Graduate Research School Available Projects Future proofing Australia’s tropical seagrasses: a recovery and restoration framework for tropical ports and beyond
Future proofing Australia’s tropical seagrasses: a recovery and restoration framework for tropical ports and beyond
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Title of Project
Future proofing Australia’s tropical seagrasses: a recovery and restoration framework for tropical ports and beyond
Advisor/s
A/Prof Ulf Schmitz, Dr Daniel Xing, Prof Andreas Lopata
College or Research Centre
College of Medicine & Dentistry; College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Science
Summary of Project
Join our dynamic research team at JCU and the Townsville Cancer Centre (TCC) for an exciting HDR (Higher Degree by Research) project that merges cutting-edge technology with critical clinical applications. Our umbrella project encompasses two groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes and patient care. Project 1: Enhancing Glioblastoma Treatment with Magnetic Resonance and Radiotherapy Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive brain cancers, with limited survival rates despite recent advances in treatment. Our research focuses on the novel application of tumour treating fields and the integration of a magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MRL) to explore the biological effects of combining magnetic fields with ionizing radiation. We aim to uncover how these combined modalities impact tumour and immune cell interactions, ultimately seeking to improve GBM treatment efficacy. Project 2: Developing Blood-Based Surveillance for HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) presents unique challenges in post-treatment surveillance, particularly for patients in remote regions. Our research aims to develop and validate a blood-based circulating HPV-DNA (cHPV-DNA) test using next-generation sequencing (NGS). This innovative approach will enable earlier detection of recurrent disease, reduce patient burden, and improve survival outcomes for HPV-OPSCC patients.
Three PhD projects are available as part of an ARC Linkage project that aims to develop and apply a comprehensive framework for restoration of Australian tropical seagrasses using innovative approaches and partnerships. The project will provide coastal managers with tools to mitigate and restore seagrass to minimise effects of climate and development related loss, protecting ecosystem services. Expected outcomes include new techniques for tropical seagrass restoration, a blueprint for seagrass friendly marine infrastructure, and restoration decision tools applied at local and regional scales. This will provide significant benefits by protecting seagrass ecosystem services and place Australia at the forefront of global seagrass restoration efforts.
Seagrasses are one of the most widespread and productive ecosystems in the tropical coastal zone and provide a range of important ecosystem services. The diverse seagrass meadows in tropical Australia are vulnerable to impacts from declining water quality and extreme climate events. These meadows have historically shown a remarkable ability to recover naturally following disturbances, however as threats from development and climate change increase into the future, there is an urgent need to prepare contingencies that will assist recovery of these tropical ecosystems.
Recent large-scale and sustained seagrass declines from cumulative extreme marine heat waves, floods, cyclones and La Niña climate events in the Pacific and the recent Ningaloo Niño in the Indian Ocean have highlighted the need for tropical seagrass restoration as an increasingly necessary management approach. With the intensity of cyclones, storms, floods and marine heatwaves expected to rise with climate change, added to increasing multiple stressors from coastal development, the ability to protect and restore tropical species is becoming even more important.
Scholarships
Three fully funded scholarships are available at $29863
How to Apply
Send a cover letter outlining your research experience, area of intended focus for your PhD, CV and examples of recent scientific publications and academic transcript to A/Prof Michael Rasheed (michael.rasheed@jcu.edu.au ) or Dr Tim Smith (tim.smith@jcu.edu.au) by 12 December 2022.
More information
Any questions or to request more information contact:
- A/Prof Michael Rasheed michael.rasheed@jcu.edu.au
- A/Prof Alana Grech alana.grech@jcu.edu.au
- Prof Gary Kendrick gary.kendrick@uwa.edu.au
Key Words
brain cancer; head and neck cancer; radiation oncology; biomarker; bioinformatics next generation sequencing
Would suit an applicant who
We invite motivated students with a passion for oncology, molecular biology, and innovative technology to apply. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative research with the potential to significantly impact patient care and treatment outcomes.
is a high-achieving graduate with outstanding Masters or Honours results and ideally publication(s) to join our research team to develop seagrass restoration tools in the tropics. Two PhD projects will be based at James Cook University (Cairns and/or Townsville) and one in Perth WA. We welcome applicants with an interest in the below projects:
- A critical assessment of tropical seagrass life history traits and restoration techniques.
- Delivering new models and decision-making frameworks at local and regional scales to identify how and when to prioritise areas for restoration.
- Seed based restoration techniques for tropical seagrass species.
Successful applicants will have access to substantial mentoring, operational and logistical support through an extensive established program of field work and research projects conducted throughout tropical Queensland by the supervisors and their research team. The research is supported through an ARC linkage grant with three scholarships and additional funding and support provided for the PhD research. Depending on the topic of interest there will be an option to be based at either the Cairns or Townsville Campuses of JCU and in Perth at UWA.
Updated: 03 Nov 2022