Research AT UNISA

My research encompasses the engineering of surfaces via the application of thin film coatings for use in the optical, automotive, defence, mining and renewable energy sectors. I spent the first decade of my working life in private industry and I still have to this day, retain a great passion for helping industry innovate.

Working in partnership with the Malaysian Automotive and IOT Institute (MARii), my research team and I are investigating commercialisation opportunities for an environmentally tough and durable coating that reflects sunlight’s heat. This technology has broad applications on vehicle, bus, train and household windows, where it helps reduce energy consumption through the need to run air conditioners less.

Professor Peter Murphy
Director, Future Industries Institute

I’m passionate about research that contributes to the understanding of inclusive educational practices. Alongside partners such as UNICEF Australia, Commissioners for Children and Young People and Principal Associations, I am investigating exclusionary policies and practices in Australian Schools and the impact they have on vulnerable children. Through this research, my team is hoping to identify alternative policy and practice recommendations for managing disorderly students. This could lead to more inclusive learning environments and improvements to the health and wellbeing of young people.

Professor Anna Sullivan
Director, Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion

Architectural computing and design cognition are two of my main research areas. Applying this research to real-world issues is a key focus of mine, and through recent partnerships with Australian Institute of Architects South Australian Chapter, architecture studios such as Hames Sharley and ARM Architecture, and end-user organisation Uniting Communities, we explored innovative ways to integrate emerging technologies into architecture practice and education and studied their impact on design and designers. Using technologies such as Virtual and Augmented Reality, Building Information Modelling and Digital Twins, we can virtually test different design solutions and help improve the quality of and living experiences in the built environment. 

Professor Ning Gu
Deputy Director, Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments

I am passionate about finding solutions to social challenges that impact on our community, with a focus on gendered violence, mental health and social work. In partnership with Uniting Communities, we are exploring the scope of mental health peer support for young women at risk. With young women two to three times more likely to experience common mental health problems than young men, finding out what makes a successful mental health peer support program for Australian young women is incredibly important.

Professor Nicole Moulding
Director, Safe Relationships and Communities Research Group

I research how the lymphatic vasculature is constructed during development and how this process “goes wrong” in human pathologies including cancer and lymphoedema. My team, together with colleagues at SA Pathology, are investigating the role of GATA2, a molecule that binds to DNA to switch genes off or on to drive lymphatic vessel valve development. We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate GATA2 activity and the genes controlled by GATA2, to help design new therapeutic agents able to treat lymphoedema.

Professor Natasha Harvey
Director, Centre for Cancer Biology

As a molecular biologist, my research focuses on food safety & quality, and glycation biomarkers & disease. Our current research focus on food safety includes collaboration with ECAS Pty Ltd and organisations from the seafood and horticulture industries to investigate the efficacy of a pH-neutral electrochemically activate solution (ECAS) and its impact on microbial load and pathogenic bacteria in foods. A pH-neutral sanitiser like this could extend the shelf-life of food, hence significantly reducing food spoilage and waste.

Dr Permal Deo