Science Honours Projects 2022 - Federation University ...
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Contents Bachelor of Science Honours……………………. 2 How to apply for Honours…………………….…... 3 Biomedical Science………………………….…….. 4 Environmental Science……………………………. 8 Environmental and Mathematical Sciences….... 13 Information Technology…………………………… 14 Food Science…………………………..................... 15 Veterinary and Wildlife Science………….………. 16 School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 1
Bachelor of Science Honours Students who excel in their undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for entry into the Bachelor of Science Honours program. Honours is an intensive research-based program requiring an extra year of full- time study (or 18 months part-time study) on top of your undergraduate degree. What is Honours? The Bachelor of Science Honours program (SZ8) is an additional fourth year of Undergraduate studies, completed over 9 months full-time (FT), or 18 months part-time (PT). The main objective of the program is to train students as professional research scientists. Honours students engage in an individual research project under the close supervision of an academic staff member with relevant expertise in their chosen field. Students also complete theoretical coursework designed to complement their research and develop key skills in communication, critical analysis and project management, equipping them for independent research roles in the workplace or for entry into postgraduate research programs. For more program information, see Honours course outline and Honours courses and assessment. Why complete an Honours year? For some students completing honours is the first step towards building an academic research career and pursuing post graduate study. However, completing an Honours year also offers many benefits to those looking to boost their marketability in an increasingly competitive job market. Honours gives you the opportunity to: • Get experience in real scientific research • Extend your knowledge in a specialist field of interest • Contribute new knowledge to your field (with possibility of publication) • Develop workplace skills attractive to employers • Use advanced techniques and equipment and broaden your technical skill set Honours can be challenging, with a level of independence expected of students representing a significant change from previous undergraduate courses. However, most students find that their Honours year is an extremely rewarding experience. The School of Science, Psychology and Sport Honours Research projects are available in the following discipline areas, as listed in this Information Booklet: • Biomedical Science • Environmental Science • Environmental and Mathematical Sciences • Information Technology • Food Science • Veterinary and Wildlife Science For more information on the Bachelor of Science Honours Program, contact the SZ8 Science Honours course coordinator at your campus: Berwick Campus Gippsland Campus Mt Helen Campus Dr Rob Bischof Dr David Smith Dr Nicholas Shultz r.bischof@federation.edu.au d.smith@federation.edu.au n.schultz@federation.edu.au (03) 4313 7930 (03) 5122 6023 (03) 5327 9681 School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 2
How to apply for Honours As a guide, qualification for the Honours program requires students to have a GPA>6.0 (or equivalent) in a relevant undergraduate degree, and the support of an academic supervisor. In addition to completing an Online Application for entry to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) programs, students will need to submit a completed Research Proposal Form, outlining their intended research project which is also signed by their chosen supervisor(s). Step 1 Find a Project and Supervisor An Honours information session will be held as a webinar in Semester 2, which will provide you with an introduction to the Bachelor of Science Honours program and the scope of research projects available to students in 2022. You can also contact academic staff working in areas that interest you directly and ask them if they would consider supervising you. This Information Booklet contains a listing of Research projects suitable for Honours students in 2022. Note that this is not a complete list of available projects for 2022, so students are encouraged to directly contact academic staff they are interested in working with to discuss possible Honours projects. It is a good idea to talk to a number of prospective supervisors to assess whether their research focus aligns with your interests and whether you feel you could work well with their research group. If possible, talk to other students in the group or past students who have worked with them as well. Some questions to help you refine what you want to work on • What aspects of your undergraduate degree have you found most interesting? • Which courses did you enjoy the most? • What topics or issues did you wish you could have studied in more depth? • Which academic staff had a teaching style that you liked in undergraduate courses? • Which academic staff are working in areas that interest you? Step 2: Apply for Honours FedUni students can complete an Online Application for entry into the honours program (SZ8). You will also need to submit a completed Research Proposal Form signed by your prospective supervisor. Students wanting to enrol in Honours at FedUni, who completed their undergraduate degree elsewhere should contact the relevant Science Honours Program Coordinator to discuss eligibility requirements. Step 3: Accept your offer If you are offered a place in the honours program you need to formally accept your offer in writing. You should also get in touch with your supervisor to discuss any additional requirements (eg ethics approvals, laboratory safety training) for your project prior to starting your research work. Semester 1 intake typically starts at the beginning of February, Semester 2 intake starts at the beginning of August. Additional discipline-based information sessions may also be run, dates and details to be advised by email to eligible students. BSc Honours Scholarships Several University scholarship opportunities may be available for BSc Hons candidates in 2022. The School of Science, Psychology and Sport is offering 5 Honours Scholarships ($3,000 each) to be awarded to applicants entering Honours in 2022. Applications will be assessed on the applicant’s academic performance within their undergraduate degree. For further information, contact the Science Honours course coordinator at your campus. School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 3
Biomedical Science Elucidation of mechanisms of intrinsic polymyxin Self-assembling peptides as building blocks for 3D resistance in Gram-negative bacteria printable hydrogels Location: Mt Helen Campus Location: Mt Helen Campus Project Leader: Dr David Bean Project Leader: Dr Benjamin Long Email: d.bean@federation.edu.au Email: bm.long@federation.edu.au Project description: The rise of antibiotic resistance in Project description: Short self-assembling peptides have pathogenic bacteria is a medical catastrophe – and it’s only set been shown to be useful building blocks for self-assembled to get worse. Bacteria that do not respond to any antibiotics are hydrogels. This project aims to make enzymatically and causing infections with increasing frequency, leaving clinicians spontaneously cross-linkable peptides for 3D printing hydrogel few treatment options. One approach has been to re-introduce implants that mimic the extracellular matrix. These hydrogels old, retired antibiotics, such as the polymyxins. The polymyxin can be tuned for anticancer properties, stroke rehabilitation and drug, colistin, became the last resort drug for treating resistant neuron growth promotion. In Gram-negative infections. The use of polymyxin drugs has led this project you will become to an increase in resistance to these drugs. This project aims familiar with solid phase to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of intrinsic polymyxin peptide synthesis, organic resistance in four organisms: Hafnia paralvei, Aeromonas synthesis and a range of hydrophila, Myroides odoratus, and Alcaligenes faecalis. chemical characterisation techniques (IR, UV and NMR Spectroscopy; HPLC- MS; Small Angle X-ray The development of unconventional T cells in the Scattering) human thymus Key words: hydrogels, peptides Location: Mt Helen Campus Project Leaders: Prof Stuart Berzins, Dr Morgan Wallace Email: s.berzins@federation.edu.au, The role of zinc in cell signalling m.wallace@federation.edu.au Location: Mt Helen Campus Project description: There is growing interest in the function Project Leaders: A/Prof Mark Myers, Dr Scott Nankervis of unconventional T cells and their role in diseases such as Email: m.myers@federation.edu.au COVID-19, cancer and allergies. In many instances, the unconventional T cell in these patients are abnormal, but it is Project description: Insulin resistance in muscle, liver and fat unclear whether this has occurred as a result of the disease, or tissues is an underlying cause of diabetes. While calcium ions if the development of these have long been recognized as second messengers in cells, a cells was defective. The similar role for zinc has only recently emerged. Dysfunctional developmental pathway of zinc signalling has been associated with important diseases these cells is poorly defined including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and in humans so this project will cancer. Our previous studies have shown that insulin causes a use cells isolated from transient increase in the concentration of free zinc ions in human blood, cord blood muscle cells. Understanding how this occurs may reveal new and thymus to study gene ways of treating diabetes. The project will use genetic expression and function as manipulation of the expression of genes involved in zinc control the cells mature. and confocal microscopy imaging of live cells and intracellular zinc sensors to work out how zinc signalling is controlled. Techniques will include cell biology, advanced live cell microscopy, cell transfection to manipulate gene expression, Characterising immune changes in specific and qPCR. disease settings Key words: zinc, diabetes, human disease Location: Mt Helen Campus Project Leaders: Prof Stuart Berzins, Dr Morgan Wallace Email: s.berzins@federation.edu.au, m.wallace@federation.edu.au Project description: Comparing immune cells from patients with those isolated from healthy people can reveal immune changes associated with disease progression. This type of characterisation is being undertaken for patient groups with some forms of cancer, virus infection, and lung transplantation. This approach provides useful insights into immune function and may identify novel prognostic markers that can be used to improve diagnosis and assist with the selection of appropriate treatment strategies for patients. School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 4
Biomedical Science (continued) Novel pancreatic micro-peptides encoded by small Using RNA-Seq to determine the circular RNA open reading frames (sORFs) in “non-coding” RNA profile of hypertensive human kidneys Location: Mt Helen Campus Location: Mt Helen Campus Project Leaders: A/Prof Mark Myers, Dr Scott Nankervis Project Leaders: Dr Priscilla Prestes, Dr Michelle Maier, Email: m.myers@federation.edu.au Prof Fadi Chachar, Prof Maciej Tomaszewski (Univ of Leicester, UK) Project description: The pancreatic islets of Langerhans Email: p.prestes@federation.edu.au; produce many important regulatory peptides including insulin m.maier@federation.edu.au; and glucagon and numerous other peptides that also modulate f.charchar@federation.edu.au metabolic control. Over recent years there has been an explosion in the study of non-coding RNA e.g. long non-coding Project description: Hypertension is number the one risk RNA or lncRNA and this is uncovering a whole new level of factor for many cardiovascular diseases. It is not clear which genomic regulation. More recently it has become clear that a genes and transcripts are association with increased risk of small proportion of lncRNA actually does encode small hypertension. Our hypothesis is that circular RNAs or/and their proteins, or micro-peptides, which also have biological aberrant (exciting new RNA molecules previously thought of as importance. We have discovered a lncRNA expressed in a JUNK RNA) may be one of the drivers. We will use next pancreatic islet cell line that potentially encodes a peptide that generation sequencing and a range of cutting-edge modulates insulin activity. The project will use bioinformatics technologies to determine which circular RNAs are expressed and molecular biology to characterise lncRNA and proteomics in the human kidney. to identify encoded micropeptides. Techniques will include PCR, cDNA sequencing, cell transfection, and liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify micropeptides.. Moxonidine and cell migration Key words: diabetes, micropeptides, human disease Location: Mt Helen Campus Project Leader: Dr Yutang Wang Email: Yutang.wang@federation.edu.au The Y chromosome circular RNA – an emerging Project description: Atherosclerosis is the major underlying molecule related to coronary artery disease (CAD) mechanism for stroke and heart attack. Treatment of in men atherosclerosis can protect us from these diseases. Atherosclerosis is characterised by the build-up of cholesterol Location: Mt Helen Campus in the arteries. However, most research on atherosclerosis Project Leaders: Dr Priscilla Prestes, Dr Michelle Maier, focuses on inflammation. Prof Fadi Charchar One under-investigated Email: p.prestes@federation.edu.au; area for atherosclerosis is m.maier@federation.edu.au; the imbalance of cholesterol f.charchar@federation.edu.au in the arteries. This project will investigate the effect of Project description: There is a well-known “male moxonidine, which can disadvantage” in heart disease – men develop and die of it inhibit atherosclerosis, on more frequently than women. The cause of this disparity is still the migration of monocytes, not clear and is not explained by many traditional risk factors which is an important step for cholesterol efflux. The such as diet. Circular RNAs are an underexplored molecule techniques involved include cell culture, confocal microscopy, potentially associated with disease outcomes. We have shown cell migration assay, and quantitative PCR. that the male sex Y chromosome is associated with increased Key words: atherosclerosis, moxonidine, cell migration risk of heart disease. The current proposed project will utilize molecular techniques to measure the expression of circular RNAs on the Y chromosome in patients with CAD. This may improve our understanding of why men are more prone to heart disease and could help to develop sex-specific methods for Renal denervation and abdominal aortic aneurysm prevention and treatment of heart disease in the future. Location: Mt Helen Campus Project Leader: Dr Yutang Wang Email: Yutang.wang@federation.edu.au Project description: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is estimated to cause 200,000 deaths each year. The only treatment for AAA is surgical repair, and the latter is associated with a risk of serious perioperative complications. There is an urgent need to develop other therapies for AAA. Our preliminary study showed that renal denervation decreased the AAA formation in mice. This project aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism using available mouse tissue. It involves histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, and biochemical analysis. Key words: renal denervation, aortic aneurysm, morphology School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 5
Biomedical Science (continued) Functionalised peptides for the detection of DNA damage repair pathways and mutagenesis pyrophosphate in biological samples Location: Gippsland Campus Location: Mt Helen/Gippsland Campus Project Leader: Dr Gregory Davis Project Leader: Dr Benjamin Long, Dr David Smith Email: greg.davis@federation.edu.au Email: bm.long@federation.edu.au Project description: DNA damage repair contributes to Project description: Solid phase peptide synthesis allows for genomic stability in all eukaryotes. Due to this, the pathways rapid prototyping of molecules for the binding and detection of associated with DNA damage repair are highly conserved from pyrophosphate. The detection of pyrophosphate could allow for yeast through to humans. While these are well characterised, rapid diagnosis of diseases such as pseudogout and the recruitment and maintenance of these repair mechanisms renal/vascular calcification; as well as being a potential probe is largely unknown. This project will use the multicellular model for cell viability. In this project you will become familiar with organism, Caenorhabditis elegans, to explore key genes solid phase peptide synthesis, organic synthesis and a range required for repairing DNA damage and their contribution to of chemical characterisation techniques (IR, UV and NMR maintaining chromosomal integrity in early embryonic events. Spectroscopy; HPLC-MS). This project will involve several approaches including genetics, immunohistochemistry, cloning and fluorescence microscopy. Key words: detection, host-guest chemistry, diagnostics, peptides Key words: DNA damage, genome, mutagenesis Transcriptomics study of host parasite Interactions Location: Gippsland Campus Project Leader: Dr Phillip Brook-Carter Email: phillip.brook-carter@federation.edu.au Project description: The projects on offer will focus on the analysis of the interactions that take place between the parasite Giardia Duodenalis and the host intestinal epithelial cells in an attempt to further the understanding of the mechanisms of parasitism that lead to giardiasis. Understanding the lung microbiome in health and Projects will focus on the disease generation and / or analysis of transcriptomic data Location: Berwick/Mt Helen/Gippsland Campus representing host cell Project Leaders: Dr Rob Bischof, Dr Sarah Preston, responses to Giardia infection, as well as the transcriptome of Prof David Piedrafita, the parasite itself during parasitism. We have already identified A/Prof Andrew Greenhill thousands of gene transcription changes in host cells during Email: r.bischof@federation.edu.au; parasitism and we will explore this area more closely in sj.preston@federation.edu.au; individual projects. david.piedrafita@federation.edu.au There are up to 2 projects available (upon discussion) that would suit both molecular biologists and / or those with a desire Project description: It is widely accepted that the lungs to utilise bioinformatics on complex data sets. contain a small but dynamic endogenous microbial population that plays an important role in normal lung physiology and Key words: Giardia, transcriptomics, bioinformatics function. Significant changes in the lung microbiome in response to inflammation and disease of the lungs is also well recognised, although gaps remain in our understanding of how Screening of breast cancer type 1 and 2 the lung microbiome, with or without a link to the gut, susceptibility proteins (BRCA1/2) in germ cells contributes to lung immunity and health. This project will examine the lung microbiome in healthy and inflamed/diseased Location: Gippsland Campus lungs using genomics, bioinformatics, and in vivo and in vitro Project Leader: Dr Gregory Davis techniques, with a view to identify novel therapeutic targets for Email: greg.davis@federation.edu.au the treatment of lung disease. Project description: Mutations in key DNA damage repair Key words: lung microbiome, airway disease, inflammation proteins BRCA1 and BRCA2 lead to a marked increase in breast cancer in humans. Both BRCA1/2 are associated with repairing breaks in DNA that could otherwise result in disease associated mutations if not repaired. Although the role of BRCA1/2 is understood, how BRCA1/2 are recruited to sites of DNA damage are poorly understood. This study will use the model organism C. elegans to explore proteins that associate with BRCA1/2 in germ cells. This will include RNAi screening, genetic cloning (CRISPR) and fluorescent microscopy. It is anticipated that this project will identify key proteins that recruit BRCA1/2 and enhance their function in the DNA damage repair process. School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 6
Biomedical Science (continued) Characterisation of ACE2 expression in the lungs Preclinical testing of novel therapeutics using sheep models of lung disease Location: Berwick/Gippsland Campus Project Leaders: Dr Rob Bischof, Prof David Piedrafita Location: Berwick/Gippsland Campus Email: r.bischof@federation.edu.au; Project Leaders: Dr Rob Bischof, Prof David Piedrafita, david.piedrafita@federation.edu.au Dr Paris Papagianis, Dr Habtamu Derseh Email: r.bischof@federation.edu.au Project description: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 david.piedrafita@federation.edu.au (ACE2) is the cellular receptor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). The ACE2 Project description: Inhaled drug delivery for administration receptor/protein is expressed in the upper and lower of medications, especially for treating lung-related conditions, respiratory tract and plays a critical role in covid-19 infection is gaining considerable global interest. The inhaled delivery of and transmission. With lungs similar to human lungs, sheep are approved drugs at lower doses and formulated in a different widely recognised as a good translational model for human way to those currently being delivered systemically (eg oral) is airway diseases. This study will examine cellular localisation proposed to be an efficient way to maximise therapeutic drug and tissue distribution of the ACE2 protein in sheep lungs, concentration in the lungs and reduce side effects. This project using molecular, biochemical and immunological techniques. will use sheep models developed in our laboratory to evaluate This work may help to clarify potential targets for the the efficacy and therapeutic benefits of drug delivery to the development of more effective antiviral therapies against lungs. Several project options will be available, and methods COVID-19. will involve physiology, immunology, and in vivo and in vitro Key words: ACE2 receptor, COVID-19, sheep airways techniques. Research here will facilitate the development and clinical transition of more effective inhalable therapeutics. Key words: lung disease, translational model, sheep Functional and phenotypic characterisation of airway macrophages Location: Berwick/Gippsland Campus Project Leaders: Dr Rob Bischof, Prof David Piedrafita Email: r.bischof@federation.edu.au; david.piedrafita@federation.edu.au Project description: Airway macrophages are prominent immune cells that are known to play an important role in healthy and diseased lungs. Macrophage M1/M2 polarisation and functional differentiation is affected by a range of stimuli, but we know very little about the ’altered’ state of macrophages in the context of airway disease. The aim of these studies is to examine and better understand the characteristics of airway macrophages in healthy and inflamed lung tissues. This project will include immunohistology, microscopy, immunology and cell biology techniques. Key words: airway macrophages, inflammation School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 7
Environmental Science Biodiversity of insect decomposers in Kosciusko Carcass management on sheep farms for ecological National Park and veterinary benefits Location: Mt Helen Campus Location: Mt Helen Campus Project Leader: Dr Philip Barton Project Leader: Dr Philip Barton, Dr Sarah Preston Email: ps.barton@federation.edu.au Email: ps.barton@federation.edu.au; sj.preston@federation.edu.au Project description: An exciting research project is currently underway examining the biodiversity of insect and vertebrate Project description: Multiple projects are available for scavengers found at deer and kangaroo carcasses in students to investigate the ecological and veterinary aspects of Kosciusko National Park. This project will look at the flies and animal carcass management on farms. The carcasses of dead beetles collected from carcasses, and to answer questions animals are consumed by a diversity of microbes, insects, and about seasonal changes in important species. There is scope scavenging vertebrates, and broken down, recycled and to conduct field work in the mountains, as well as learn new dispersed back into the environment. This process supports skills in insect identification in the laboratory. Work will be done biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. In some situations, in collaboration with experts at Federation University and the animal carcasses can host pathogens such as campylobacter, University of Sydney. attract pest species such as foxes, or produce flystrike species Key words: ecosystem function, insect, carrion, scavengers, such as Lucilia cuprina. Monitoring of carcasses can therefore Kosciusko NP provide valuable information to farmers about health risks to livestock. There is scope for students to develop skills in field work and laboratory procedures such as insect or parasite identification and microbial genetic sequencing. Work will be done in collaboration with local landholders, agricultural consultants, and industry experts. Interested students can apply to Australian Wool Education Trust for a $7000 scholarship to support their honours year. Key words: agriculture, biodiversity, carrion, insects, parasites, scavengers, sheep farms Effect of artificial light at night on insects as food for fish and birds at Lake Wendouree Location: Mt Helen Campus Project Leaders: Dr Philip Barton, Dr Penelope Greenslade, Dr Teresa Jones (University of Melbourne) Email: ps.barton@federation.edu.au; p.greenslade@federation.edu.au Project description: There is considerable evidence accumulating on the deleterious effects of artificial lights at Characterisation of wetland submergence regimes night on wildlife. This has recently been emphasised in the with electrical resistivity imaging press and elsewhere on the damage to bogong moth populations along their migratory route to montane areas Location: Mt Helen Campus where they aestivate and provide food for the mountain pygmy Project Leader: Dr Ander Guinea possum. Lake Wendouree is the most important habitat in Email: a.guinea@federation.edu.au Ballarat for aquatic insects that, as larvae, are food for fish and birds and as adults are a resource for bats as well as some Project description: Wetlands are important aquatic assets birds. There is a plan to place artificial lights at 20 m intervals that support ecological diversity. The wetting and drying all around lake Wendouree for the benefit of runners at night. It regimes of wetlands are an important feature which support the has been observed that the existing trial lights attract large broader ecological health of the wetland system. The numbers of flying insects at certain times of the year with the understanding how a wetland system is affected by seasonal result that massive deaths occur from the heat and insect and climatic cycles is essential for its effective management. debris that accumulates under them which has even been In DC geoelectrical techniques such as Electrical Resistivity observed smouldering. It is proposed that this Honours work Imaging, an electrical current is injected into the ground would involve sampling flying insects both at lights and where between one pair of electrodes and the voltage is measured there are no lights in close proximity to the lake. The method to between another pair. This measurement is repeated along a be used would be yellow sticky cards. If the results show a line of electrodes with regular spacing and as a result, the significant difference between catches at lights compared to distribution of the electrical conductivity of the terrain can be away from lights, it is planned that they will be submitted to calculated in 2D profiles or 3D models. The bulk resistivity of local councils for consideration in future lighting plans in the the ground is affected by several parameters such as city. composition and soil moisture content. Key words: insects, artificial lights, fish, birds, bats This project will look to use resistivity techniques to better understand the drying phases of wetlands to enable stronger conceptual links to be formed between groundwater dependent ecosystems, drying regimes, and groundwater level retreat. School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 8
Environmental Science (continued) Geoelectrical methods applied to the study of Suitability of Eucalypt species as lichen hosts clogging in stormwater bio-filters Location: Gippsland Campus Location: Mt Helen Campus Project Leaders: Dr Simone Louwhoff, Dr Philip Barton Project Leader: Dr Ander Guinea Email: s.louwhoff@federation.edu.au Email: a.guinea@federation.edu.au Project description: Trees are host to an amazing diversity of Project description: The use of gravel infiltration trenches has dependent species, but have you ever thought about lichens? been widely adopted in the stormwater management industry While lichens are frequently overlooked, they can play an as a means to filter gross pollutants, and in some cases to important ecological role in eucalypt forests. Preliminary assist with nutrient and sediment removal. However, the observations show that Eucalyptus radiata in lowland forest is performance of these filters can deteriorate over time if they a suitable host for 15 species with lichens extending far into the become clogged with biofilms or other obstructions. canopy. Due to their continuously flaking and shedding bark, Maintenance of these filters is sometimes required, but the many eucalypts are poor lichen hosts. However, species that clogging phenomena is not well understood. retain their finely textured bark almost to the outer canopy In DC geoelectrical techniques, an electrical current is injected branches, provide suitable habitats for several different into the ground between one pair of electrodes and the lichens. Although no lichens appeared restricted to E. radiata, electrical characteristics of the ground can be determined. A some degree of specificity with eucalypts has been observed, recent study has stablished that there is a relationship between including the bright yellow, leprose lichen Chrysothrix the electrical chargeability of a biofilter and the presence of candelaris. Other large trees comprising the over storey in clogging biofilms. In this project, geolectrical assessment lowland forest (E. obliqua and E. consideniana), also have bark techniques like induced polarization and electrical resistivity persistent into the canopy branches but, overall, only limited imaging will be used for monitoring the clogging process in research into their suitability as a lichen host has been biofilters. This will allow to better understand and predict the conducted. development of biofilms and to help inform maintenance and remediation regimes of biofilters. Bioaccumulation and effect of emerging contaminants in the environment Location: Mt Helen/Gippsland Campus Project Leader: Dr Benjamin Long, Dr Nick Schultz, Dr David Smith Email: bm.long@federation.edu.au Phone: (03) 5327 9452 The overall objective is to conduct a systematic field survey of eucalypts as lichen hosts, with a special focus on host Project description: Emerging contaminants such as specificity and observation of lichens and burnt bark. These Pharmaceuticals, PFAS and microplastics are known to be data can be used to contribute knowledge to restoration efforts discharged to the environment. Little is known about the and what tree species to plant to maximise potential for lichen concentrations of these contaminants in the Australian diversity. Students will develop vegetation and lichen environment and their penetration through the food web. In this identification skills (including microscopy and thin layer project you will contribute to the characterisation of the problem chromatography), skills in analysing the biodiversity data sets, and help measure the effects of these contaminants on the and scientific writing. This project will aim to (1) identify the environment (through environmental sampling and or lichen flora on eucalypt trees in different vegetation types, (2) microcosm studies). You will become familiar with field investigate if some trees host more species than others, and if sampling techniques, solid phase extraction (SPE and some lichens are specific to particular eucalypts, (3) comment QuEChERS) and HPLC-MS/MS. on the potential value of some lichens to be indicators of eucalypt forest integrity, and (4) investigate a connection between lichens and burnt eucalypt bark. Key words: lichen, indicators, host specificity, lichen hosts, ecosystem, ecological role Key words: pharmaceuticals, emerging contaminants, detection School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 9
Environmental Science (continued) Lichens as indicators of ecosystem functionality in Colorimetric detection of drugs revegetated forests Location: Gippsland /Mt Helen Campus Location: Gippsland/Berwick Campus Project Leaders: Dr David Smith, Dr Benjamin Long Project Leaders: Dr Simone Louwhoff, Dr Philip Barton Email: d.smith@federation.edu.au Email: s.louwhoff@federation.edu.au bm.long@federation.edu.au Project description: In Victoria, as elsewhere, clearing of our Project description: Colorimetric testing is a quick chemical native vegetation and associated loss of habitat and method used by law enforcement for drug detection and biodiversity has been extensive. In an effort to remediate this, identification. However, it can suffer from poor selectivity, revegetation programs aim to return fragmented landscapes to especially among structurally similar drugs (eg amphetamines, a more functional state. Lichens are sensitive to microclimatic pseudoephedrine, salbutamol). Colorimetric sensing arrays conditions and have long been known as good indicators of may be able to improve detection methods by using several habitat continuity. They also play an important ecological role non-selective probes in combination to create a unique finger- and it is important to recognise their potential contribution to print response to the drug analytes. This project aims to create revegetated forests. Lichens have been used to monitor a sensing array using a range of chemical dyes and indicators ecosystem function or health (described as including for the detection and differentiation of phenethylamine maintenance of productivity, nutrient cycling, and disturbance containing compounds which is a core structure found in a response) of a forest. Their presence can, therefore, be used range of drug molecules. as an indication that this has been re-created at a revegetated Key words: colorimetric, sensing array, drug detection site. The overall objective is to determine if individual lichen species or lichen assemblages can be used to determine the success of a revegetation project in mimicking the ecosystem functionality usually associated with remnant vegetation. Ecology and Water Chemistry of the Morwell Students will identify the lichen flora of revegetation projects in Wetlands different successional stages, and compare lichen species in revegetated patches with those in remnant patches in similar Location: Gippsland Campus ecological vegetation classes (EVCs). Project Leader: Dr Jess Reeves Key words: lichen, indicators, ecosystem functionality, Email: j.reeves@federation.edu.au revegetation, monitoring, restoration Project description: This project will look at the seasonal water quality variability and ecology of the Morwell Wetlands. Depending on your interest, the project can either focus on the Gone to ground: Rediscovering the Eastern flora (aquatic vegetation, algal communities) or the fauna Ground Parrot in the Otways (invertebrate assemblages) of the wetlands. Sampling will be undertaken in March-April and again in August-September and Location: Mt Helen Campus related to both climatic events and discharge regimes of the Project Leader: Dr Grant Palmer local industries. There is scope to improve the ecological Email: g.palmer@federation.edu.au values of Morwell Wetlands, so this project will provide a ‘before’ study, to determine the current condition and variability Project description: The Eastern Ground Parrot Pezoporus of the wetland system, prior to changes in the flow of the wallicus is a threatened species in Victoria. During the Morwell, in light of the mine site rehabilitation project. 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires, large areas of their habitat Key words: wetlands, ecology, climate change, rehabilitation, were impacted in eastern Australia. Historically an isolated water chemistry population of this species occurred in the Otways region, western Victoria. This isolated sub-population was considered possibly locally extinct until this cryptic species was unexpectedly recorded during a remote camera survey in the Efficacy of Traralgon Artificial Wetlands region sparking new interest in its status in the area. A team from FedUni, DELWP, Parks Victoria, Eastern Marr and Location: Gippsland Campus Wadawarrung Aboriginal Corporations has formed to Project Leader: Dr Jess Reeves investigate the rediscovery of this species in the Otways. This Email: j.reeves@federation.edu.au project will include formal surveys (including using remote audio detection), habitat assessment and habitat suitability Project description: The Latrobe City Council has established mapping to inform species conservation and recovery. a number of vegetated wetlands for treatment of both industrial Key words: heathland, fire management and ecology, and urban stormwaters. The council are interested to see how species conservation, species recovery. effective their design is. This will be tested by undertaking bi- monthly sampling of the wetlands for water quality, nutrients, invertebrates and vegetation. There are also parallel projects related to the construction of the wetland and flow regimes (engineering) and social value of the wetland sites (social science). Key words: wetlands, ecology, climate change, Rehabilitation, water chemistry School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 10
Environmental Science (continued) Ecology and Water Chemistry of the Morwell Living Bung Yarnda (Lake Tyers) environmental Wetlands stewardship plan Location: Gippsland Campus Location: Gippsland Campus Project Leader: Dr Jess Reeves Project Leader: Dr Jess Reeves Email: j.reeves@federation.edu.au Email: j.reeves@federation.edu.au Project description: This project will look at the seasonal Project description: This project involves both the water quality variability and ecology of the Morwell Wetlands. development of an integrated citizen science environmental Depending on your interest, the project can either focus on the program and analysis of the community and project flora (aquatic vegetation, algal communities) or the fauna development itself. The environmental aspect will include a (invertebrate assemblages) of the wetlands. Sampling will be review of existing monitoring programs including water quality, undertaken in March-April and again in August-September and waterbugs, fish, birds, vegetation and mammal scats and related to both climatic events and discharge regimes of the scratchings. A database will be developed, specific to Lake local industries. There is scope to improve the ecological Tyers, but contributing to larger, extant monitoring programs. It values of Morwell Wetlands, so this project will provide a will also involve recruitment and training of volunteer ‘before’ study, to determine the current condition and variability participants and analysis of the first 6 months of data collected, of the wetland system, prior to changes in the flow of the to be presented at a community forum. The social science Morwell, in light of the mine site rehabilitation project. aspect of the project will map the process of recruitment, Key words: wetlands, ecology, climate change, rehabilitation, engagement and community outreach of the program, beyond water chemistry the participants. It will also map the environmental values of the various interest groups around Lake Tyers, to assist in development of the Environmental Stewardship program. Healthy Agricultural Soils Location: Gippsland Campus Project Leader: Dr Jess Reeves Email: j.reeves@federation.edu.au Project description: This is a two phase project looking at the chemistry and biology of agricultural soils in Southern Gippsland. We are working with 8 properties who are Embedding the Sustainable Development Goals in interested in improving their soil health. They have employed a Gippsland range of techniques, including compost, mulch, Location: Gippsland Campus organic fertilisers, grazing Project Leader: Dr Jess Reeves and crop rotation. The Email: j.reeves@federation.edu.au project will look at the efficacy of each of these Project description: This investigation will develop a model of methods on soil health how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can influence across a range of and create better alignment of organisational strategies and agricultural landscapes plans in Gippsland. The model will be based on work and produce types. The project forms part of Growing Southern undertaken by the Melbourne City Council, Dairy Australia, the Gippsland, funded by the DELWP Climate Change Adaptation Latrobe Valley Authority and Wellington Shire Council. grants and led by Bass Coast Landcare Network. Through the pilot of the Gippsland Smart Specialisation Strategy, the project will also map to how the SDG framework can better inform and underpin other key organisational strategies. Research will involve assessing the current status of awareness of the SDGs across Gippsland, develop and trial tools for tracking and prioritising progress toward the SDGs and evaluate behaviour change. This project is supported by the Latrobe Valley Authority. School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 11
Environmental Science (continued) Habitat specificity and competitive traits of Seed ecology and agronomy of a selected Australian acacias invaded to natural landscapes Murnong (Microseris) yam daisy species in Asia Pacific: a global review Location: Berwick/Mt Helen Campus Location: Berwick/Mt Helen Campus Project Leader: Dr Kushan Tennakoon, Project Leader: Dr Kushan Tennakoon, Prof S. K. Florentine (Florry) Prof S. K. Florentine (Florry) Dr Nick Schultz Email: k.tennakoon@federation.edu.au; Email: k.tennakoon@federation.edu.au; s.florentine@federation.edu.au s.florentine@federation.edu.au Project description: The genus Acacia (Family: Fabaceae; Project description: Murnong (Microseris sp.) has long been subfamily: Mimosoideae) commonly known as Wattles are recognised as one of the most important staple food sources native to both Australia and Africa. The Acacia lineage native for Aboriginal people of the grassy plains of south-eastern to Australia comprise over 900 species are found in different Australia. However, Murnong on the plains became scarce habitats: from coastal to subalpine regions, from high rainfall to after the introduction of sheep and rabbits. Murnong persist arid areas, in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate regions. now in isolated undisturbed grassland remnants and dry Approximately 300 Acacia spp. of Australian origin have been sclerophyll forests in Victoria. Recently, Walsh (2016) introduced around the world as timber and ornamental plants conducted a taxonomic revision which increased Microseris and approximately 23 of them have become highly invasive in from two to three species. In Victoria Microseris walteri (largely many terrestrial ecosystems and causing significant impact on found in central and western Victoria), M. scapigera (south- biodiversity. Ten Acacia spp. (with six species of Australian west Victoria), and M. lancelota (eastern part of Victoria) exist. origin viz. A. longifolia subsp. sophorae, A. mangium, A. The Murnong SEED Citizen Science Project (SEED - Studies mearnsii, A. melanoxylon, A. retinodes. and A. saligna) are Exploring Edible Daisies) is a joint Higher Ed and TAFE FedUni listed in the Global Invasive Species Database with one project, with the assistance of more than 200 citizen scientists species (A. mearnsii) being in the 100 most invasive species and gardeners. It aims to explore the growth form and list. distribution of the two local species, analyse their nutritional and medicinal value and build up stocks for education and revegetation projects here in Victoria. This project will investigate the seed ecology and agronomy of one of the Murnong species. Knowledge of optimum growth requirements of Murnong species is critically important to develop cultivation protocols for eventual bushland and grassland revegetation projects using this culturally significant species. A suitable candidate can (i) examine the influence selected environmental factors such as temperature, light, pH, Salinity, soil moisture, and burial depth on the germination and emergence of the seeds of one of Microseris species in It is vital to identify a discrete set of characteristics which Victoria, and (ii) examine the effect of different soil types, light facilitate successful invasion by exotic plants such as Acacia and application of synthetic fertilisers on the growth and species in non-original regions. It has been claimed that establishment of the same Microseris species under controlled invasive plants typically possess novel traits or exhibit more conditions (plant house study to be conducted in the Ballarat extreme trait values which confer on their competitive Campus). advantage over native flora such characteristics: (i) rapid growth, (ii) high N–fixing ability, (iii) heteroblasty and (iv) high flexibility in physiological performance found in Australian Acacia spp. However, no clear separation of particular trait sets has been reported for either highly invasive or less invasive different environmental conditions. We found that plant invasion studies have been unevenly distributed biogeographically, with the majority conducted in either Temperate or Mediterranean climate regions. The Mediterranean climate is shared by the Mediterranean Basin, California, Chile, the Western Cape of South Africa and Southern Australia. In contrast, related studies in other climate types such as the seasonal tropics are still scarce. Thus, an assessment of the contribution of traits to success of Australian Acacia species’ invasions under these largely unstudied conditions/climates in the Asia Pacific will help us to better understand invasive mechanisms and subsequently develop control approaches. This project will aim to provide insights into Australian Acacia invasiveness for the more efficacious selection of management practices, including control. School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 12
Environmental and Mathematical Sciences Climatological characteristics of tropical cyclone Long-term changes in tropical cyclone landfall rainfall in the Pacific Islands over Australia Location: Mt Helen Campus Location: Mt Helen Campus Project Leader: Dr Savin Chand Project Leader: Dr Savin Chand Email: s.chand@federation.edu.au Email: s.chand@federation.edu.au Project description: Pacific island countries have high Project description: Tropical cyclones are one of the costliest concentrations of settlements in close proximities to coastlines. natural disasters affecting coastal communities around tropical These communities are highly vulnerable to extreme tropical Australia. However, due to quality and quantity issues cyclone rainfalls, and at present there is little quantitative surrounding tropical cyclone database and the presence of information on how these risks have changed over the past large variability from natural sources at multiple timescale, it is decades and will change under a warmer climate. The difficult to ascertain how TC characteristics have changed over frequency and magnitude of tropical cyclones are likely to Australia. This project utilises results from climate model change and so are the risks they pose for coastal communities simulations to examine high-impact features of our past and and infrastructure. This project will emphasise on magnitude- future tropical cyclone activity over Australia. In particular, we frequency relationship of tropical cyclone rainfall on selected will examine model-derived TCs for past several decades over Pacific island countries. Understanding the impact of climate Australia and determine how the landfall characteristics of change on the magnitude of tropical cyclone rainfalls provides tropical cyclones have changes over the coastal regions. one indication of conditions under a changed climate, but it is also useful to understand the expected changes in the frequency of extreme rainfalls. Downscaling bushfire conditions to the station- scale in regional Victoria Location: Mt Helen Campus Project Leader: Dr Savin Chand Email: s.chand@federation.edu.au Project description: Climate models are very useful tools to understand how climate change may affect bushfire conditions Statistical assessment of tropical cyclone intensity in Australia. However, due to their coarse resolution and other from climate models inherent deficiencies (such as parametrization issues), resolving the station-scale changes in the climate conditions is Location: Mt Helen Campus problematic. The main emphasis of this project is to downscale Project Leader: Dr Savin Chand climate model output to the station-scale in order to better Email: s.chand@federation.edu.au understand the changes at local-scale. Several case studies will be used, utilising data from regional and remote locations Project description: Over the past few years, our in Victoria. understanding of tropical cyclones has improved considerably through improvements in climate model simulations of ocean and atmospheric processes. However, there are still reservations around model simulation of tropical cyclone intensities, which need very fine model resolution to be explicitly resolved. Such fine-resolution simulation is difficult due high computation cost, as well as issues with model parametrization. Regardless, cutting-edge mathematical and statistical techniques can now provide opportunities to examine high-impact features of tropical cyclones – such as tropical cyclone intensity – through drawing “links” with large- scale environment in which tropical cyclones form. The main emphasis of this work is to examine the relationship between tropical cyclone intensity and several large-scale features, and develop statistical models to assess changes in cyclone intensity in current and future climate scenarios. School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 13
Information Technology Utility-based reinforcement learning Implementing and evaluating the forall-network approach to deep multiobjective reinforcement Location: Mt Helen Campus or Online learning Project Leader: A/Prof Peter Vamplew Email: p.vamplew@federation.edu.au Location: Mt Helen Campus or Online Project Leader: A/Prof Peter Vamplew Project description: In recent years reinforcement learning Email: p.vamplew@federation.edu.au has been a hot topic in artificial intelligence research, achieving spectacular results such as defeating the human world Project description: Multiobjective reinforcement learning champion at Go. However, researchers are increasingly (MORL) extends the reinforcement learning paradigm from realising that defining appropriate rewards to produce the simple, single-objective tasks (e.g. ‘win this game of Go’) to desired behaviour may be difficult outside of simple, well- more complex problems with multiple, conflicting objectives defined domains like games. In particular agents which aim to (such as trading off economic and environmental factors). One optimise simple rewards derived directly from their interesting characteristic of MORL is that multiple optimal environment may exhibit unexpected and undesirable policies exist, representing different trade-offs between the behaviour. This project will investigate whether the application objectives, and an agent can potentially learn multiple policies of the concept of non-linear utility to rewards may result in at the same time. While some approaches have been made to different, possibly preferable behaviour. In particular it will developing multi-policy Deep MORL algorithms they currently consider whether this approach in combination with the exhibit some inefficiencies in learning. This project will concept of expected scalarised reward from multiobjective implement and empirically evaluate a novel approach (the reinforcement learning may result in improve risk-aware forall-network which uses a unique network architecture to behaviour in stochastic environments. directly support multi-policy learning). Investigating and addressing unstable value functions in multiobjective reinforcement learning Location: Mt Helen Campus or Online Project Leader: A/Prof Peter Vamplew Email: p.vamplew@federation.edu.au Project description: Multiobjective reinforcement learning (MORL) extends the reinforcement learning paradigm from simple, single-objective tasks (e.g. ‘win this game of Go’) to more complex problems with multiple, conflicting objectives (such as trading off economic and environmental factors). While standard RL methods like Q-learning have been extended to handle multiple objectives, we have observed in recent experiments that they can suffer from instabilities in their value function, which can slow learning or lead to sub-optimal solutions. This project will identify the conditions under which this instability can arise, quantify the impact on the learning performance, and explore possible approaches to address this issue. School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 14
Food Science Thermal stress resistance of Salmonella in Production of aroma compounds from the chocolate fermentation of native Australian honeys Location: Mt Helen Campus Location: Gippsland Campus Project Leader: Dr David Bean Project Leaders: Dr David Smith, A/Prof Andrew Greenhill Email: d.bean@federation.edu.au Email: d.smith@federation.edu.au Project description: Salmonella is a leading cause of Project description: Honey gastroenteritis. Typically, the organism is inactivated by can be fermented to produce cooking, but in some low water activity foods (chocolate in an alcoholic beverage particular) the thermal resistance of Salmonella is enhanced, known as mead. The flavour making it difficult to irradicate the organism. This project aims and aroma of the resulting to elucidate the mechanism behind this increase resistance to mead is influenced by heat, and in particular, understand the difference heat several factors, including the resistance observed between different Salmonella serotypes. type and source of honey used. Little is known about how native Australian honeys impact these profiles. This project will examine the flavour and aroma compounds produced during the fermentation of eucalypt honeys. Analysis will be performed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry and sensory evaluation. Key words: fermentation, aroma, GCMS Hydration of yeast in brewing: adding value or unnecessary risk? Location: Mt Helen/Gippsland Campus Project Leader: Dr David Bean, A/Prof Andrew Greenhill Email: d.bean@federation.edu.au; andrew.greenhill@federation.edu.au Project description: There has been great advancements in dry yeasts for the brewing industry in the past 10 – 15 years. Until recently there were relatively few brewing yeast strains available as dry yeast; though now there is a greater range and an increasing acceptance of dried yeast. However, there are still some reservations in some sectors of brewing fraternity, perhaps in part because large breweries have their own yeasts strains thus do not depend on dried yeast. However, amongst many in the craft brewing industry dried yeasts have gained acceptance. Dried yeast has many advantages over liquid yeast, not the least the storage life of dried yeast. Craft brewing is a key potential market for dried yeast producers. Beyond acceptability of dried yeast, there remains debate over the need to rehydrate dried yeast prior to pitching. Some manufacturers suggest pitching yeast directly, others recommend rehydrating the yeast first. To add to the confusion, texts and brewing websites (many targeting home-brewers) provide opinions, often conflicting. Currently, decisions are being made on whether to rehydrate yeast before pitching based on opinions rather than data. Moreover, many of the opinions are influenced by dried yeast characteristics of >10 years ago, not on the current product. The value of rehydrating dried yeast is an important research question. Dried yeast is a highly convenient product; however, the need to rehydrate does detract from that convenience. Moreover, there may be quality risks associated with rehydration, not the least the risk of contamination. This study seeks to determine the value of re-hydrating various strains of brewer’s yeast. School of Science, Psychology and Sport – BSc Honours Research Projects 2022 15
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