This project will develop new components and circuits to provide low-voltage OTFT circuits capable of microsecond timing accuracy and RFID communications. This project is suitable for students with backgrounds in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.

163 Helium Atom Beam Scanning helium atom microscopy offers the tantalizing Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Microscopy: Using possibility of using the wave-particle nature of helium atoms to P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic Quantum Mechanics image the structure of delicate surfaces with unprecedented E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) to Image Delicate resolution. This project will involve developing the new ARC- Surfaces funded helium beam microscope at Newcastle and producing preliminary images. This project will involve collaboration with the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 59 164 Extending the Plants use a range of porphyrin-based molecules (such as Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Spectral Response of chlorophyll) to allow photosynthesis to occur across the solar P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic Organic Solar Cells spectrum. This project aims to develop photovoltaic devices E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) containing artificial porphyrin light harvesting molecules. This project will develop plastic solar cells that generate electricity from the entire solar spectrum. This project is suitable for students with backgrounds in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.

165 Extending the One of the current challenges limiting the rapid uptake of Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Lifetime of Organic organic solar cells is the limited lifetime of these devices. This P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic Solar Cells project will study novel “inverted” device architectures with the E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) goal of developing extended lifetime solar cells devices. This project is suitable for students with backgrounds in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.

166 Field Ionisation He Scanning helium atom microscopy is an emerging imaging Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Detection using technology that uses low energy helium atom beams as a P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic Carbon Nanotubes completely non-perturbing probe of nanoscale structure. E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) However, this exciting new technology is currently limited by the lack of an effective 2D imaging system for neutral He atoms. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer the possibility of acting as effective field ionisation tips for He atoms thus allowing them to be detected. This project will aim to grow CNT arrays using a new state-of-the-art chemical vapour deposition (CVD) system in the Centre for Organic Electronics.

167 Large Area Printing The development of new sources of renewable energy is Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS of Organic Solar urgently required if the worst effects of man-made climate P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic Cells change are to be avoided. This project will build on the recent E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) exciting advances made by the Centre for Organic Electronics (COE) in device fabrication to develop new methods for printing large photovoltaic arrays based on semi-conducting polymers. This project will make use of the new state-of-the-art printing system that has been recently purchased by the COE for developing organic electronic circuits. This project is suitable for students with backgrounds in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 60 168 Novel Electrodes for The capability of organic solar cells to provide large scale Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Organic Solar Cells global sustainable energy solutions will be limited by the P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic current high costs and supply issues associated with the E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) current electrode materials. This project will explore novel inverse architectures and transparent conducting materials to address the issue of developing low cost electrode structures for these exciting new devices. This project is suitable for students with backgrounds in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.

169 Phase Contrast The aim of this multinational collaborative research project is to Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Mechanisms in develop the world’s first imaging detector for neutral helium P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic Scanning Helium atoms for use in a new surface-imaging instrument – the E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) Microscopy scanning helium microscope. Currently, there is little understanding of the mechanisms that would provide contrast in this microscopy. This project will involve modelling work with the goal of understanding the phase contrast processes.

170 Photocurrent State-of-the-art organic solar cells are limited the complex Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Mapping of Organic morphology and structure of these blended devices. This P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic Solar Cells project will use a Near-Field Photocurrent Microscopy (NSPM) E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) to simultaneously map the photocurrent and the morphology of organic solar cells. NSPM is a new technique that has been recently developed at the University of Newcastle and is the first technique that is capable of directly measuring the photocurrent from organic solar devices.

This project will apply NSPM to the study of P3HT/PCBM blend structures, which are the most efficient blend materials currently available. This project is suitable for students with backgrounds in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.

171 Printing of Electronic The Centre for Organic Electronics has recently purchased a Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Arrays using State- new state-of-the-art ink jet printer for developing organic P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic of-the-art Ink Jet electronic circuits. This project will involve developing organic E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) Printing thin film transistor arrays for a variety of sensor applications. The project will involve developing an understanding of the device physics of these transistor arrays. This project is suitable for students with backgrounds in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 61 172 Structure and Conducting polymer blends underpin all of the activities of the Prof Paul Dastoor Priority Research Physics MAPS Morphology of Centre for Organic Electronics, especially in the areas of P: (02) 4921 5426 Centre for Organic Conducting Polymer organic solar cells and biosensors based on organic E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) Blends transistors. This project will study the role of structure and morphology in these blend materials as characterised by advanced synchrotron based techniques. The successful student will be required to undertake experiments at the Advanced Light Source, Berkeley, USA. This project is suitable for students with backgrounds in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering.

173 Organic silicon By using a scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), this project Dr Xiaojing Zhou Priority Research Physics MAPS hybrid devices involves a fundamental understanding on the interactions P: (02) 4921 6732 Centre for Organic between organic molecules and silicon surfaces at an atomic E: [email protected] Electronics (PRCOE) level. The formed structures will be used to make organic silicon hybrid devices for biosensor applications.

174 Statistical The beef industry in Australia is worth $13 billion annually and Dr Garth Tarr Statistics Research Statistics MAPS Applications in Meat the sheep meat industry is worth another $4 billion. A key P: (02) 4921 6741 Group Science question con- cerning the red meat industry is the ability to E: [email protected] predict the eating quality of cuts of meat. Doing this well has major financial implications for the industry. Various applied data analysis projects are available: predict- ing animal age given carcass measurements; effect of hanging method on eating quality; effect of product position in consumer trials; hyper- spectral colour measurement analysis; time trends in consumer willing- ness to pay; and generational changes in eating preferences (parents vs teenagers); comparing lamb sensory data for Australian, Chinese and American consumers. Students will identify appropriate statisti- cal models to apply to their chosen project; develop coding and data processing skills in R; and write up their results and conclusions as the core of an applied statistics journal article.

175 Spatial patterns of The spatial pattern of disadvantage shows different features at Dr Robert King Statistics Research Statistics MAPS disadvantage different geographic levels. This project will consider the role P: (02) 4921 5548 Group of geographic level, particularly the effects of different types of E: [email protected] boundaries, and investigate social statistics of areas in the Hunter region. This project would ideally suit a student with a background in both statistics and geography.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 62 176 Image analysis for This project involves work with the University of Newcastle's Dr Robert King Statistics Research Statistics MAPS Robot soccer: robot soccer team, the NUBots. The robots find where they are P: (02) 4921 5548 Group on the field (localise) using information from the picture taken E: [email protected] by the camera in their head. This project will work on improving the image analysis module.

177 Statistics Summer project in an area of Multivariate analyses involving Dr Elizabeth Stojanovski Statistics Research Statistics MAPS structural equation modelling. P: (02) 4921 5346 Group E: [email protected]

178 Medical Statistics Summer project in an area of Medical Statistics. Dr Frank Tuyl Statistics Research Statistics MAPS P: (02) 4921 8854 Group E: [email protected]

179 Statistical Process Summer project in an area of Statistical Process Control. Dr Frank Tuyl Statistics Research Statistics MAPS Control P: (02) 4921 8854 Group E: [email protected]

180 Industrial Statistics Summer project in an area of Industrial Statistics. Dr Frank Tuyl Statistics Research Statistics MAPS P: (02) 4921 8854 Group E: [email protected]

181 Bayesian Inference Summer project in an area of Bayesian Statistics. Dr Frank Tuyl Statistics Research Statistics MAPS P: (02) 4921 8854 Group E: [email protected]

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 63 School of Psychology:

TOPIC TITLE OF DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH PROJECT PRINCIPAL SUPERVISOR CONTACT RESEARCH DISCIPLINE SCHOOL NO. RESEARCH TOPIC DETAILS GROUP/CENTRE

182 Can technology People with a mental illness experience high levels of a range of A/Prof Jenny Bowman Health and Psychology PSYC support behaviour health risk behaviours, including smoking, poor nutrition and P: (02) 4921 5958 Clinical change among inadequate physical activity. Emerging technologies such as E: [email protected] Psychology mobile phone apps and wearable devices (e.g. Fitbit) present Research Group people with a opportunities for supporting health behaviour change; however, mental illness? research is required to understand how these technologies can be Priority Research used to support such behaviour change among people with a Centre for Health mental illness. Behaviour

This project will involve collaboration with Hunter New England Priority Research Health and researchers working in the area of design and Centre for information technology. The project will involve an exploration of Translational existing research examining the application of technology in Neuroscience and supporting behaviour change among people with a mental illness, Mental Health contributing to the development of a pilot study, and may include the opportunity to contribute to a published manuscript. HMRI Public Health Program 183 Community People with a mental illness have high levels of a range of chronic A/Prof Jenny Bowman Health and Psychology PSYC managed disease health risk behaviours, including smoking, poor nutrition P: (02) 4921 5958 Clinical organisations: an and inadequate physical activity. Despite the potential for health E: [email protected] Psychology opportunity to risk behaviours to be addressed by mental health services, Research Group improve the evidence suggests such care is rarely provided. The increasing physical health of focus on Community Managed Organisations (CMOs) in the Priority Research people with a delivery of mental health care may offer a significant opportunity Centre for Health mental illness? to provide preventative care for health risk behaviours to Behaviour consumes with a mental illness. However, research is required to understand how the potential of this opportunity may be realised. Priority Research Centre for This collaborative project will involve an exploration of the current Translational practices, barriers and facilitators to CMOs providing care for Neuroscience and health risk behaviours using various methodologies, including Mental Health developing and pilot testing on online survey tool, and may include the opportunity to continue to a published manuscript. HMRI Public Health Program

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 64 184 Rapid Decision- Our lives are filled with almost continuous rapid choices. We Dr Scott Brown Cognitive Psychology PSYC Making make these simple choices almost without knowing, but they are P: (02) 4921 5760 Psychology critically important. There are several comprehensive E: [email protected] Research Group mathematical theories of how the choices are made, and there W: http://www.newcl.org/?q=node/50 are also new attempts to bridge the gaps between these mathematical theories and neural theories about how the decision processes are implemented in the brain. You will work on a series of experiments and mathematical developments to test some of the leading theories, and help fill in their areas of weakness.

185 Fast, or Careful? When making decisions, we are constantly faced with the need to Dr Scott Brown Cognitive Psychology PSYC trade speed for accuracy: we can make lots of decisions quickly, P: (02) 4921 5760 Psychology but with lots of errors; or we can make a few decisions slowly and E: [email protected] Research Group accurately. There are comprehensive cognitive theories for how W: http://www.newcl.org/?q=node/50 this trade-off occurs, and these theories have been well accepted by the scientific community for decades. However, some of the basic assumptions of those theories have never been tested – we will conduct experiments to find out which assumptions hold up to closer scrutiny, and we will use this information to better develop the comprehensive theories. There is also scope in this project to examine interesting applications of decision theory, such as in aging or clinical populations.

186 EEG Measures of The EEG provides an established means of measuring changes Dr Bill Budd Sensory, Psychology PSYC Sleep Onset and in brain states associated with fatigue and sleep. Applications of P: (02) 4348413 Cognitive and Fatigue this research have been somewhat limited since a reliable E: [email protected] Affective measure of EEG activity in ‘real time’ has proven elusive. The aim Research Group of this research is to apply recent advances in EEG analysis to develop a continuous measure of changes in EEG activity Centre for Brain associated with sleep onset and fatigue. and Mental Health

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 65 187 The human face as Human faces convey a wide range of information about identity, Dr Darren Burke Sensory, Psychology PSYC an evolved signalling age, sex, health, fertility, etc. and movements of the face operate P: (02) 4348 4158 Cognitive and system. as complex social signals. The summer scholarship student will E: [email protected] Affective help to run a project investigating non-verbal dynamic signalling (Ourimbah campus ONLY) Neuroscience in a variety of social contexts - the way people's Research Group facial movements communicate a wealth of subtle information to their social partners. You will help to run participants in the study Priority Research and to analyse the resulting video footage. Given that we Centre for currently know very little about what kinds of signals are Translational conveyed in these contexts, there is an opportunity for you to Neuroscience and make a significant intellectual contribution to the project. Mental Health

188 Avian visual Birds inhabit very different visual ecologies to land-based Dr Darren Burke Sensory, Psychology PSYC cognition mammals and have fundamentally different brains. How has this P: (02) 4348 4158 Cognitive and impacted on the way in which they process movement and depth E: [email protected] Affective information and recognise objects? (Ourimbah campus ONLY) Neuroscience Research Group

Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health

189 What are the key In our lab we undertake research focussed on family interaction Dr Linda Campbell Health and Psychology PSYC challenges for and children, adolescents and young adults with P: (02) 43494490 Clinical people living with neurodevelopmental disabilities. At the moment we are E: [email protected] Psychology Group developmental undertaking research studies of health care and educational W: Findlab.net.au disabilities and their needs of children with the genetic disorder 22q11.2 deletion Priority Research families? syndrome. We are also investigating resilience among families Centre for with a child who has a developmental disability with a genetic Translational aetiology. We are in the planning stages of studies looking at Neuroscience and aggressive behaviours and how challenging behaviours affect Mental Health families. If you are interested in childhood developmental disabilities, have a look at our website and/or contact me.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 66 190 Sensory The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism) in Dr Linda Campbell Health and Psychology PSYC phenotypes in Australia, while increasing, is still low in the general community (1 P: (02) 43494490 Clinical autism spectrum in 100 children). Autism is a complex multifactorial disorder, which E: [email protected] Psychology Group disorders displays genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. A priority in the W: Findlab.net.au field is to identify clinically meaningful subgroups of children with Priority Research autism that will guide customised intervention. The behavioural Centre for presentation of autism is also heterogeneous with individuals Translational differing in the degree of impairment experienced in key Neuroscience and developmental features including language ability, cognitive Mental Health function and adaptive behaviour. Variability in these developmental features alone, however, has not always been predictive of treatment responsiveness. Sensory features - characterised by behaviours such as hyper-reactivity, hypo- reactivity and unusual sensory interests – are pervasive in autism and have recently been added to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.

Our team has established that sensory features vary systematically between children with autism (sensory subtypes) and may provide an additional method of identifying behavioural subgroups of children responsive to differing treatment approaches. In this project, we will investigate the sensory variation between known mono-genetic syndromic forms of autism. In doing so we hope to isolate specific genetic- behavioural links that may lead to targeted interventions for autism. The proposed project is a collaboration between researchers in the PRC GrowUpWell, Dr Linda Campbell, Dr Tracy Dudding and A/Prof Alison Lane.

191 The role of maternal We are currently using a variety of methodologies to study the Dr Linda Campbell Health and Psychology PSYC wellbeing, infant developmental outcomes of mothers with asthma. We have a P: (02) 43494490 Clinical temperament, and range of smaller studies running within a larger project that E: [email protected] Psychology infant involves exploring child temperament, child development W: Findlab.net.au Research Group developmental outcomes and the relationship to maternal factors including outcomes psychological well-being. Students will get firsthand experience of Priority Research setting up infant-mother interactions and using observational tools Centre for for scoring temperament. They will observe developmental Translational assessments such as the Bayley developmental battery and will Neuroscience and also learn to score and interpret a range of psychometric tools Mental Health

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 67 192 Memory and This project examines the links between different forms of Dr Kerry Chalmers Cognitive Psychology PSYC Development memory, such as working memory and long-term memory, and P: (02) 4921 5757 Psychology how these relate to academic achievement. E: [email protected] Research Group

Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health

193 Working memory and Previous research suggests that early life stress may impact the Dr Kerry Chalmers Cognitive Psychology PSYC Early Life Stress development of working memory. This project examines the P: (02) 4921 5757 Research Group relationship between early life stress and working memory. Email: [email protected] Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health

194 Remembering Sequences are all around - telephone numbers, street Professor Simon Dennis Cognitive Psychology PSYC sequences directions, lyrics to songs - and people routinely reproduce them P: (02) 4921 7980 Psychology containing repeated - but how? One idea is that people associate each item in the E: [email protected] Research Group items, items, items. sequence with the next and recall by following the chain. However, when people intrude items from previous lists they Priority Research tend to do so in the same positions - suggesting the chaining Centre for theory is wrong. On the other hand, if an item from a previous list Translational is repeated in the current list people are more likely to Neuroscience and accidentally produce the item that came after it in the previous Mental Health list suggesting people are following the chain. It is puzzling. In this project, we will conduct experiments using lists containing repeated items to understand the mechanism underpinning serial recall.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 68 195 Memory for when Episodic memory involves isolating the contexts in which events Professor Simon Dennis Cognitive Psychology PSYC events occurred have occurred. In this project, we will use smartphones to collect P: (02) 4921 7980 Psychology images as people go about their lives. Then we bring them into E: [email protected] Research Group the laboratory and investigate how the nature of real contexts affect their ability to remember when events happened. Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health

196 Remembering When people remember stories, they don’t just recall what they Professor Simon Dennis Cognitive Psychology PSYC Stories have read. They reconstruct the narrative from fragments of this P: (02) 4921 7980 Psychology and other stories they have encountered previously. In this work, E: [email protected] Research Group we have people read multiple stories and investigate what aspects of the stories they mistakenly interchange. Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health

197 False recognition of When people are trying to recognize lists of words chosen from Professor Simon Dennis Cognitive Psychology PSYC facts categories they are likely to endorse items from the category even P: (02) 4921 7980 Psychology if they did not appear. In prior work, we have induced false E: [email protected] Research Group recognition of entire facts rather than individual words by presenting component associations. In this project, we will Priority Research investigate the role of word similarity in the false recognition of Centre for facts. Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health

198 The effect of past The ‘Hot Hand’ phenomenon in basketball (Kahneman & Dr Ami Eidels Cognitive Psychology PSYC outcomes on Tversky), or other sports, refers to one’s ability to make a P: (02) 4921 7089 Psychology current successful shot after a sequence of successful shots, compared E: [email protected] Research Group performance: ‘Hot to her or his chances of making the next shot after unsuccessful Hand’ in computer shot(s). Presumably, high confidence after a successful trial games. improves performance on subsequent trial(s). We shall test if the ‘Hot Hand’ phenomenon exists in computer games, and focus on whether or not gamers are willing to take higher risks after successful trials.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 69 199 Is this female People hold strong views about the likelihood of certain traits. We Dr Ami Eidels Cognitive Psychology PSYC builder fixing my expect female nurses and male builders, but not so much the P: (02) 4921 7089 Psychology house?: opposite. In this project you will study the cognitive mechanisms E: [email protected] Research Group Stereotypes and associated with stereotypical and counter-stereotypical views. counter-stereotypes [With Dr Mark Rubin, Social and Organisational Psychology Research Group].

200 Human behaviour In a Dutch auction scenario, multiple participants observe a Dr Ami Eidels Cognitive Psychology PSYC and decision particular item for a limited, fixed amount of time. The monetary P: (02) 4921 7089 Psychology making in Dutch value of the product starts at some maximum level and goes E: [email protected] Research Group Auctions down with time. In this project you will use computer-based tasks to study the factors affecting bidding decisions. [with Dr Marc Adam, School of Design, Communication, and IT]

201 Cognitive workload: Pilots and drivers in particular need to make quick and accurate Dr Ami Eidels Cognitive Psychology PSYC exploring decisions. Yet the modern environment bombards us with an P: (02) 4921 7089 Psychology information overwhelming amount of information. This overload can E: [email protected] Research Group processing and potentially compromise the speed and accuracy of our responses. decision making In this project you will use state-of-the-art modelling techniques to under increased study how people are affected by information overload [with Dr load Scott Brown, Psychology; and Dr Keith Nesbitt, DCIT]

Perinatal programming of Early life programming of health and Disease Professor Deb Hodgson Sensory, Psychology PSYC health and disease The research focus of the laboratory is the role of early life events Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Cognitive and (see Projects XXX to XXX in the programming of development. Over the past 15 years our P: (02) 4921 6701 Affective below) laboratory has been addressing the impact of maternal and E: [email protected] Neuroscience neonatal factors on fetal development and subsequent Research Group susceptibility to pathology in later life. Utilising a variety of animal Dr Lauren Harms and human models, we have been working towards providing a Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Priority Research perinatal etiology for chronic pain, anxiety, schizophrenia, and P: (02) 4921 5664 Centre for irritable bowel syndrome. Whilst appearing diverse, these E: [email protected] Translational disorders all appear to have common links to infection in early Neuroscience and life. We are also focusing on the possible epigenetic pathways Mental Health that transmit such predispositions from one generation to the next non-genomically. We currently have projects available for Summer , Honours and PHD scholarships in the following areas:

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 70 202 Project 1: There is a long history relating viral exposure during pregnancy Professor Deb Hodgson Sensory, Psychology PSYC Role of early life to the onset of schizophrenia in later life. This project is Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Cognitive and infection in investigating the relationship between infection in early life and P: (02) 4921 6701 Affective schizophrenia and the development of schizophrenia and cognitive alterations in E: [email protected] Neuroscience cognitive alterations later life in an animal model. The student on this project will work Research Group in working memory. with an animal model to record brain wave activity. Dr Lauren Harms Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Priority Research P: (02) 4921 5664 Centre for E: [email protected] Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health

203 Project 2 Previously, we have demonstrated early life exposure to bacteria Professor Deb Hodgson Sensory, Psychology PSYC Role of early life results in an increased propensity for adult onset anxiety using a Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Cognitive and infection on rat model. Given the large comorbidity that is observed between P: (02) 4921 6701 Affective predisposition to anxiety and depression, this project will examine how early-life E: [email protected] Neuroscience psychopathology immune stress affects depression-like behaviour and neural Research Group inflammation, both acutely and long-term. By identifying immune Dr Lauren Harms mechanisms underlying psychopathology, simple anti- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Priority Research inflammatory interventions such as exercise, diet alterations or P: (02) 4921 5664 Centre for pharmacology may be applied. E: [email protected] Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health

204 Project 3 Project 3: Professor Deb Hodgson Sensory, Psychology PSYC Role of early life Epidemiological studies have associated infection during Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Cognitive and infection in autism pregnancy and the development of autism. There is emerging P: (02) 4921 6701 Affective and gastrointestinal evidence that autism symptoms are worsened when affected E: [email protected] Neuroscience alterations children also present gastrointestinal problems. The link Research Group between gut alterations and autism, however, is not known. This Dr Rafael Barreto project will use an animal model of maternal infection to Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Priority Research investigate brain, behaviour and gastrointestinal alterations in P: (02) 4985 4906 Centre for the offspring. The student on this project will assess autism- E: [email protected] Translational related behaviour in the rat maternal immune activation model. Neuroscience and Mental Health

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 71 205 Project 4 Project 4 Professor Deb Hodgson Sensory, Psychology PSYC Developing new Inflammation within the brain (neuro-inflammation) can result Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Cognitive and approaches to assist from prolonged levels of psychological stress, depression, stroke P: (02) 4921 6701 Affective the brain recover or cardiovascular disease. Importantly, neuro-inflammation can E: [email protected] Neuroscience from inflammation produce significant changes in mood and cognitive function that Research Group and inflammation make recovery from these conditions more difficult. The A/Prof Frederick (Rohan) Walker induced damage objective of this research project is to examine, at both the School of Biomedical Sciences and Priority Research behavioural and biological levels, a variety of practical strategies Pharmacy Centre for to combat neuroinflammation. The ultimate objective of this P: (02) 4921 5012 Translational work is to develop strategies that can be used clinically to E: [email protected] Neuroscience and improve recovery. This project will be investigated using a rodent Mental Health model of neuroinflammation.

206 Project 5 Project 5 Professor Deb Hodgson Sensory, Psychology PSYC Taming the brains Within the brain a specialized network of cells referred to as Laboratory of Neuroimmunology Cognitive and immune system microglia protects the brain from insult. The function of this P: (02) 4921 6701 Affective network, however, can be profoundly disrupted by many E: [email protected] Neuroscience frequently encountered environmental challenges such as injury Research Group and infection. It has now been shown that disrupting microglial A/Prof Frederick (Rohan) Walker activities can make us feel fatigued, flat, and socially School of Biomedical Sciences and Priority Research disengaged. The objective of this project is to examine Pharmacy Centre for pharmacological and behavioural strategies that may increase P: (02) 4921 5012 Translational the resilience of the microglial network, with the objective of E: [email protected] Neuroscience and using these approaches to assist in the treatment of Mental Health psychopathology. This project will be investigated using a rodent model.

207 Assessing pre-stroke Recovery from stroke is an extremely challenging process. At Associate Professor Frini Karayanidis Sensory, Psychology PSYC cognitive ability to present interventions designed to facilitate recovery rarely result P: (02) 4921 5457 Cognitive and aid brain recovery in restoration of pre-stroke levels of mobility or cognitive E: [email protected] Affective following stroke function. The project will involve assessing pre-stroke cognitive, Neuroscience affective and social status using carer report in the immediate post-stroke period in order to examine differences in rate of motor and cognitive recovery post-stroke. This information will assist in setting recovery expectations and designing targeted cognitive recovery programs for stroke survivors.

208 Interaction between White matter lesions (WML) are common in the aging brain and Associate Professor Frini Karayanidis Sensory, Psychology PSYC psychosocial and generally occur without any overt clinical symptoms. Yet recent P: (02) 4921 5457 Cognitive and cerebrovascular research suggests that WML are linked to cognitive deficits E: [email protected] Affective

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 72 factors in brain white associated with cerebrovascular disease. The degree to which Neuroscience matter health and WML in healthy aging represents age-related change or a Research Group cognition in ageing precursor to the development of vascular dementia remains unclear. The current research program implements cognitive and Priority Research motor control paradigms developed by our research team to Centre for map the pattern of control deficits associated with WML in Translational patients with minor ischaemic stroke and normally aging persons Neuroscience and who show no evidence of dementia. Mental Health

This work will lead to targeted interventions to reduce to impact of WMLs on cognitive and motor function and prolong healthy aging. This work is conducted in collaboration with the Stroke Research Program of the Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health and the Hunter and New England Imaging Service.

209 Cognitive flexibility: Cognitive flexibility is the ability to flexibly adjust behaviour to Associate Professor Frini Karayanidis Sensory, Psychology PSYC Adapting to change meet changing demands. This ability matures in young P: (02) 4921 5457 Cognitive and in an ever-changing adulthood and declines in old age, a pattern associated with E: [email protected] Affective world poor decision-making in adolescents and difficulty in maintaining Neuroscience independence in old adults. This project aims to map age-related Research Group and individual variation in the ability to flexibly adjust behaviour to meet changing demands in our environment. We examine the Priority Research relationship between age-related changes in brain structure, Centre for behavioural and brain activity measures of cognitive flexibility Translational and measures of cognitive and emotional decision-making. Neuroscience and Mental Health 210 The Social Decision This research aims to look at some of the factors underlying Dr Michelle Kelly Health and Psychology PSYC Making Task (SDMT) performance on an experimental task of social decision making. P: (02) 49216838 Clinical Research The research will require the assistance of a student to develop E: [email protected] Group the next arm of this research which is to investigate other tests that may perform similarly to the SDMT. Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research.

HMRI

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 73 211 Misconceptions This research will involve the development of a survey to Dr Michelle Kelly Health and Psychology PSYC about Social Skills examine any public misconceptions about social skills and P: (02) 49216838 Clinical Research and Communication communication particularly as they affect people with dementia. E: [email protected] Group

Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research

HMRI

212 Clinician Survey This research will involve the development of a survey to be Dr Michelle Kelly Health and Psychology PSYC distributed to clinicians working with people with dementia. P: (02) 49216838 Clinical Research Specifically, we want to determine whether medical and allied E: [email protected] Group health staff who work with people with dementia routinely assess social functioning in the person with dementia. Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research

HMRI

213 Dementia and Social This research will involve the examination of data collected in a Dr Michelle Kelly Health and Psychology PSYC Skills group of people with dementia and a group of healthy control P: (02) 49216838 Clinical Research participants. The student will be looking at a subset of data with E: [email protected] Group the view to developing the follow-up study. Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research

HMRI

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 74 214 The effects of various Many substances have effects on cognitive processes and the A/Prof Frances Martin Sensory, Psychology PSYC substances on effects of combinations of substances are likely to be greater P: (02) 4348 4121 Cognitive and cognitive processes than the sum of the effects of two individual substances. These E: [email protected] Affective effects can be either positive (resulting in enhanced (Ourimbah Campus) Neuroscience performance) or negative (resulting in decrements in Research Group performance) depending on the nature of the substance. Priority Research Studies will be conducted to further explore the effects on Centre for cognitive processes of substances such as alcohol and caffeine Translational using electrophysiological and/or behavioural measures in the Neuroscience and general population. Mental Health

215 Emotion and The literature is divided as to whether emotion affects cognitive A/Prof Frances Martin Sensory, Psychology PSYC attention processes or whether our cognitive processes affect emotion P: (02) 4348 4121 Cognitive and with some of the literature suggesting that both can occur E: [email protected] Affective depending on the nature of the stimuli and the task. The majority (Ourimbah Campus) Neuroscience of studies investigating the perception (rather than the Research Group experience) of emotion have used the International Affective Picture System stimuli, however very few studies have Priority Research investigated the effects on emotional processing of the various Centre for semantic contents of the stimuli. Studies will be conducted to Translational further explore the differences in responses to varying semantic Neuroscience and stimuli using electrophysiological, measures. Mental Health

216 Behavioural Recent advances in the field of addiction have given greater A/Prof Frances Martin Sensory, Psychology PSYC Addiction emphasis to subjective experience and compulsive behaviour. P: (02) 4348 4121 Cognitive and This signifies an important shift from focusing on the object of E: [email protected] Affective addiction to acknowledging that behaviours, which can induce (Ourimbah Campus) Neuroscience changes in physical arousal and subjective experience, have the Research Group propensity to be overused and lead to addiction. Gambling, video-arcade games, computer games, and the Internet have Priority Research therefore been identified as potentially addictive activities, which Centre for like drug use, also exist on a continuum of addiction, ranging Translational from no symptoms of addiction to addiction. Researchers have Neuroscience and also emphasised the need to distinguish high engagement in Mental Health activities and addiction. Studies will be conducted to further explore the nature of internet use and the potential for addiction to occur to the internet.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 75 Vision Science The Vision Sciences Laboratory undertakes cross-disciplinary Dr Sally McFadden Sensory, Psychology PSYC (see Projects XXX to XXX listed research into finding cures and treatments for blinding disorders. P: (02) 4921 5634 Cognitive and Biology BIOL below The biggest contributor to blindness and low vision in the world E: [email protected] Affective Chemistry CHEM today is myopia, which affects over 150 million people. High Neuroscience Physics PHYS myopia, due to its extremely big eyeball, is associated with retina Research Group Pharmacy PHAR detachment, glaucoma and death of cells in the eye, the latter Mathematics MATH leading to profound blindness. For largely unknown reasons, the Priority Research Biomedical HUBS incidence has increased worldwide within one generation, and in Centre for Brain Science East Asia, now 90% of young people are myopic and there is a and Mental looming epidemic of associated blindness. There is no treatment Health; and no cure. Optical correction does nothing to stem the excessive growth that causes the blindness. Thus the underlying causes and changes in myopia is one of the principal diseases HMRI that we are working on.

A number of example projects are listed below. The precise student role will be shaped depending on student interest, background and ability. Students from Psychology, Physics, Life Sciences, Biosciences or Engineering/Maths are welcome to apply. (NB: Students with asthma are not recommended to apply for some projects* as there will be exposure to animal allergens). All training is provided, so specific skills other than a passion for the project and attention to detail is required.

217 Project 1: In a highly myopic eye, the tissue that holds the eye together Dr Sally McFadden Sensory, Molecular BIOL Bioengineering of the (the ‘skin’ or ‘sclera’ of the eye) has degraded and changed P: (02) 4921 5634 Cognitive and Biology PSYC ‘skin’ of the eye. structure. We are trying to amend the structure and change it E: [email protected] Affective Psychology CHEM back to normal. Together with our international colleagues in Neuroscience Chemistry HUBS USA, we have developed and patented new ways to change the Research Group Biomedical polymer structure of the sclera, This project involves working Science within an international team of surgeons, bio engineering and Priority Research physiological psychologists to determine the best treatment Centre for Brain areas to achieve the best outcomes. If successful, this project and Mental will lead to a new treatment for blindness. Health;

HMRI

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 76 218 Project 2: This project involves working with children in a clinical setting. Dr Sally McFadden Sensory, Psychology PSYC Special Eye Drops for We are trialling a rapid method to assess drug therapies that P: (02) 4921 5634 Cognitive and Medicine MED Myopia involves studying the daily cyclic changes that occur in factors E: [email protected] Affective Pharmacy PHAR that cause myopia to rapidly progress. In this project, we will Neuroscience determine if special eye drops are effective in stopping these Research Group abnormal cyclic changes. This project involves working with local clinicians in ophthalmology, and may provide a therapy for highly Priority Research myopic children. Centre for Brain and Mental Health;

HMRI

219 Project 3: We have found cells in the eye that secrete a chemical that Dr Sally McFadden Sensory, Psychology BIOL Vision Science causes myopia. This project involves finding the precise location P: (02) 4921 5634 Cognitive and Biology PSYC of these cells, and testing the effect of special inhibitors of these E: [email protected] Affective Chemistry CHEM ‘myopic cells’ as a cure for myopia. We are also developing an Neuroscience Pharmacy PHAR in-vitro test platform. The methods involve the production of myopic eye tissues, and using immunohistochemistry and gene Priority Research analysis on drug-treated eyes. This patented work may involve Centre for Brain the pharmaceutical industry. and Mental Health;

HMRI

220 Project 4 We are working with Industry to develop new non-invasive 3D Dr Sally McFadden Sensory, Physics PSYC Engineering imaging technologies designed to track the progression of P: (02) 4921 5634 Cognitive and Engineering ENG myopia and evaluate treatment efficacy. In this project you would E: [email protected] Affective Mathematics MATH be involved in the development of optical or ultrasonic imaging Neuroscience Medical MRSC systems. Radiation Priority Research Sciences Centre for Brain and Mental Health;

HMRI

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 77 221 Seeking or avoiding Extensive evidence indicates that intergroup contact between Dr Stefania Paolini Social Psychology Psychology PSYC diversity? individuals of opposing groups (e.g., Anglo-ethnic individuals, P: (02) 4921 5938 Laboratory Investigating the straight and gay individuals, young-old people, etc.) diminishes E: [email protected] predictive role of prejudiced attitudes (e.g., racism, homophobic attitudes, ageism, Social Psychology personality and stigma towards mental illness etc.) and increases social and situational variables integration in society (see Pettigrew & Tropp’s 2016 meta- Organisational including anxiety, analysis). Willingness to engage with diversity naturally Psychology self-expansion, and precedes any meaningful contact between people of opposing Research Group self-knowledge groups, yet research investigating the determinants of people’s seeking/avoiding diversity is surprisingly scant. Priority Research Centre for Research in Dr Paolini’s social psychology tackles this socially Translational important and academically novel issue. Among other factors, it Neuroscience and currently investigates the role that intergroup anxiety, the anxiety Mental Health experienced when engaging or anticipating and intergroup interaction, has in deterring intergroup contact but at times in propelling people towards diversity (i.e., an ironic effect; for a review of recent studies in her research laboratory, see Paolini, Harris, & Griffin, 2016). Her current work also investigates the role that individuals’ need for self-expansion (the desire to expand the resources, perspectives, and identities of the self), and the need for self-knowledge (the desire to expand one’s knowledge of the self; for recent empirical work, see Paolini, Wright, Dys-Steenbergen, & Favara, 2016) have in triggering curiosity and interest in diversity.

The relative predictive powers of these and other critical factors is currently examined in a variety of research projects with a variety of international and national research collaborators. This multi-prong line of research that is sponsored by an Australian Research Council grant uses a mixed-model approach: A combination of natural observation, surveys in the field, experimentation in the laboratory (including physiological responses) or online to investigate individual difference variables and contextual factors that affect people’s willingness to engage with or avoid diversity. Dr Paolini’s lab is a vibrant environment and welcomes research students at different levels of research training (e.g., undergraduate research volunteers, honours, overseas research visitors, PhD students and clinical masters students).

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 78 222 Risk-Taking in Mining There were 17 mine deaths in 2013-14 in Australia, which is the Dr Mark Rubin Social and Psychology PSYC highest rate in 10 years and 70% higher than the national P: (02) 4921 6707 Organisational average of work-related deaths. My colleagues and I have E: [email protected] Psychology recently been awarded a research grant by the Australian Coal Research Group Industry Research Program to survey miners in NSW and Queensland to try to understand the causes of dangerous risk- taking behaviours in open-cut and underground Australian coal mining environments. The current Summer Scholarship provides an opportunity for an advanced undergraduate student to assist in coding the data for this project. The student must be at 3rd year level and have some experience using SPSS.

Faculty of Science & IT – Summer Vacation Research Topics (2016/17) [Information is correct as at 18th October 2016] Page | 79

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