College of Science & Engineering
Sophia Love
- Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences)
- sophie.love@jcu.edu.au
Romain Vaucher
- Senior Lecturer, Sedimentology
- romain.vaucher@jcu.edu.au
Jenny Fisher
- Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching
- jenny.fisher@jcu.edu.au
Ambili Narayanan
- Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences)
- ambili.narayanan@my.jcu.edu.au
Sarfaraz Ali
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- sarfaraz.ali@jcu.edu.au
Mikaeylah Davidson
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- mikaeylah.davidson@jcu.edu.au
Liuxin Chen
- Lecturer
- liuxin.chen@jcu.edu.au
Rafael Cabral Carvalho
- Lecturer, Marine Geoscience
- rafael.cabralcarvalho@jcu.edu.au
Tom Lloyd
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Global Ecosystems
- tom.lloyd@jcu.edu.au
Mohamadreza Chalak Qazani
- Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering
- mohamadreza.chalakqazani@jcu.edu.au
Novel role of RNA splicing and modification in white blood cell formation
Ulf Schmitz
01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2028
This project aims to address how ribonucleic acid (RNA) regulates white blood cell formation. This project expects to gain new insights into the mechanism and conservation of molecular processes governing white blood cell development using advanced molecular, cell biology and biochemical assays coupled with innovative RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Expected outcomes of the project include enhancing knowledge on how white blood cells are continuously replenished for the well-being of vertebrates and promoting international collaboration in the RNA sector. This should provide significant benefit in sustaining food production via knowledge to maintain health and combat blood disease in animals and advance Australia's RNA research.
Generation Signalling Device (GSD) using AFLC signals
Bruce Belson
09 Mar 2026 - 25 Apr 2026
The proposed project involves the design and development of a prototype Generation Signalling Device (GSD) intended for use within Queensland electricity distribution networks operated by Ergon Energy and Energex.
Ergon and Energex manage grid stability by transmitting Audio Frequency Load Control (AFLC) ripple control signals superimposed on the mains supply to initiate load shedding and generation control. In solar photovoltaic systems, a GSD functions as an interface device that detects these AFLC signals and communicates corresponding shutdown or control commands to a connected inverter to assist in maintaining network balance. The project is being run under the aegis of the IoT stream of EE4500 2026 Block 2.
Effect of pre-calving supplementation and yeast culture on colostrun secretion, calf health and growth (Old ID 26323)
John Cavalieri
15 Nov 2018 - 15 Apr 2019
It is estimated that one million calves die in Australia every year. Between mid-pregnancy and weaning, two-thirds of losses occur within a week of birth. Cows can take several days to achieve full lactation, leaving their calves vulnerable to dehydrate and die when environmental conditions are hot. Poor nutrition during late pregancy may cause hormonal imbalances and inadequate production of colostrum resulting in inadequate transfer of passive immunity to calves and increase calf loss. It is expected that supplemented cows will have better transfer of immunoglobulins to the mammary gland, leading to greater colustrum secretion and quality improving calf health.
AEA Ignite - Gold Barramundi
Dave Jones
11 Feb 2026 - 10 Jul 2027
CRISPR gene editing is changing global food production by providing new ways to improve growth, quality, and sustainability. As these technologies progress worldwide, and as Australian regulations evolve to support their safe use, the country has an opportunity to build capability now and position itself as a leader in sustainable seafood production.
This project focuses on barramundi, an iconic Australian fish and an important contributor to the national seafood industry. A key challenge for farmers is unwanted greying of fillets caused by melanin pigments, which reduces product value. Consumers prefer white fillets, which attract premium prices in both domestic and export markets.
Building on proof-of-concept research at James Cook University (JCU), we will refine CRISPR editing protocols targeting two genes: tyrp (to reduce melanin) and mstn (to improve muscle growth and yield). In partnership with Mainstream Aquaculture, the world’s largest supplier of barramundi fingerlings, we will also develop a small-scale hatchery and nursery system to rear and assess edited fish under controlled, industry-relevant conditions.
Within 12 months, the project will deliver a validated workflow alongside new operating procedures and performance benchmarks. These outcomes will support the production of whiter, higher-value fillets and help future-proof Australian aquaculture as precision breeding becomes central to global seafood production.
AEA Ignite - Gold Barramundi
Roberta Marcoli
11 Feb 2026 - 10 Jul 2027
CRISPR gene editing is changing global food production by providing new ways to improve growth, quality, and sustainability. As these technologies progress worldwide, and as Australian regulations evolve to support their safe use, the country has an opportunity to build capability now and position itself as a leader in sustainable seafood production.
This project focuses on barramundi, an iconic Australian fish and an important contributor to the national seafood industry. A key challenge for farmers is unwanted greying of fillets caused by melanin pigments, which reduces product value. Consumers prefer white fillets, which attract premium prices in both domestic and export markets.
Building on proof-of-concept research at James Cook University (JCU), we will refine CRISPR editing protocols targeting two genes: tyrp (to reduce melanin) and mstn (to improve muscle growth and yield). In partnership with Mainstream Aquaculture, the world’s largest supplier of barramundi fingerlings, we will also develop a small-scale hatchery and nursery system to rear and assess edited fish under controlled, industry-relevant conditions.
Within 12 months, the project will deliver a validated workflow alongside new operating procedures and performance benchmarks. These outcomes will support the production of whiter, higher-value fillets and help future-proof Australian aquaculture as precision breeding becomes central to global seafood production.
Scoping land use conversion options for high DIN risk, low-lying sugarcane areas in Burdekin and Mackay Whitsunday region (Old ID 26454)
Nathan Waltham
01 Jan 2019 - 01 Sep 2020
Water Quality Improvement Plans for most NRMs in the Great Barrier Reef catchments recognise that complete adoption of sugarcane best management practices will still not be sufficient to achieve the nitrogen load reductions required to meet the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Guidelines. Thus additional options need to be considered like transitioning agricultural land to other uses. Here we aim to i) identify possible alternate land uses in coastal low-lying land, that has a high DIN loss; ii) quantify the economic costs of changing land use, and market mechanisms to incentivise this transition; and iii) explore benefits of land transition.
AEA Ignite - Gold Barramundi
Jarrod Guppy
11 Feb 2026 - 10 Jul 2027
CRISPR gene editing is changing global food production by providing new ways to improve growth, quality, and sustainability. As these technologies progress worldwide, and as Australian regulations evolve to support their safe use, the country has an opportunity to build capability now and position itself as a leader in sustainable seafood production.
This project focuses on barramundi, an iconic Australian fish and an important contributor to the national seafood industry. A key challenge for farmers is unwanted greying of fillets caused by melanin pigments, which reduces product value. Consumers prefer white fillets, which attract premium prices in both domestic and export markets.
Building on proof-of-concept research at James Cook University (JCU), we will refine CRISPR editing protocols targeting two genes: tyrp (to reduce melanin) and mstn (to improve muscle growth and yield). In partnership with Mainstream Aquaculture, the world’s largest supplier of barramundi fingerlings, we will also develop a small-scale hatchery and nursery system to rear and assess edited fish under controlled, industry-relevant conditions.
Within 12 months, the project will deliver a validated workflow alongside new operating procedures and performance benchmarks. These outcomes will support the production of whiter, higher-value fillets and help future-proof Australian aquaculture as precision breeding becomes central to global seafood production.
Increasing efficiency and effectiveness of CoTS culling at low densities
Peter Doll
15 Oct 2025 - 26 Feb 2027
This study capitalises on the demonstrated utility of Scooter Assisted Large Area Diver-based (SALAD) surveys in areas with low densities of crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) to adapt culling procedures. This will greatly increase efficiency of culling in areas with CoTS densities (e.g., to contain emerging outbreaks).
Applying new image recognition techniques for automatic detection and spraying of Harrisia cactus (Old ID 26461)
Mostafa Rahimi Azghadi
01 Jul 2019 - 31 Oct 2021
harrisia cactus is a significant rangeland weed in Queensland and bnorthern NSW. It competes against native species, inhibits stock accdess and endangers wildlife. JCU have developed image recognition software to identify Harrisia cactus in pasture; which has been deployed on a prototype robotic platform for selective spot spraying. This proect will see the development of a new spraying unit incorporating JCU's developed technology with a vehicle provided by Warrakirri Cropping. The unit will then be used to treat 500 ha of infested pasture at Warrakirri's "Willaroo" property. Its performance will be compared to traditional methods and showcased to local landholders.
CoTS responses to elevated temperature and bleaching
Peter Doll
15 Oct 2025 - 26 Feb 2027
This study combines laboratory experiments and field surveys to assess how changing environmental and habitat conditions will affect crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS). More specifically, this study will examine behavioural responses of CoTS to temperature (e.g., assessing whether feeding is suppressed), as well as feeding preferences for bleached versus unbleached corals.
Complex growth rate evolution in a latitudinally widespread species
- 2004
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Researchers:Lin Schwarzkopf
Coral bleaching, reef fish community phase shifts and the resilience of coral reefs
- 2006
- Blackwell Publishing
- Researchers:David BellwoodAndrew Hoey
Regional-scale assembly rules and biodiversity of coral reefs
- 2001
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Researchers:David BellwoodTerry Hughes
End Date:
01 Jan 2022
End Date:
01 Jan 2024
Title:
PhD, University of Cambridge
Start Date:
01 Jan 2008
End Date:
01 Jan 2012
Start Date:
01 Jan 2004
End Date:
01 Jan 2008
Reseracher:
Khandakar Faisal Ibn Murad
(Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering and Related Technologies))
Start Date:
01 Jan 2014
End Date:
01 Jan 2015
Reseracher:
Khandakar Faisal Ibn Murad
(Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering and Related Technologies))
Start Date:
01 Jan 2006
End Date:
01 Jan 2010
Title:
PhD, James Cook University
Start Date:
01 Jan 2017
End Date:
01 Jan 2021
Start Date:
01 Jan 2018
Start Date:
01 Jan 2004
End Date:
01 Jan 2013