College of Science & Engineering

Sophia Love

Sophia Love

Romain Vaucher

Romain Vaucher

Jenny Fisher

Jenny Fisher

Ambili Narayanan

Ambili Narayanan

Sarfaraz Ali

Sarfaraz Ali

Mikaeylah Davidson

Mikaeylah Davidson

Liuxin Chen

Liuxin Chen

Rafael Cabral Carvalho

Rafael Cabral Carvalho

Tom Lloyd

Tom Lloyd

Mohamadreza Chalak Qazani

Mohamadreza Chalak Qazani

An Artificial Intelligence Enabled Automatic Detection of Estuarine Crocodiles in Queensland Waterways Using Digital Video
Euijoon Ahn
This is a collaborative project between James Cook University (JCU) and the Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation (DESI) to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) based software that leverages digital video for the detection of estuarine crocodiles (C. Porosus) in Queensland's waterways. Building on previous research and utilizing extensive footage from Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, this project aims to create an AI-based pilot detection system operational in both day and night settings to enhance safety around high-risk waterways.
Near Real-Time Adaptive Human-Driven Demographic Intelligence Framework: Enhancing Customer Experience and Operational Efficiency through Behavioural Insights
Euijoon Ahn
The aim of this project is to enhance the value provided to customers by venue operators through the development and implementation of AI driven closed-feedback-loop venue behaviour engine that offers recommendations to customers and venue operators. Starting at TRL 3, we will leverage data provided by an existing pilot to gain detailed insights into customer behaviour and demographics. This will enable venue operators to tailor their services more effectively to meet customers' needs and preferences. The project will progress to TRL 6, culminating in improved customer satisfaction and increased operational efficiency for venue operators, and a better experience for customers, through validated, industry-ready solutions.
Dwarf Minke Whale Project
Naomi Gardiner
01 Jan 2020 - 01 Jan 2025
The Minke Whale Project MWP (based at James Cook University, North Queensland Australia) conducts multi-disciplinary research into dwarf minke whale biology and behaviour, the social and economic values of the whales and the sustainable management of swim-with-whales tourism. The MWP research team works collaboratively with the GBR swim-with-minke whales tourism industry, Reef managers and wildlife conservation NGOs. Our work is primarily funded by ongoing passenger donations and the generous in-kind support of the CHARROA tourism operators in the Northern Great Barrier Reef. Please visit http://minkewhaleproject.org/
A sequential study of the microbiome profile in barramundi fry (Lates calcarifer) in different salinities
Leo Foyle
01 Aug 2023 - 31 Dec 2025
This project investigates whether the gut microbiome of juvenile barramundi is influenced by varying salinities. It assess gut mucosal morphology and also looks for the presence of Vibrio spp. toxin genes.
A study of the microbiome profile in barramundi fry (Lates calcarifer) fed diets with a different pH
Leo Foyle
01 Aug 2024 - 31 Dec 2025
Varying dietary pH is known to affect gut microflora in animal industries. This project looks at any potential changes to gut microbiome in juvenile barramundi fed diets with different pH.
Is groundwater discharge an overlooked source of methane in restored coastal wetlands?
Mahmood Sadat Noori
01 Jul 2022 - 30 Jun 2025
Coastal wetlands including saltmarsh and mangroves (known as blue carbon ecosystems) can accumulate carbon and act as a natural sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). They, therefore, have the potential to mitigate climate change. However, the CO2 captured by wetlands may be counteracted by emissions of methane (CH4) from the wetland, which is a stronger greenhouse gas (GHG). The Australian Government has recently created a blue carbon accounting system that encourages low-lying land to be converted to blue carbon ecosystems by removing tidal floodgates. However, effective restoration for carbon storage requires a better quantitative understanding of the fate of carbon following restoration. For example, it is currently unknown how much CH4 export will occur and whether the GHG impact of this flux is larger (or smaller) than the benefit of the overall carbon sequestration following wetland restoration. Dissolved gasses including CH4 are often orders of magnitude higher in groundwaters than surface waters, suggesting groundwater seepage may be a significant, but unaccounted source of CH4 export from coastal wetlands. Determining how groundwater influences the carbon budget in coastal wetlands is complicated and costly if conventional methods of hydrogeological investigation (installation of observation bores) are used. In this study, we propose to use a novel and efficient method to estimate the contribution of groundwater to CH4 emissions from restored coastal wetlands based on natural geochemical tracers. This project expects to generate new knowledge about the fate of carbon post-wetland restoration. By knowing the dominant sources and sinks of greenhouse gases, the role that restored wetlands play in mitigating climate change will be better understood. This will provide insights into how restoration can be designed to maximize carbon storage. Hence, the results from this work will be critical and timely in developing adequate strategies to manage coastal wetlands to minimize carbon losses.
Abattoir on the Mooove
Leo Foyle
18 May 2017 - 01 Nov 2018
A small Blended Learning and Innovation (BLING) grant from Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement
Assessment of Practical on Recoverable Surgery Performed on Barramundi by Final Year JCU Veterinary Science Students
Leo Foyle
30 Apr 2024 - 30 Apr 2026
Survey of final year vet students on their view of the recoverable fish surgery practical. These students are the only students in Australia to get such a practical.
Emerging technologies as a tool to monitor for invasive pathogens
Lori Lach
01 Sep 2024 - 01 May 2026
We will evaluate the emerging technologies of environmental DNA (eDNA; air and water) sampling and next generation sequencing for use as rapid, cost-effective and scalable approaches of monitoring for the introduction and circulation of invasive pathogens. These approaches could be adapted to a wide range of high-risk interfaces.
Improving the efficiency of genomic selection for meat yield, product quality and environmental resilience through digital phenotyping in the Akoya oyster
Mostafa Rahimi Azghadi
30 Sep 2024 - 30 Jun 2026
The Akoya pearl oyster has historically been farmed for production of pearls. However, in recent times due to its rapid growth rate there is interest in farming this species as a new edible oyster commodity. Broken Bay Pearls is a company situated in Broken Bay, NSW that is currently farming Akoya pearl oysters to sell oyster meat into the Sydney market. They are interested in increasing their production and quality of products through a genomics-informed selective breeding program. For a selective breeding program to be feasible two core components of large-scale data streams need to be acquired (precise measurements on phenotypes of interest to select, and genomic-based SNP genotypes of oysters). Due to the cost and difficulty in measuring growth, meat quality (ie glycogen content) and meat yield at the industrial-scales required, computervision of growth traits trained through machine learning, near-infrared spectroscopy to measure flesh quality, and SNP genomic genotyping platform have enormous potential to revolutionise the conduct of a breeding program and maximise efficiency and quality output of production. Tools also will allow rapid grading of product and possible creation of new niche product lines for sale. The proposed product will develop AI/ML based non-invasive phenotype methods along with a genomic platform to allow a selective breeding program for the Akoya pearl oyster to be implemented.
Title: Chief Investigator, ARC Linkage, Ecosystem risk assessment, $416,000
Reseracher: Nicholas Murray (Professor, Global Ecology and Conservation)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2019
End Date: 01 Jan 2023
Title: US Congress, invited to provide expert testimony
Reseracher: Anne Steinemann (Adjunct Professor)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2000
Title: Appointed, US President's National Drought Policy Commission workgroups
Reseracher: Anne Steinemann (Adjunct Professor)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2000
Title: Hesburgh Award (Highest national honor for university teaching programs)
Reseracher: Anne Steinemann (Adjunct Professor)
Start Date: 01 Jan 1999
Title: US National Science Foundation CAREER Award, highest honour for junior faculty in science and engineering
Reseracher: Anne Steinemann (Adjunct Professor)
Start Date: 01 Jan 1998
Title: Junior Faculty Teacher of the Year (Highest University Award)
Reseracher: Anne Steinemann (Adjunct Professor)
Start Date: 01 Jan 1997
Title: Outstanding Teacher of the Year (Highest College Award)
Reseracher: Anne Steinemann (Adjunct Professor)
Start Date: 01 Jan 1996
Title: American Association of University Women Scholar
Reseracher: Anne Steinemann (Adjunct Professor)
Start Date: 01 Jan 1993
Title: Appointed, Green Ribbon Commission, Seattle, developed Climate Action Plan that was adopted by more than 1,000 mayors internationally
Reseracher: Anne Steinemann (Adjunct Professor)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2008
Title: Appointed, Special Adviser to the States of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama on water issues
Reseracher: Anne Steinemann (Adjunct Professor)
Start Date: 01 Jan 1998