Research Projects
Fast, automated acquisition of mineral chemistry for mineral exploration
Yang Liu
01 Jan 2025 - 30 Jun 2028
This project aims to develop innovative analytical methods to provide fast and efficient mineral chemistry acquisition, which supports mineral industry on a commercially competitive basis. This service will be provided through the Advanced Analytical Centre housed at James Cook University.
VetheRBlocks
Steve Kerrison
01 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023
Create a proof of concept of an immersive learning app that would help students to better understand how data is moved around on networks, including
the Internet.
Building social and financial inclusion among youth with a low socioeconomic status
Developing and evaluating a financial literacy and skills program designed to improve social and financial inclusion among low-socioeconomic youth.
Coral Discovery
This project is engaged in digitally mapping all scientific expeditions that entered the Indian or Pacific Oceans before 1834. While it was originally envisioned as supporting the review of coral taxonomy it has wider implications including the establishment of environmental baselines, identifying museum collections relevant to Pacific locations, and examining the impact of European contact over time.
Developing a psychology resource library (SoLT Grant)
While essential to students’ academic and professional careers, many students find learning statistics difficult. Often, students have negative attitudes toward statistics, which impacts engagement and, subsequently, performance and attrition. Recent SoTL research on the design of engaging and effective virtual statistics learning activities found that students want flexible, interactive, and accessible tools, rather than printed textbooks, to practice and advance their data analysis skills. Therefore, as a team of psychology educators, we are leveraging contemporary, digital technologies to create a library of interactive resources available to all Psychology students and staff. Specifically, we are developing a suite of individual resources which, together, create an online reference library. Additionally, we are undertaking a pilot evaluation of undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students’ and College of Healthcare Sciences educators’ experiences and opinions of the library in order to ensure the library is both effective and engaging. Our student-centred approach to this resource library has been chosen to engage students in their own learning and will accommodate student preferences in the post-pandemic higher education sector. Critical to advancing JCU’s efforts for transformative education, this work has the potential to significantly decrease anxiety and increase student retention and success.
Influence of Career Development Practitioners in Regional, Remote and Rural Communities
Ben Archer
03 May 2021
This research project investigates how career development services impact regional, remote, and rural Australian communities, with a focus on youth retention and migration patterns. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative exploration of young people's career development experiences with quantitative analysis of community-level data, the study aims to understand how these services can help youth either remain in or return to their communities after pursuing education and employment opportunities elsewhere. The findings are intended to guide policy and funding decisions regarding career development services in non-metropolitan areas, recognizing the vital role young people play in maintaining both human capital and socio-cultural vitality in their communities.
For the Provision of Research in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Inclusion in Queensland State Schools
Wili Suluma
06 Jan 2025 - 28 Nov 2025
Within this PAR model, CALD students are empowered as co-researchers and experts in their own lives, whom the study is ‘with’ rather than ‘about’ (Tsey et al., 2004). This PAR driven process will allow for robust data collection. A systemic integration and interpretations of the findings will be integral to the development of CALD student determined and targeted intervention that aligns with a holistic human rights-based approach. This research design will help provide evidence on the ways that CALD students feel a sense of belonging and most empowered to excel and thrive in Queensland state schools.
Sediment offset Technical Advisor Port Townsville
Nathan Waltham
19 Mar 2024 - 30 Jun 2025
Provide technical advise and attend meetings on sediment offsets project for Port of Townsville
Sediment offset Technical Advisor Port Townsville
Nathan Waltham
19 Mar 2024 - 30 Jun 2025
Provide technical advise and attend meetings on sediment offsets project for Port of Townsville
Assessing seagrass distribution as habitat for dugong, turtle and fish on Mandubarra Sea Country
Tim Smith
01 May 2024 - 31 Jan 2026
The Mandubarra Sea Country project aims to understand and manage crucial coastal habitats and the ecosystems they support. Focusing on expansive seagrass habitats, this initiative partners with TropWATER and involves comprehensive mapping and monitoring along the coast, including the South Barnard Islands. The project integrates high-intensity aerial surveys to study the usage of seagrass meadows by green sea turtles and dugongs, both vital to the ecosystem. Additionally, it includes baseline fish surveys and workshops training Mandubarra Rangers in drone usage and underwater video assessments to monitor and manage fish and megaherbivore populations effectively. This collaboration aims to enhance fisheries resilience and inform future conservation efforts within the Mandubarra Sea Country.