Vacation Research Scholarships

Project Summary: Australian businesses adopting the national reconciliation action plans have doubled in recent years and the past year has seen a considerable increase of corporate reporting on Indigenous engagement and culture awareness. While the momentum is building, the current reporting guidance is slim. Other than a few generic guidelines such as GRI411 and SDG4, little specific or substantial guidance is available for organizations engaging in such reporting.
Important areas such as history awareness and training, cultural heritage and preservation, and relevant control mechanisms and impacts, remain in uncharted reporting terrains. Globally, Indigenous issues remain a critical disclosure challenge for current colonization, such as First Nations Métis and Inuit in Canada, American Indian in the US, Māori in New Zealand, etc. While still lacking, regulations and reconciliation strategies have been developed in these countries and the demand for accountability of business activities and engagement to Indigenous people is
rapidly increasing.

To facilitate meaningful and accountable Indigenous reporting, this project is to conduct a baseline examination and comparison of public company reporting practice in Australia and several colonial countries. The project involves (1) an analysis of key policies and regulations related to Indigenous reporting in Australia and major colonization countries such as the US, Canada, NZ and Brazil to understand and compare these policies with Australian reporting rules and policies; and (2) the top company reporting practices, changes and trends in these countries. This research pioneers the area of international Indigenous reporting practice to fill the knowledge void in current reporting forms and standards. The comparison between Australian policy and practices and those in other major colonization countries will make the research outcome of global relevance and importance.

Study Mode: Remote/online participation available

Contact person: Associate Professor Wei Qian

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Project Summary:  Due to extensive land alteration, extraction processes, infrastructure development, and the discharge of polluting waste byproducts, the mining industry significantly impacts local biodiversity. In a recent report, CSIRO (2023) examined mining activities in Australia and found that these activities are causing biodiversity loss through various mechanisms. It is argued that proactive engagement with stakeholders, including local communities, governments, and environmental organisations, can enable mining companies to integrate biodiversity conservation into all stages of the mining life cycle (Australian Mining Review, 2023).
Despite this, little is known about how mining companies are engaging with their stakeholders in local biodiversity management initiatives. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine biodiversity management by the Australian mining sector and the role of stakeholder engagement therein. Data sources for this study will include annual reports and website disclosures.
The vacation scholar will assist the lead researcher for a period of eight weeks in conducting a structured literature review, reviewing the stakeholder engagement disclosure index, and collecting and analysing data. This opportunity will train the student in conducting structured literature reviews and critiques, addressing issues surrounding the development of disclosure
indices, and collecting and analysing data.

Study Mode: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Dr Amanpreet Kaur 

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Project Summary: The analytical and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly transforming the accounting profession and have raised concern about the future of the accounting profession. Some questions that need asking are: how can the use of AI continue to add value to organisations; whether will the accountants provide the same services to their clients; and how will these technologies affect the everyday work of accountants. Some related studies only highlight the challenges and opportunities of these technologies in the profession, while missing the impact to the conventional roles of accountants and the need for modernizing the accounting curriculum to meet the industry’s technological needs. If AI has reshaped the conventional roles of accountants, there is a pressing need to redesign the accounting curriculum to reflect the current use of AI in the accounting profession.
This proposed research follows the ‘Diffusion of Innovation’ Theory to gauge whether and how the introduction of AI in the workplace has changed the conventional roles of accountants. In doing so, the research will investigate what AI technologies are used in the workplace and for what services those AI technologies are used. Findings of the proposed research may assist 1) accounting profession when they plan an innovation across their workplace to be responsive in a timely manner to technological developments in the market and 2) the university curriculum developers to see the need of redesigning a successful undergraduate university curriculum that serve the technical skills, knowledge and competence of the industry and increase the employability of graduates.
The vacation scholar will be assisting the lead researcher for a period of 8-weeks in conducting relevant literature review, coding the survey data, and analyzing data. Thus, the student will have an opportunity to be trained in conducting relevant literature review and exercising their critical and analytical skills and analyzing data using Nvivo.

MODE OF STUDY: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact Person: Dr Jessica Yi

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Project Summary: Double Jeopardy, Duplication of Purchase, Negative Binomial Distribution and Brand User Profiles are fundamental laws of marketing and buyer behaviour. These laws have been observed across many countries and categories including fast moving consumer goods, services, retailers, B2B and more.
However, there are still some markets and categories which have not been analysed using these laws. This project will extend our understanding of these fundamental laws by conducting research in new categories.

In this project, students will be guided by world leading researchers in the area and will present results weekly to a small group of researchers at the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute before a final presentation.

Students will analyse their own data while also working in groups of three. This project will run for 6 weeks from the middle of January to the end of February.

This program won the Teaching Collaboration and Peer Support Award at the 2021 Staff Excellence Awards.

Contact Person: Kirsty Willis

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Project Summary:‘Workforce planning’ is the name for the HR activity of identifying labour and skill requirements to adequately meet an organisation’s current and imminent business strategy needs. This activity has been known as ‘manpower’, ‘personnel’, ‘staff’ and ‘HR’ planning. Labour and skill shortage post-COVID has refocussed attention on improving organisational workforce planning practice. In the coming decade, technological innovation coupled with the new requirements of decarbonisation and generative AI will necessitate better organisational workforce planning.
This project has two key tasks. First, to undertake a quick review of the current academic literature to identify the various perspectives on the workforce planning process. This will result in an annotated bibliography, accompanied by a description of the different approaches to workforce planning. Second, a systematic review of the post-COVID Australian practitioner ‘grey’ literature available online. This is likely to emphasise public sector agencies,particularly in the health care sector, who have most extensive workforce planning programs; and large multinational organisations. This review will identify how Australian employers have understood and implemented workforce planning across workplaces.
This project will have a high return on investment. The student(s) will obtain a clear overview of the state of the art of a HR area of expertise in high demand and in short supply; in addition to obtaining experience in publishable, high relevance applied HR research. This research will assist conference papers, journal articles and articles for practitioner magazines on an activity of great practitioner interest; and form the basis for ongoing research. The findings will quickly translate into course content for UniSA’s HR program. As UniSA has the largest undergraduate HR program in Australia, these coursework innovations could easily translate into improved professional practice. Finally, the systematic review will assist the researcher in preparing materials for a training course in undertaking systematic reviews.

MODE OF STUDY: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact Person: Dr Gerry Treuren

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Project Summary:

Countries such as Bhutan, Canada, Scotland, and New Zealand have implemented wellbeing frameworks to align public policy and budgets with broader societal outcomes and enable wellbeing reporting (Grimes, 2021). The Australian government has also shown its commitment to creating and reporting the holistic wellbeing of its citizens by recently adopting its first wellbeing framework, “Measuring What Matters.”
Although there is an increasing focus on creating holistic outcomes for citizens, little is known about how the Australian government is responding to this initiative. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the current practices and trends in wellbeing reporting by Australian government authorities. This study focuses on state-level governments, as their core responsibilities include services fundamental to public welfare and wellbeing, such as justice, health, education, forestry, public transport, and main roads. Using public value perspectives, the study will also evaluate the social, environmental, and economic wellbeing values created by Australian state governments (Bracci et al., 2021; Steccolini, 2019).
The vacation scholar will assist the lead researcher for a period of eight weeks in conducting a structured literature review and collecting and analysing data. This opportunity will train the student in conducting structured literature reviews and critiques, collecting and managing data, and analysing data with the aid of Excel and Nvivo.

MODE OF STUDY: Remote/online participaltion available

Contact Person: Dr Amanpreet Kaur

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Project Summary: In this project, we utilize state-of-the-art automated cytogenetic to improve the detection of additional clinically relevant chromosomal abnormalities in patients with therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN). Drawing on our dataset of over 800 patient samples, our objective is to identify these abnormalities and assess their impact on overall survival using advanced computational methods.

Our dataset comprises cytogenetic results from more than 800 patient samples, but inconsistencies in cytogenetic annotation have presented challenges in identifying chromosomal abnormalities. To address this, we will develop an algorithm to accurately quantify and identify abnormalities within these results. The automated cytogenetic system will be integrated with clinical data, including patient demographics, treatment history, and survival outcomes. This integration enables a comprehensive analysis of the impact of specific cytogenetic abnormalities on patient survival.

Subsequently, we will develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered system to predict the survival of t-MN patients based on chromosomal abnormalities. Survival analysis will be conducted using statistical models such as Cox proportional hazards regression to examine the relationship between identified cytogenetic abnormalities and patient survival. This analysis will determine the prognostic significance of different chromosomal abnormalities and support risk stratification for tailored treatment strategies.

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy. Automated cytogenetic will significantly reduce diagnostic errors and increase the throughput of cytogenetic analysis.

Improved Prognostic Models. By correlating specific cytogenetic abnormalities with survival outcomes, we aim to develop robust prognostic models to guide clinical decision-making and personalised treatment planning for t-MN patients.

Clinical Implementation. The developed AI-powered system is designed to be seamlessly integrated into clinical workflows, providing a scalable solution for routine cytogenetic and enhancing patient care in hematology and oncology.

Study Mode: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact Person: Associate Professor Chung Hoow Kok (Chunghoow.kok@sa.gov.au)

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Project Summary:Increasing interest in the role of insects as a sustainable and alternative source of protein for human consumption has prompted further research into the potential for insect-derived components to provide important nutrients and potential health benefits. Recently, the interest has been focused on the bioactive peptides of insect proteins for potential antihypertensive and antiinflammation properties. In collaboration with CSIRO and insect industry partners university researchers are undertaking a comprehensive analysis of Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly) larvae (BSFL) proteins and oil fractions. Previously we investigated the bioaccumulation of total phytochemical and antioxidant activities in protein and fat fractions of BSFL raised in different food-waste substrates. In this project, INFOGEST in vitro digestion and proteomics will beemployed to assess the antiglycation and digesting enzyme inhibition of BSFL proteins.

Contact Person: Dr Permal Deo 

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Project Summary: Conjugates consist of a combination of two components covalently coupled together and are used extensively in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and life-science industries. For example, antibody-drug conjugates consist of a targeting antibody that can recognize a specific target (e.g., cancer cell) and a drug which is delivered to the target. This combination allows for selective drug delivery and reduced off-target effects. Conjugates are prepared using highly efficient coupling chemistries, however, there is significant scope for the development of new coupling chemistries that proceed rapidly at low temperatures, don’t require complex precursors or catalysts, and are selective to particular functionalities. The project will involve the development of a new type of conjugation chemistry based on Diels-Alder cycloaddition. The aim will be to optimise the system to proceed rapidly in water, without the addition of catalysts. For more details please contact Dr. Blencowe. 

Contact Person: Associate Professor Anton Blencowe

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Project Summary:

Professor Claudine Bonder leads the Vascular Biology & Cell Trafficking laboratory in the Centre for Cancer Biology. Together with her team of scientists and clinical collaborators they study the intricate interplay between cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment (particularly blood vessels) to better understand how cancer develops and becomes deadly. With a focus on translating their scientific discoveries into outcomes for better human health, their work aims to provide new opportunities to prevent tumours from growing and metastasising to vital organs in cancer patients. The Centre for Cancer Biology also offers two top up scholarships for an additional $100/week in collaboration with the ‘Fuss Family’ and ‘Lashes of Love’.

The growth and spread of a tumour rely on the cancer cells accessing the blood supply. To do this, cancer cells not only promote blood vessel sprouting (angiogenesis) but they also form vessel-like structures themselves (vasculogenic mimicry (VM)). The Bonder lab has identified new VM targets in breast cancer, melanoma and pancreatic cancer (Thompson et al Growth Factors 2024; Tan et al OncoImmunology 2022; Martini et al BMC Cancer 2021; Tan et al, Oncotarget, 2016).
This summer project is an opportunity to learn how blood vessels promote the progression of cancer (e.g. melanoma, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer) by focussing on the function of specific proteins (e.g. desmoglein-2, ICAM-1). Outcomes here will contribute to new hope and opportunities to treat these deadly cancers.

Contact Person: Professor Claudine Bonder

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Project Summary:Polymers are essential in many biomedical applications ranging from nanomedicine and drug delivery to tissue engineering to wound dressings. With the drive towards more sustainable and functional biomaterials, there is a constant need for new polymers that are biocompatible and biodegradable. Moving away from fossil fuel derived polymers, we have been working to engineer new polymers from sustainable sources that maintain the same functionality, such as polymers derived from food waste. For more details please contact Dr. Blencowe.

Contact Person: Associate Professor Anton Blencowe

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Project Summary: Impaired fetal substrate supply as a result of either placental insufficiency, preeclampsia or maternal undernutrition causes intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). These IUGR babies are not only at an increased risk of longer stays in the NICU and increased perinatal morbidity but may also be at an increased risk of epigenetic programming and the development of chronic disease in adult life. In an effort to reduce the risk of these poor outcomes, the development of interventions to improve fetal substrate delivery is at the forefront of perinatal research. The pregnant sheep model is often used to study fetal development in the setting of in utero substrate restriction and has led to medical advances such as the use of antenatal steroids in pregnancies at risk of preterm birth. Using this animal model, we have shown resveratrol to increase uterine artery blood flow and fetal oxygenation. However, unlike the human placenta; the sheep placenta does not appear to allow resveratrol to cross from the maternal to the fetal circulation. This project will use techniques such as qRT-PCR to measure placental gene expression and immunohistochemistry to determine protein abundance and distribution of signaling molecules known to be both involved in placental development and responsive to resveratrol and MRI data. We hypothesize that resveratrol will activate signaling molecules on the maternal but not the fetal side of the sheep placenta.

Contact Person: Prof. Janna Morrison, Associate Professor Michael Wiese and Dr Ashley Meakin

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Project Summary: This project evaluates the impact of 'Escape from the Operating Room,' an escape room activity for post-graduate perioperative nurses, on students’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and communication. While escape room learning has gained popularity as an engaging method to enhance critical thinking and teamwork, its impact in specialised perioperative nursing education is underexplored. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study uses a survey to collect date relating to knowledge retention, self-efficacy, and communication. Results will be disseminated through publication in an academic journal, and via a seminar to academic staff.

Contact Person: Dr Michelle Freeling 

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Project Summary: While rare, there a potential risk of serious uterine rupture in pregnancy and labour following myomectomy and previous caesarean section. This puts women and babies at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Multidisciplinary healthcare teams including midwives, nurses, obstetricians, and physicians rely on up to date evidence-based guidelines to assist them in shared decision-making with women to plan and guide care, monitoring, and interventions before, during, and after birth. This project will involve identification, appraisal, and analysis of existing guidelines, published, and unpublished (i.e., grey literature) evidence utilising best-practice evidence synthesis methodology and subsequent update or refinement of evidence-based guidance for clinicians. The successful student will ideally have studied or be studying midwifery and will work with a multidisciplinary team of experts in midwifery (Professor Jenny Fereday), evidence synthesis and guideline development (Assoc Prof Micah Peters) and a consumer with lived experience of uterine rupture following myomectomy during labour during this project and will gain valuable research and professional collaboration experience that will place them well for both future clinical practice as well as higher degree by research study. It is anticipated that this project will result in at least one published output in a peer reviewed journal that the student will have the opportunity to lead or coauthor as well as more widely accessible outputs to be made available to nurses and midwives via the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF).

Contact Person: Dr Micah DJ Peters 

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Project Summary: To obtain the best outcomes for both mum and fetus during pregnancy, drugs are often required to treat illness. However, there is limited information available on the short and long term adverse fetal effects of a large proportion of drugs used during pregnancy. Animal studies can provide preliminary data regarding the safety of a drug during pregnancy. There is a large amount of human and animal evidence showing hormonal and metabolic changes that occur in both the mother and the fetus because of reduced or accelerated fetal growth. These changes could affect maternal, placental and fetal expression of drug metabolising enzymes and drug transporters and hence alter fetal drug exposure. This project will isolate microsomes from maternal and fetal livers in animal models of high and low substrate supply. Using in vitro protocols, we will assess the activity of cryptochrome P450 enzymes to determine if pregnancy complications impair drug metabolism.

Contact Person: Prof. Janna Morrison, Associate Professor Michael Wiese, Dr Ashley Meakin 

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Project Summary:The growing demand from consumers for healthy and ethically sourced food has led to an increase in food fraud. The widespread practices of adulteration and mislabeling have become prevalent in the global food industry, especially in animal-based products that are intentionally labeled as plant-based alternatives. This mislabeling poses a significant risk to food safety, as substituted ingredients can cause food allergies or toxicity in vulnerable individuals. The task of defining and identifying various forms of food fraud is challenging due to the complex composition of food matrices and the often-unknown processes involved. Furthermore, food fraud schemes are becoming more sophisticated, underscoring the urgent need for the development of reliable, rapid, and cost-effective analytical methods for food control.
In recent years, a promising technology known as MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) has emerged to address this need. This study aims to create a quick and dependable method by simplifying the sample preparation process, eliminating the need for prior tryptic digestion, which is a commonly used MALDI method. Our goal is to develop a straightforward approach that requires minimal time and cost (only a few minutes for sample preparation and mass spectrum acquisition). Simultaneously, we aim to ensure high accuracy and sensitivity without the need for prior knowledge of the species being analyzed, such as cheese or fish.
The student will be involved with the sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis.

Contact Person: Dr Parul Mittal, Dr Manuela Klingler-Hoffmann &  Professor Peter Hoffmann

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Project Summary:  Spend your summer at the Centre for Cancer Biology, working with our experienced bioinformatics team and learning cutting-edge techniques in fundamental and translational health research!

We have generated single-cell RNA-Seq data in order to investigate the transcriptional effects of a rare genetic mutation on the human immune system. Cells from multiple samples were tagged with an identifying barcode specific to the sample, then RNA from all cells was sequenced together. The barcodes should allow each individual cell to be assigned back to its original sample, but this aspect of the experiment failed.

This project will attempt to leverage the genetic diversity of the samples to achieve the same goal. We will use existing tools (cellsnp-lite, Vireo) to identify the original sample for each cell then utilise novel approaches to ensure the accuracy of the demultiplexing. Scholars will gain skills relating to:
- RNA-Seq analyses: studying gene expression in single cells and larger samples
- Programming: Work with bash and R
- Genetic variant calling: Identifying differences between DNA sequences
- Next-generation sequencing: processing raw data from modern sequencing methods
- Some biology relating to immune function and T-cell receptors

Similar work has been undertaken recently at the CCB, so while success of the project is not guaranteed, the path is clear and the scholar will be well supported. This work will be supervised by Dr Nick Warnock, bioinformatician at the Centre for Cancer Biology and SA Pathology.

Contact Person: Dr Nick Warnock

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Project Summary:

Unlike normal cells, cancer cells can divide indefinitely. They have often acquired this property through mutations, deletions or amplifications in their DNA. Indeed, the genomes of cancer cells are typically very abnormal. Although these genomic abnormalities can drive cancer development, therapy resistance and the spread of cancer cells through the body, they also offer opportunities to target cancer cells with drugs.

This bioinformatics project aims to identify genetic abnormalities in cancer cells that can be targeted with drugs. For this, we will explore large genomic (DNA level), transcriptomic (mRNA level), proteomic (protein level) and drug screen datasets from cancer cell lines and patient samples.

This is a 'dry-lab' project that requires bioinformatics skills, in particular experience with R programming language. We will compare whether DNA-level abnormalities that are commonly observed in cancer cells result in corresponding abnormalities in the expression of mRNAs and proteins, which can be targeted with drugs. Beyond this project, this may enable the development of a new therapies for cancer patients.

MODE OF STUDY: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact Person: Associate Professor Pascal Duijf

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Project Summary:Preterm birth affects more than 20,000 births in Australia. Glucocorticoids are routinely used to reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm births by promoting lung maturation. However, the use of glucocorticoids during pregnancy has been associated with adverse fetal outcomes including low birth weight. In addition, glucocorticoids also regulate the expression of Cytochrome P450 enzymes, a class of enzymes involved in drug metabolism, and drug transporters such as P-glycoprotein. Therefore, using a sheep model, we propose that infusion of the endogenous glucocorticoid, cortisol, in late gestation will alter the expression of drug metabolising enzyme and drug transporters in the placenta, fetal liver and brain.

Contact Person: Professor Janna Morrison, Associate Professor Michael Wiese & Dr Ashley Meakin

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Project Summary: Human studies show that babies whom are born small as a result of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, in adult life. However, we do not yet understand the molecular basis of this association and therefore we are limited in our capacity to implement effective intervention strategies. One factor that may cause IUGR and the programmed risk of cardiovascular disease is maternal undernutrition. Here, the developing fetus does not receive enough nutrients from the mother. MicroRNA play a role in cardiac development and their expression can be manipulated pharmacologically, which may be a strategy to improve cardiac development in IUGR. This project will use both a well-established sheep model to determine the molecular links between poor growth in utero and the predisposition toward poor heart health in later life and the role of microRNA. To address this, this project will use techniques as qRT-PCR to measure the gene expression and Western Blot to measure the protein abundance of signaling molecules involved in cardiac growth and development.

Contact Person:  Prof. Janna Morrison & Dr Mitchell Lock

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Project Summary:Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), where a baby weighs below the 10th percentile for their gestational age, occurs in 6.5 % of live births. These IUGR babies have an increased risk of preterm birth with impaired maturation of the lung. This increases their risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). One way of preventing IUGR and thus the risk of preterm birth and RDS, would be to increase fetal substrate (oxygen and nutrients) supply. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in the skins of red grapes, increases uterine artery blood flow. We hypothesize, that increased uterine artery blood flow will accelerate lung maturation via increased oxygen delivery to the fetal lung. This study will determine the impact of maternal resveratrol supplementation on the expression surfactant proteins (qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry) in the fetal lung and align this expression with pulmonary oxygen delivery (fetal MRI data) in the late gestation fetus.

Contact Person: Prof. Janna Morrison, Associate Professor Michael Wiese, Dr Mitchell Lock

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Project Summary: Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are a group of disorders where parts of the immune system are either missing or malfunctioning, leading to chronic infections, autoimmunity, or malignancies depending on the mutation type. Understanding the genetic defects underlying PIDs is opening new therapeutic opportunities for immune disorders. This project will use genome editing tools to investigate the impacts and mechanisms of novel mutations identified in individuals with PIDs.

The student will gain hands-on experience with CRISPR-based genome editing, analyze various signal transduction pathways, and perform gene expression analysis in different types of immune cells. This research offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative treatments for primary immunodeficiencies.

Contact Person: Dr Gokhan Cildir

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Project Summary: Osteoporosis is a disease resulting in reduced bone strength that significantly increases the risk of broken bones. Osteoporosis can be caused by a number of factors and is particularly prominent in older people, with 70% of those over the age of 80 being affected. Currently, osteoporosis is treated with bisphosphonates that have to be taken orally each day over long periods (3+ year) to be effective. Some of the major drawbacks with bisphosphonates taken orally is their very low bioavailability (~0.6%), which means that large doses need to be consumed, and they can cause esophageal ulceration and cancer. Furthermore, patient compliance can be an issue, as with any oral medications that requires frequent doses. To avoid these problems, this project aims to develop a drug-eluting implants, that can provide sustained release of bisphosphonates at the target location over a period of 6+ months. For more details please contact Dr. Blencowe.    

Contact Person: Associate Professor Anton Blencowe

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Project Summary: Neurological diseases and disorders present significant public health risks, emphasizing the importance of research aimed at early detection and the development of more effective treatment approaches. Although various techniques and imaging modalities are commonly employed in studying these conditions, current methods often require the use of labels, which can be expensive and time-consuming. However, there is an emerging and innovative label-free technique called matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). This technique generates 2D ion intensity maps that illustrate the distribution of analytes across tissue sections in relation to tissue histopathology. What sets MALDI MSI apart from other imaging modalities is its ability to determine the spatial distribution of hundreds of analytes in a single imaging run, eliminating the need for labeling or prior knowledge.
In this study, we will utilize the state-of-the-art Bruker timsTOF flex MALDI instrument to specifically examine the spatial distribution of lipids, peptides, glycans, and/or proteins. By leveraging this advanced technology, we aim to obtain novel insights that may contribute to predicting or treating the disease more effectively.
The student will be involved with the sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis.

Contact Person: Dr Parul Mittal, Professor Peter Hoffmann & Dr Manuela Klingler-Hoffmann

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Project Summary:

Relationship interdependence among intimate older adults describes the mutual reliance between partners, often due to physical, emotional, or cognitive limitations of both partners. Ill health can disrupt these relationships, especially when one person is hospitalised and is discharged home. For nurses who work in Geriatric Care in the Home settings (GITH, Tier 1 hospital substitution), taking care of the recently discharged person is rewarding, however, it is difficult for nurses to manage their care workloads when this is extended to the unplanned care of a partner. This can result in stress, and an unsafe work environment for nurses and patients, and attrition of a valuable nursing workforce.
In the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network there is no specific service for both partners in an interdependent relationship following hospital discharge of one partner. Sometimes, when one person in a couple gets sick, the other one struggles to take care of them on returning home, leaving the visiting GITH nurse to provide care for both partners in the interdependent relationship. Providing this ‘unacknowledged’ care places additional pressure on GITH nurses.
We will look at how caring for one person in an interdependent relationship affects the nurses' workload and try to find better and less stressful ways for nurses to manage this care giving situation. It is crucial to understand this issue in relation to nursing workloads, address a gap in our knowledge, and reduce the associated cost by preventing overrun appointment times, workload issues, unnecessary readmissions, nursing stress and attrition.
We plan to address the problem through a research study seeking to understand the nurses’ experiences by implementing a survey and a time and motion study of GITH transitional home care visits. Based on a literature review and research outcomes, we will then develop a business case, business processes and policy recommendations related to workforce, for transitional care and Tier 1 hospital substitution.

Contact Person: Dr Kate Davis

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Project Summary:Ionising radiation poses a risk to all patients and staff in the perioperative environment. Though ionising radiation may be necessary for the patient, the perioperative team are exposed to the potentially harmful effects because of routine work. Work, health and safety legislation requires all staff to be trained in the management of ionising radiation, to provide a safe working environment. The level and extent of this training, education and safety may vary from workplace to workplace. Anecdotally, many staff and workplaces do not understand their rights or responsibilities when working with ionising radiation.
The vacation scholarship will provide a student with the opportunity to assist the research team to develop the project exploring radiation safety and awareness. The student will actively participate in the development and testing of the tool with the consumer group. Following testing of the survey tool, the student will assist the research team to develop ethics proposal and grant writing to explore perioperative radiation safety and awareness nationally. The testing of the survey tool and the ethics application will form the first stage in researching perioperative workforce safety.

Contact Person: Dr Allison Roderick & Dr Michelle Freeling

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Project Summary:Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia and globally. Annually in Australia, ~ 160,000 people are diagnosed with cancer and there are ~ 50,000 cancer related deaths. Chemotherapy, alongside surgery and radiotherapy, remains one of the leading treatments for cancer. However, chemotherapy is associated with severe side effects and in some cases can be poorly effective due to the inability to deliver high doses of anticancer drugs directly to the target. To improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutics and reduce adverse effects, anticancer drugs can be loaded into nanoparticle carriers such as polymeric micelles. This project aims to develop targeted and pH-responsive polymeric micelles for the selective uptake into cancerous tissues and the intracellular delivery of large doses of anticancer drugs. The project will involve the preparation of drug-loaded micelles and the investigation of their pH-responsivity and ability to release drugs under physiologically relevant conditions.

Contact Person: Associate Professor Anton Blencowe

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Project Summary: Invasive species, such as feral cats and foxes, pose a tremendous threat to native Australian species and livestock. The ACTB group are developing a series of novel technologies for the protection of native animals and livestock from these predators. These include implant technologies that render native animals poisonous to introduced predators, and non-lethal baits that train introduced predators to avoid preying on native animals and livestock. For more details please contact Dr. Blencowe.  

Contact Person: Associate Professor Anton Blencowe

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Project Summary: Cancer treatment is often unpredictable, much like rolling some dice. What if we could eliminate this unpredictability? This project aims to enable personalized ovarian cancer treatment through molecular analysis of tumour samples paired with advanced data acquisition and analysis.
Optimized Sample Preparation: We will develop methods to better prepare cancer samples, allowing us to detect previously missed molecular markers and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the cancer.
This project will in the long-term enable personalised treatment choices by classifying patient samples based on treatment response in the laboratory. It will provide novel insights into ovarian cancer, leading to more personalized and effective treatments. This way, we can move away from the trial-and-error approach and towards precise, tailored cancer therapies.

Contact Person: Dr Manuela Klingler-Hoffmann

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Project Summary: Nanomedicine is transforming cancer treatment by precisely targeting cancer cells. Our research focuses on using tailored nanomedicine to deliver a new drug combination to leukaemia cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a highly aggressive blood cancer that kills 75% of patients. A major challenge in AML treatment is the presence of resistant leukaemia-initiating cells, which hide in the bone marrow during remission and lead to disease relapse. To address this challenge, we employ innovative methods to target the pro-survival enzyme SPHK1 with MP8, a selective inhibitor. This strategy induces leukemia-initiating cell death and extends survival in mice with AML xenografts, both alone and in combination with chemotherapy or the targeted therapy venetoclax. While MP8 is highly selective, its limited "drug-like properties" have hindered clinical progress. However, our recent advancements in nano-MP8 have significantly improved potency, bioavailability, and bone marrow distribution, substantially prolonging mouse survival.

Our next steps involve refining our novel MP8 nanomedicine by conjugating it with a CD123 monoclonal antibody to create an actively targeted formulation that interacts specifically with AML relapse-driving cells. We will then evaluate its efficacy in AML models, both alone and in combination with venetoclax or frontline chemotherapy, potentially enhancing AML therapy. This research prioritises enhancing MP8 effectiveness and targeting relapse-driving cells to reduce AML recurrence. The developed nanomedicine formulations have great potential to be translated into clinical trials, potentially revolutionising AML treatment approaches.

Contact Person: Dr Thao Nguyen & Professor Clive Prestidge

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Project Summary: Professor Claudine Bonder leads the Vascular Biology & Cell Trafficking laboratory in the Centre for Cancer Biology. Together with her team of scientists and clinical collaborators they study the intricate interplay between cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment (particularly blood vessels) to better understand how cancer develops and becomes deadly. With a focus on translating their scientific discoveries into outcomes for better human health, their work aims to provide new opportunities to prevent tumours from growing and metastasising to vital organs in cancer patients. The Centre for Cancer Biology also offers two top up scholarships for an additional $100/week in collaboration with the ‘Fuss Family’ and ‘Lashes of Love’.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy and is an incurable disease of neoplastic plasma cells (PC). With only 17% of MM patients surviving 10-years post diagnosis, faster detection and earlier intervention would unequivocally improve outcomes. The Bonder lab recently discovered that the cell surface protein desmoglein-2 (DSG2) is overexpressed in ~20% of bone marrow biopsies from newly-diagnosed MM patients and that it is strongly predictive of poor clinical outcome (Ebert et al Molecular Oncology 2022).
This summer project uses molecular biology techniques to investigate DSG2 as cell surface biomarker that supports the survival of myeloma and promotes disease progression.

Contact Person: Professor Claudine Bonder

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Project Summary: Many midwives and registered nurses continue their education journey beyond their pre-registration bachelor’s degree by undertaking postgraduate studies to further their knowledge, clinical practice, and career pathways. Postgraduate education follows a set curriculum that is assessed against course learning objectives to achieve clinical specialisation, advancement, or expertise.
This vacation scholarship will provide a student with the opportunity to assist the research team in exploring non-curriculum learning. Anecdotally, the postgraduate team recognise that these students learn more than the curriculum whilst they study. The enhancement of non-clinical skills, confidence and competence is not something that is currently measured or evaluated in the postgraduate programs.
The vacation scholarship student will actively participate in research activities such as conducting a survey and semi-structured interviews with postgraduate students who have completed their postgraduate journey. The aim is to explore what non-curriculum qualities were gained from undertaking postgraduate studies and were unexpected benefits to learning.

Mode of Study: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact Person: Ms Vivienne Leigh & Dr Allison Roderick

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Project Summary: This observational project aims to evaluate compliance of the modified WHO 5 moments of hand hygiene (HH) in a setting currently not audited or benchmarked for National HH compliance.
The WHO 5 moments hand hygiene (HH) is widely acknowledged as the gold standard or benchmark in the prevention and control of infection in the hospital setting. Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) increase patient mortality and morbidity, increase hospital length of stay in health services already stretched, and increase the cost both in human and economic terms.
Currently perioperative suites around the country are not included as part of the national HH audit and therefore national compliance data is skewed towards general ward settings. The current audit tool is not fit for purpose in the perioperative setting. However, HH compliance in the perioperative setting is vital to reduce Surgical Site Infection risk and postoperative complications.
The vacation scholarship seeks to develop a tool modifying the WHO 5 moments of HH to be applicable in the Perioperative setting and enable appropriate auditing of personnel. Following modification of the 5 moments of HH for a local perioperative setting, the study aims to evaluate the compliance of HH in the Perioperative setting. The project aims that the modified tool would be tested locally followed by the opportunity to test it further at a state and national level.
This project would appeal to a student aspiring to work within the perioperative setting or alternatively a student completing course work Masters, seeking to conduct a small project.

MODE OF STUDY: Remote/online participation available

Contact Person: Dr Allison Roderick

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Project Summary: While adoptive cell therapies, such as engineered immune cells are highly effective for the treatment of bloodborne cancers, their efficacy for the treatment of solid tumours has been limited in part due to difficulties in achieving high doses of the immune cells at the target site. A promising solution is the application of a delivery system that anchors the immune cells at the target site and provides a sustained release profile. Therefore, in this study the aim is to develop injectable hydrogel systems that gel in situ and provides a sustained release of T-cells through gradual degradation of the hydrogel matrix. For more details please contact Dr. Blencowe.  

Contact Person: Associate Professor Anton Blencowe

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Project Summary: Shortages of medicine in Australia are an ongoing issue which affect patient care. Medicine shortages may lead to delayed treatment, limited access to appropriate treatment and increased out of pocket healthcare costs and overall burden on patients.

Analysis of medicine dispensing patterns can assist with understanding medicine shortages. The overall aim of this project is to investigate historical dispensing patterns of medicines that have recently experienced shortages in order to provide key stakeholders with information on the current landscape of medicines shortages in Australia.

Through this project you will gain valuable skills in analysing aggregate dispensing records for medicines that have recently or are currently experiencing medicine shortages. You will develop data processing skills and statistical analysis skills. You will develop data analysis skills using both Excel and R. You will also develop data visualization skills to identify trends in dispensing patterns. As a result of undertaking this study, you will develop an ability to translate insights from your findings into actionable recommendations for stakeholders such as policymakers and medicine regulators.
You will have the opportunity to contribute to a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. You will collaborate with experts in the field of pharmacoepidemiology and will learn basic project management skills.

As such, this skillset will prepare you for a career in healthcare analytics, research and policy development.

Contact Person: Dr Jack Janetzki

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Project Summary:

Most currently used medicines for psychiatric illnesses were identified serendipitously and there is usually considerable variability in response magnitude across different patients, with many patients failing to respond at all. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutics guided by known biology or that are supported by empirical data. A landmark study from investigators at GlaxoSmithKline used retrospective data to show that drugs supported by genetic evidence are more likely to progress to the latter stages of the drug discovery pipeline than those lacking genetic evidence (Nelson et al., 2015; Nature Genetics). This suggests genetic data may prove instrumental in ushering in the next wave of medicines for psychiatric illness.

Accordingly, a host of studies have applied a genetic epidemiological method called Mendelian randomization (MR) to identify new potential drug targets for complex human diseases. Briefly, MR uses genetic variants associated with an exposure of interest as proxies to obtain unconfounded estimates of the causal effects of exposures on outcomes of interest. In this way, MR is robust to many of the issues that hamper traditional observational studies. One variant of MR, called cis-MR, uses gene expression or protein abundance data as exposures (see example at: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.27.24309406v1). Given proteins are the targets of most drugs, cis-MR has the potential to identify new protein targets to treat psychiatric illnesses.

In this project, the successful candidate will apply cis-MR methods to identify new drug targets for psychiatric illness. They will focus specifically on the ‘druggable’ proteome as determined by the Drugbank Online database. Full training will be provided, though some previous experience of statistical computing (e.g., R) and knowledge of basic Unix commands is desirable. This project is purely computational, and so can be conducted either in-person at SAHMRI or from a remote location.

Contact Person: Dr David Stacey

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Project Summary: With the advent of COVID-19, there has been a growth in the use of virtual care (VC) technologies. With the rapid implementation of VC technologies, the nursing workforce may be ill-prepared to adopt the new working methods required to utilise these technologies. There is a need to understand and explore the ways in which VC technologies can be used by nurses to provide high-quality care. To explore this issue, and as a first step to a larger project, a scoping review will be undertaken.

This scoping review will identify and analyse the available international literature that has examined or reported on the use of VC technologies in the context of nursing care delivery for the purpose of hospitalisation avoidance to map the current state of the literature, key areas of interest, and aspects in need of future research. This project is being conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Adelaide, including the dean of nursing Professor Francis Donnelly and Associate Professor Lynette Cusack.

The successful student will ideally have studied or be studying nursing and will be involved in the identification, appraisal, and analysis of published and unpublished (grey) literature using a best-practice evidence synthesis methodology framework. Within the project, the student’s role will be to support the researchers in conducting the scoping review (screening and data extraction) and writing the manuscript, allowing the student to contribute, and be listed on a peer-reviewed publication, while working with a multidisciplinary team of experts (in nursing and evidence synthesis). Through the completion of the project, the student will gain valuable research and professional collaboration experience, and a unique opportunity to establish a network across the universities (UniSA and the University of Adelaide).

Contact Person: Dr Micah DJ Peters & Mr Jarrod Clarke

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Project Summary: 3D printing has emerged as an advanced manufacturing technique that has revolutionized numerous industrial sectors. In the medical and pharmaceuticals sectors, 3D printing offers the potential to develop new prosthetics, implants, and many other technologies that will pave the way for advances in regenerative medicine, drug delivery and personalized treatments, tackling current health care challenges. A unique feature of 3D printing is that it allows the manufacture of complex structures not obtainable through other manufacturing techniques, as well as the potential for personalized drug delivery systems. This project aims to develop novel drug eluting implants and stents that provide temporal and spatial control over drug delivery for the treatment of medical conditions such as cancer, providing more efficacious and safer delivery of therapeutics with reduced systemic side-effects. For more details please contact Dr. Blencowe.

Contact Person: Associate Professor Anton Blencowe

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Project Summary: As part of a larger project, this project will investigate to what extent diverse cultures and languages are represented within the picture books on offer to children within early childhood settings. Scholarship holders will learn research skills in conducting a book audit within an early childhood setting and will have an opportunity to engage with the research team in theoretical discussions, analysis of data, review of the relevant literature and contribute to a publication.

Contact person: Dr Jamie Sisson 

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Project Summary: The goal of this project is to develop a novel web-based learning application that uses Artificial Intelligence to support students and teachers. The Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L) at UniSA Education Futures has recently started developing an AI platform for supporting students. This project extends the existing platform to provide more complex AI functionality, such as automating feedback, assignment grading and generating of learning materials.

The intended outcome of the project for the prospective student is to get experience in developing modern AI-based software using Python programming language and experience with popular web frameworks such as Django. The student should have a solid understanding of Python programming and familiarity with web technologies (HTML, CSS). The prior experience with AI technologies is not required.

Contact Person: Associate Professor Vitomir Kovanovic

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Project summary: This project aims to enhance human-AI team synergy by equipping teams with AI competence, aligning with the growing objective of cultivating effective and innovative teams in today’s workplace. Currently, teams collaborating with AI agents face the growing risk of excessive dependence on cognitive offloading to AI, leading to detrimental outcomes such as compromised decision-making, the reinforcement of biases, cognitive stagnation within teams, and diminished performance quality. Educating teams to be AI literate will promote constructive interactions with AI agents, thereby improving decision-making processes and reducing the risk of mental atrophy.

The goal of the project is to leverage cutting-edge technologies and advanced research methodologies using learning analytics to identify optimal strategies and disseminate essential knowledge, ensuring that teams utilising AI are well-prepared to meet the demands of the contemporary workplace. This project can potentially empower teams in their interactions with AI agents by addressing the pressing need to educate an AI-literate workforce, contributing to the global mission to advance human-AI interaction.

As part of the Vacation Research Scholarship, your specific role in this project may include:

• Conducting a bibliometric review of research articles examining the relationships between AI literacy and cognitive offloading to AI.
• Analysing the research articles using interaction dashboard tools such as Biblioshiny and reporting on the results.

The scholarship will also offer the following opportunities:

• Exposure to world-class researchers and HDRs in learning analytics at the Centre for Change and Complexity and Learning (C3L).
• The opportunity to learn more about learning analytics and AI in education.
• Mentorship in academia, providing guidance and support for your career.

Join us in this innovation project to help empower teams in their interactions with AI agents and contribute to the advancement of human-AI collaboration!

Mode of Study: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Dr Andrew Zamecnik

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Project Summary: While much research has been conducted in education regarding the impact of specific pedagogies and initiatives on learning outcomes, less work has been done in the area of affective measurement. That is measuring the changes of attitude and feeling on students' learning intentions and how these change over time. Our research team currently has over 1 million affective data measurements across a number of schools collected over a 4 year period. We are seeking vacation scholars who can assist our existing team in identifying, analysing and hypothesising explanations for the trends seen in this dataset. This would be an ideal project for a student in Education, Psychology or Data Science. Some familiarity with the use of R would be advantageous. As part of the process, the scholar(s) will be expected to contribute to NTRO reports which will later become published journal articles. The process of co-authoring journal papers will likely extend beyond the period of the paid scholarship.

Contact Person: Dr John Kennedy

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Project Summary: Mathematics is often encountered as a curriculum of dry nouns, but there are increasing calls to reconceptualise mathematics education to move beyond the acquisition of knowledge and skills to a focus on the rich verbs—mathematical practices and habits of mind such as questioning, exploration, sense making, problem solving, and intuition. Interviews with mathematicians frequently highlight the importance of these practices in their work, demonstrating their vital role in authentic mathematical thinking. As such, cultivating these habits in students is essential for developing their mathematical proficiency, deep understanding, and positive disposition towards mathematics.

This project will analyse published online interviews with mathematicians to gather qualitative data on their experiences and perspectives. The goal is to identify and analyse recurring themes related to mathematicians’ feelings, attitudes, beliefs, and practices, and to create a rich resource that may inform and enhance the teaching of mathematics in schools.
The project would suit students with a background in mathematics and, preferably, experience in thematic analysis.

Mode of Study: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Professor Amie Albrecht

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Project Summary:This research aims to investigate how university students’ use of AI tools to support their self-regulated learning at university. As AI tools have become prolific and are readily becoming more available, it is timely to explore how university students use them to support their university learning. The findings will help inform universities on how AI tools can be better integrated into the curriculum and the support provisions necessary for students to use the tools effectively to support their learning. The Vacation Research project will involve conducting a literature review and contributing to writing a journal article.

Mode of Study: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact people: Associate Professor Negin Mirriahi

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Project Summary:Homework is a contested practice and, despite persistent perceptions about the effectiveness of homework, a consensus about its usefulness has not been reached within the research of this field. Family involvement in children’s education, which can be in the form of homework, has been shown to have a positive influence on educational outcomes (Goodall, 2018; O’Sullivan et al., 2014; Silinskas & Kikas, 2019). Yet, consideration must be given to how education policies position and impact families differently. In terms of equity, examining the influence of education policies on families is particularly pertinent for those facing various forms of disadvantage (Hartas, 2012). We know that education policies rarely account for the differing contexts in which they are enacted (Baak et al., 2023).
In this study, we explore the range of homework policies across primary and secondary school contexts in SA, with a particular focus on English and Mathematics.

MODE OF STUDY: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Associate Professor Lisa O'Keeffe

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Project Summary: This project recognises the importance of international students to Australia’s future, highlighting their strong contribution to cultural diversity, people-to-people relations, economic productivity, and soft diplomacy. Funded by Bupa and City of Adelaide, the project aims to: (1) nurture international student resilience and wellbeing in the face of significant challenges, and (2) embrace them as a vital thread of the socio-economic and cultural fabric of local communities. The project will pioneer the first evidence-based, practice-guiding, and community-grounded international student resilience and wellbeing Framework to foster the shared future of international students and local communities.
South Australia is an ideal context for the project. The State is a designated region for skilled migration, benefits economically from international education as one of its largest export sectors, and hosts the new Adelaide University that will appeal strongly to international students. The State capital, Adelaide, hosts many tertiary campuses and proudly brands itself as a welcoming community for everyone to live in, and flourish.
Dr Hannah Soong and Associate Professor Michael Mu lead the South Australian International Student Wellbeing Network (ISWN) involving key personnel from the international student services sector of major public and private tertiary institutions, as well as community engagement leaders and practitioners working in government and health sectors, non-/for-profit agencies, and faith-based organisations. Michael and Hannah invite Vacation Research Scholars to join this project and offer student scholars the opportunities to:
(1) work with local partners within the ISWN;
(2) involve in the mapping of existing resources that support international student resilience, wellbeing, and community engagement;
(3) develop skills in research information retrieval, literature organisation and review, and academic writing for research purposes; and
(4) learn to use research tools such as EndNote for referencing, NVivo for qualitative data analysis, and SPSS for quantitative data analysis.

MODE OF STUDY: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Associate Professor Michael Mu & Dr Hannah Soong

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Project Summary: Ainscow (2020) defines students’ inclusive education with three pillars: “presence, participation and achievement” (p. 127), pillars informed by policies (OECD, 2007; Education and Children’s Services Act 2019, 2020; UN, 2006, 2016; UNESCO, 2019). Yet, despite the advocacy of inclusive education at a global policy level, students remain systemically excluded, encountering challenges in schools across each of these pillars. Educators continue to struggle to ensure all learners are attending and their needs are met in their mainstream neighbourhood schools. Aligned with UniSA’s strategic priority 4, ‘Shaping a better world together’, the aim of this project is to identify practices that educators can employ to include students with disabilities ensuring their presence, participation and achievement.

The vacation research scholar will work closely with Dr Foteini Pasenidou to conduct a desk-based research coding and analysing NCCD podcasts offering support strategies for educators teaching students with various types of disabilities. The aim of this project is the production of an academic publication and in the spirit of research translation, a key summary of the identified enabling practices for educators.

MODE OF STUDY: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Dr Foteini Pasenidou

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Project Summary: This critical policy study aims to investigate the ways in which middle leaders in Australian schools learn to interpret and enact policies guiding the management of student (mis)behaviour. The project seeks to generate new knowledge into how middle leaders learn to translate behaviour policy into practice in ways that optimally support all students to learn.

MODE OF STUDY: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Dr Neil Tippett

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Project Summary: Linear approaches towards the efficacy of interventions in education are important but not sufficient. A more complex, wholistic approach to research is needed. The research team have developed a new approach, known as Pragmatic Adaptive Modelling (PAM). This project will assist the research team in developing an RShiny application to be made publicly available to generate PAM diagrams in a consistent and useful format and to use this diagram to suggest linear models for use in PAM analysis. The Scholar, will lead the development of the RShiny application and contribute to a theoretical proposal paper outlining its application. Familiarity with R or Python Pandas is essential and this project would be very suitable for a computer science or data science student.

Contact Person: Dr John Kennedy

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Project Summary: This project is significant because scant empirical evidence is available on how schools establish an inclusive community. In particular, the OECD (2020) has reported that there is a “sign of absence of clear guidance on how teachers should behave in order to create an inclusive environment for all students”. Aligned with UniSA’s strategic priority 4, ‘Shaping a better world together’, this project aims to collect empirical evidence on how an inclusive community can be established.

This study employs a single case study design at primary school, which includes three main research design components: identifying empowering opportunities provided by the school leadership/organisation to the staff; capturing educators’ perceptions and experiences of driving change; and development of a Framework of Leadership for School Inclusion.

Scholarship holder will have an opportunity to engage with the research team, Dr Foteini Pasenidou, Dr Deb Price, Dr Deb Green, Prof Anna Sullivan in coding and analysis of data (interviews, artefacts), review of the relevant literature and contribute to a publication.

MODE OF STUDY: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Dr Foteini Pasenidou 

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Project Summary: Increasing numbers of regional education students are taking on the complex and demanding challenge of balancing university study with work as a Special Authority Teacher [SAT] while completing their final pre-service placements in regional schools.

This project seeks to explore the experiences of regional students as they complete their education degree courses, fulfil final pre-service teacher placement requirements, while at the same time working independently and autonomously as SATs. We want to understand the impact these multifaceted and inextricably linked roles have on professional/teacher identity. We have a lot to learn from these experiences, gaining insights and recommendations from regional education students working as SATs will enable us to better support subsequent cohorts as they work towards completing their education degree in regional communities, and their subsequent transition to the qualified teacher workforce.

Defining [regional] teacher identity is a dynamic process, a merging of the personal and the professional, identity and self, situated in the locationally specific context [of regional communities] (Beauchamp & Thomas, 2009). Green and Reid (2004) suggest that teacher education, educational research, and schooling itself is best understood as situated practice. The geographic and conceptual intersection of teacher education and being a teacher living and working in regional communities, is underpinned by the alignment of collegial and pedagogic relationships across education sectors (Jones & Foran, 2024). Walker-Gibbs et al., (2015) describe this as a “Pedagogy of the rural … an approach to conceptualise rural understandings as a pedagogy … not ‘for’ or ‘about’ but rather ‘of’ the rural” (p. 1).

The Vacation Research Scholar will actively engage with a small regional research team, conduct interview analysis, review relevant literature, and contribute to a publication.

MODE OF STUDY: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Sharron Jones (Whyalla Campus)

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Project Summary: Small schools have a long history in Australia and are often found in communities with substantial social capital and rich relationships. In regional areas, small schools are more prevalent compared to metropolitan areas. National and international numeracy assessments indicate that students in regional areas underperform compared to their urban peers. Furthermore, the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC, 2022) reveals that students living in regional and remote areas are more likely to be developmentally vulnerable than those in metropolitan areas. Approximately 30% of all Australian primary schools have a student population of fewer than 200 students which often results in multi-year class structures throughout the school. However, there is still so much to learn about the composition of small schools across Australia. This project seeks to gain more significant insights into small Australian Schools. Potential VRS students could explore data around student attendance rates, index of social disadvantage, historical changes of student numbers at particular sites and geographical relationships. The vacation scholarship can be involved in various components of the research, including using MySchool and ABS data to collate, organise, display Australian school population data over time and produce a summary of findings. It is anticipated that an outcome of the VRS project will be a journal article and conference presentation(s).

Mode of Study: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Dr Kate Quane & Dr Bec Neill 

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Project Summary:Acknowledging the collective responsibility (UNESCO, 2008, 2016, 2019), a systemic reform has been suggested in promoting students’ inclusive education (Ainscow, 2020; UN, 2006). Therefore, focusing on the “mechanisms of schooling” rather than students’ “constructed difference(s)” (Migliarini et al., 2019, p. 755), and aligned with UniSA’s strategic priority 4, ‘Shaping a better world together’, this project aims to move beyond an individualistic approach, thereby exploring whole school/school-wide programs that promote the inclusion of students with Autism in Australian schools.
The vacation research scholar will work closely with Dr Foteini Pasenidou to conduct desk-based research. The vacation research scholar will receive support to develop skills in identifying and reviewing various types of research literature. They will also learn how to extract and code key data from publicly available sources, including literature and Departments of Education websites to identify inclusive practices for students with Autism. The aim of this project is the production of an academic publication.

Mode of Study: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Dr Foteini Pasenidou

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Project summary:Recently the BBB, using a survey, conducted a study to gain an understanding about trust and artificial intelligence from a general population perspective. Artificial intelligence can be found in our everyday lives, for example, in our home, our transport, and at our work. We know trust takes time and is valuable, but we do not know enough about how people perceive trust when considering it in the context of artificial intelligence. Data from the survey will provide the groundwork for understanding and identifying any gaps in the knowledge of trust and artificial intelligences. The survey has generated a large database of both quantitative and qualitative data. The potential scholar may assist with collating, cleaning, and analysing data, undertake a literature review and work with the team to identify gaps in the questionnaire and potentially refine the questionnaire to address these gaps. The BBB includes students as part of the team and they will be welcomed to participate in team meetings, professional development sessions and social activities. Students will learn about working on industry projects as part of a large team, and how to translate the research to real world contexts.

Contact people:   Dr Linda Grosser, Dr Crystal Yates& Professor Siobhan Banks

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Project summary: Deaf Trauma is trauma specifically related to deafness. Deaf Trauma typically involves six key areas experienced young Deaf individuals:  language deprivation, communication barriers, inadequate social interaction, educational delays, insufficient parental bonding, and identity conflict as a result of varying communication methodologies imposed upon the deaf child. Trauma often continues into adulthood. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence based treatment for trauma. EMDR may be ideally suited for use with the Deaf populations due to its somatic focus.

The Vacation Research Scholarship offered will involve completing a literature review involving Deaf Trauma (basic information from the USA and special information from Australia) as well as the use of EMDR for trauma (focusing upon Australian resources but citing key USA research). Specific information regarding psychological treatment involving the Deaf will be reviewed as well (especially EMDR).

It is hoped that the literature review will serve as the basis for a research trial of EMDR for Deaf Trauma.

Mode of Study: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Dr Nadine Pelling

(Nadine is hard of hearing. The project will involve contact with Deaf community members and when needed an Auslan interpreter will be provided. The main contact for Nadine with the Deaf community is Dr Donovan Cresdee).

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Project summary: Delirium is a common Neurocognitive Disorder in hospitalised older adults. It is associated with a range of poor outcomes, including a 9-fold increased risk of dementia. Vacation Scholars would be embedded within two funded delirium projects.

1. Neurophysiological indices of delirium risk. We are currently running a large study, collecting EEG and delirium data, funded by the NHMRC. This would suit a student interested in cognitive neuroscience, clinical neuropsychology, or data science.
2. Co-producing a delirium rehabilitation intervention. We are currently developing a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention for those who have experienced in-hospital delirium, funded by The Hospital Research Foundation. This would suit a student interested in health or clinical psychology, behaviour change, or allied health science.

Please get in touch before applying.

Study Mode: Remote/online participation is an option for this project

Contact person: A/Prof Hannah Keage

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Project summary: This project is a collaboration between the Behaviour-Brain-Body Research Centre – Justice and Society, and the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments – STEM, to develop a standardised assessment tool to provide a measure of people’s aptitude in virtual reality (VR). Many VR studies, tools, and systems attempt to understand or improve how people use and interact with VR. However, people’s base aptitude in VR can vary greatly. Factors of this aptitude—including navigation, mental rotation, and interaction—can impact how well they use VR systems.

 Current methods for determining VR aptitude are ad-hoc, being custom questionnaires with no standardised questions or ranges. For example, many studies will ask participants questions such as “How often do you use VR?” and “How long do you spend in VR?”. These questions have no benchmark understanding of how answers correlate to the significant factors of VR aptitude.

In this project, the successful applicant will help design, develop, and validate a tool for measuring VR aptitude. The project will propose potential significant factors and proceed to test these factors. The eventual tool may take the form of a validated traditional questionnaire or be supported by an immersive VR-based test.

The applicant will be supported jointly by the Behaviour-Brain-Body Research Centre – Justice & Society, and the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments – STEM.

Mode of Study: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Dr James Baumeister & Dr Andrew Cunningham

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Project Summary: On 6 May 2024 amendments were made to the Family Law Act which change the way decisions are made for children. Among these changes were new duties imposed on Independent Children’s Lawyers (ICLs) who are appointed to represent children’s best interests.

These new duties are that an ICL

• Must meet with the child; and
• Must provide the child with an opportunity to express their views

ICLs do not need to perform these duties if the child is under 5 years old, or there are ‘exceptional circumstances’.

Previously, ICLs were under no obligation to meet with children, which had implications for how children’s voices are heard and their ability to participate in proceedings.

The scholarship research will involve reviewing judgments of the Family Court decided after 6 May to analyse:

• Cases where an ICL was appointed;
• Whether the ICL met with the child and any information provided about that meeting;
• How the child’s views were put before the Court;
• Any divergence between the child’s views/wishes and the ICL’s assessment of the child’s best interests;
• Any judicial comments about the ICL / ICL’s role, for example, where the ICL did not meet with the child.

This research will form part of a wider study investigating the impact of these new duties on court practice and procedure. It will make an important contribution to the understanding of the impacts of the new amendments on Australian family law and will contribute to the literature on children’s voices.

Study Mode: Remote/online participation is an option on this project

Contact person: Dr Michelle Fernando

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Project Summary: Universities have a responsibility to assist first year students to transition well into university (Birbeck et al., 2021). This aligns with strategic priority 2 and action 2.1 of the UniSA Academic Enterprise Plan and the recommendations of the Universities Accord Report, with a focus on the student learning experience and embedding strategies to foster student engagement and belonging. Yet, at present, figures show that one third of commencing students will still fail to graduate from an Australian university (Wilson et al., 2016).

The first few weeks of a semester determines whether a student opts to engage with or disconnects from their studies (Fewster-Young & Concoran, 2023). Universities propel students into unfamiliar academic learning environments which can be overwhelming, intimidating, and isolating (Schutze, Bartyn & Tapsell, 2021). Most universities hold orientation programs in an attempt to ameliorate this issue. However, orientation programs have been criticised for overwhelming students with large volumes of information and, as they are often non-compulsory, students may not attend (Heath et al, 2018).

The purpose of our research project was to extend the traditional orientation program by implementing and evaluating an embedded skills-based intervention in an SP2 2024 first-year course. The aim of the intervention was to increase student engagement through short tutorial activities to support students in learning academic skills, university systems, and how to access student support systems. We are currently analysing pre-post intervention survey responses to determine impacts on student confidence levels and which modules students found most valuable.

The Vacation Research Project will further enhance our understanding of the impacts of the embedded transition skills intervention through conducting interviews and analysing interview data from teaching staff, PASS leaders, and students who participated in the initiative to further explore their experiences and perceptions of the embedded modules and whether/how these facilitated greater student confidence and success.

Contact Person: Associate Professor Elissa Pearson & Dr Amanda Richardson

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Project summary: Recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission and the NLAP Review clearly set out that the legal needs of priority groups within our community are not being met. People with lived experience of disability form a significant priority group, with 1 in 5 Australians living with disability.

There is a powerful argument that specialist legal services provide unique and tailored legal assistance to specific cohorts. The existence of ALRM,Women’s Legal Service are exemplary examples of this. In South Australia there is no specific free legal service that supports people with lived experience of disability. 

This project set out to provide evidence-based support for such a service:

1. Disability Rights Advocacy Service have identified that 60% of their advocacy clients require legal advice over and above their need for advocacy assistance. This is an unmet legal need to a priority group as identified by the NLAP Review.
2. The National Strategic Framework that provides policy framework for all government legal assistance funding, focuses on that services should be ‘client centric’. It states that to meet the legal needs of the most vulnerable members of our community services should be tailored and ‘appropriate to peoples particular needs, capabilities and knowledge’. It specifically refers to ‘disability and barriers faced in interacting with the legal system, and the complexity of legal problems faced’. In order to provide this, such a service needs to be unique and bespoke in its approach to providing effective, timely and appropriate legal l assistance. 
3. People with lived experience of disability are more likely to engage with people with experience in the sector; active recruiting of staff with lived experience of disability should form a pillar for any organisation providing legal assistance to people with lived experience of disability.
4. A significant issue that was identified by the DRC, is that when people with disability are expected to repeat their story over and over again, they lose confidence  and this creates another real barrier for them and results in them dropping out of the system and not getting the legal assistance that they really need. 
5. Not every person with a disability who is a victim of crime ends up as a defendant; research suggests that every defendant with a disability was previously identified as a victim. Victims and witnesses with disability, especially cognitive impairment, have traditionally been seen as unreliable and in the justice system. Providing an integrated service that assists defendants, victims and witnesses will go some way to address this systemic issue. 

6. The legal needs of people with lived experience are often complex and involve family members and/or carers. This makes the seeking legal support more difficult.  

In collaboration with Disability Rights Advocacy Service this project aims to provide an exploration and evidence base for stakeholders to seek recognition and resourcing of the need for a specialized service. 

Mode of Study: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Associate Professor Caroline Ellison & Dr Sarah Moulds

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Project summary: The Adoption Act 1988 provides the legal framework for lawful adoption of children in South Australia and contains a range of provisions that seek to protect the human rights of adoptees, birth parents and adopting parents.  However, the legislation conceptualises of ‘adoptees’ as children – both as a matter of law, and in terms of how adoptee’s legal rights are understood and protected – and this leads to significant gaps when it comes to protecting and promoting the human rights of adopted adults adoptees.  Given the potential impact the Adoption Act has on the lives and dignity of South Australians, review and reform of this law is urgently needed.  This project aims to identify the gaps in human rights protection for adopted adults, with a view to informing future calls for legislative reform.

 Research questions

1. How are adoptees conceptualised within the Adoption Act 1988 and what impact does this have on their human rights?
2. How is the concept of ‘consent’ understood under the Adoption Act 1988?
3. What is the process of discharging adoption orders for adopted adults?
4. How does Act deal with the release of or dealing with personal information about adopted adults?
5. What are the pathways for review of decisions made by, or powers exercised by, the Chief Executive Officer and other public officers under the Adoption Act 1988 with respect to adopted adults?

  Key tasks

1. Literature review of relevant scholarly articles or reports and any relevant international human rights law sources
2. Distillation of key human rights principles/criteria that will be used to assess the Adoption Act 1988 (SA).
3. Analysis of Adoption Act 1988 having regard to the key research questions outlined above.
4. Drafting of report
5. Preparation of presentation for online Workshop.
6. Meetings with supervisors

Research Outputs

1. Written research report responding to the research questions above, and including literature review.
2. Power point slides to support 15 minute presentation at online workshop hosted by the Rights Resource Network SA.
3. Oral presentation 15 minutes at online workshop hosted by the Rights Resource Network SA.

Mode of Study: This project has the option for remote/online participation.

Contact person: Dr Sarah Moulds

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Project summary: Recently, our team at the Behaviour Brain Body Research Centre (BBB) has focused on teaming within different operational environments. These teams can made up of individuals, assistive technology, and machines themselves. Our research focuses on the ability of the team to work cohesively, and to cope with complex safety and security issues while in a fatigued state. We have a large database from recent studies examining teams during sleep deprivation in the lab. The successful vacation scholar would help to collate the data and work with the team to begin analysis. The potential scholar may also work with the team to develop a questionnaire relating to people’s experiences using AR/VR technologies which is being introduced as an aid teams in the operational context. The BBB Centre includes students as part of the research team and they will be welcomed to participate in centre meetings, professional development sessions and social activities. Students will learn about working on industry projects as part of a large project team, and how to translate the research to real world contexts.

Contact people:  Dr Crystal Yates,  Dr Linda Grosser & Professor Siobhan Banks

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Project summary: PSC-GO dedicated to translating research into high quality industry relevant programs with strong evidence. The project aims to explore the importance of a psychosocial working environment on organizational effectiveness and productivity, which is importance evidence for nurturing a healthy workplace. This project involved a data linkage between an existing Australian population based data with 10,000 workers and their experience on Psychosocial Safety Climate (i.e., work climate for workers’ psychological health) and organizational outcomes, e.g., profits. PSC is a leading indicator of worker psychological health, linking to lower burnout, higher work engagement, and performance. High PSC also related to positive social relational aspects of work including lower bullying rate, and higher level of support. Evidence has consistently highlighted the importance of PSC and the need to nurture a high PSC at workplaces. Nonetheless to further establish the evidence, this project extends the idea to examine the benefits of having PSC beyond individual psychological health but to organisations. Through this project student has the chance to learn the latest development in organizational psychology literature, the best practices, and principles of conducting research and data gathering, learn advanced data analysis method, and having opportunities to involved in research paper write up. Student will be supervised by researcher who actively involved in high quality research and skillful in complex data management. Engaging in the project provides an exceptional learning experience that prepare the students for further pursuing a HDR degree. 

Contact person: Dr May Loh

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Project summary: Nurses are an essential workforce and form the largest profession within the global healthcare system. They significantly contribute to the delivery of quality healthcare services and assist in the improvement of health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Although nursing is described as a rewarding profession, it is not without physical, mental, emotional, and ethical challenges. Therefore, maintaining the health and well-being of nurses is essential. However, a primary challenge affecting nurses’ health and well-being is insufficient and poor-quality sleep. It is unclear whether the sleep deficits reported in nurses are due to an ageing workforce, mirrors trends in the general population or are unique to the nursing profession because of higher rates of occupational stress and emotional exhaustion (secondary to staff shortage and escalating caring demands). We propose to undertake a review of studies which have included nurses as participants from 1980-2024 and report sleep quantity and sleep quality. Compared with population norms, this data will be used to test whether sleep parameters have demonstrated a secular decline. This information will help inform workforce management policies and strategies for supporting the sleep needs of nurses.

Contact person: Professor Kurt Lushington

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