Research Projects
Closing the life-cycle of high-value Lysmata debelius shrimp in captivity
Jarrod Guppy
11 May 2026 - 10 May 2027
This project aims to enable captive breeding of the high-value ornamental shrimp Lysmata debelius, a species currently sourced exclusively from wild harvest. While demand remains strong, commercial aquaculture production has been constrained by low larval survival and prolonged development. Through a collaboration between James Cook University’s Aquaculture Breeding & Reproductive Technologies Lab, JCU’s Tropical Aquafeed Innovations Lab, and Monsoon Aquatics, the project will investigate how broodstock nutrition, larval feeding strategies, and hatchery management influence survival, development, and settlement. The outcomes will support practical, scalable life-cycle closure methods, reducing pressure on wild populations and strengthening Australia’s ornamental aquaculture capability.
The role of seagrass dispersal by marine mega-herbivores, dugong (Dugong dugon) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). (Old ID 22411)
Samantha Tol
02 Mar 2014 - 02 Mar 2017
This project will investigate the dispersal mechanisms of tropical seagrasses and determine which mechanisms are most effective for long distance dispersal. It will examine whether marine mega-herbivores (dugongs and green sea turtles) disperse seagrass seeds through their fecal matter and whether those seeds are viable. It will determine how long seagrass fragments, created by abiotic and biotic mechanisms, remain viable and establish new meadows. This information will be used to model which seagrass meadows are at greater risk of slow recovery after a large scale loss. This recovery model will have the potential to highlight which seagrass meadows rely solely on dispersal by marine mega-herbivores for recovery.
Enhanced learning experiences for Sport and Exercise Science students through integration of industry technology, knowledge sharing, and placement opportunities
Lisa Simmons
22 May 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
This CHS Scholarship of Learning and Teaching Seed Grant supported dissemination of findings from a teaching and learning project focused on enhancing Sport and Exercise Science student learning experiences through industry technology, knowledge sharing, and placement opportunities. Funding supported Lisa Simmons’ travel to Adelaide to present the project findings at the 2024 ANZAHPE Conference. The grant covered conference registration, travel, and accommodation.
Sustainable use of tailings as land-fill and non-structural construction material - Phase 1 (Old ID 27170)
Peter To
01 Jan 2021 - 31 Dec 2021
The central aim of the project is the assessment of blended residue from Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) for sustainable use. Tailings can be processed to remove the acidic content or mixed with binder to become safe backfill or non-structural materials. TECH proposed to process annually 600,000 tons of high grenade Nickel and Cobalt ore. Phase 1 of the project will undertake physical, chemical, geotechnical and engineering strength tests on tailings from TECH to estimate the limits and to assess characteristics, including the acid-insoluble content of the tailings. The understanding will help to develop research in phase 2 and 3.
A global assessment of fisheries co-management
William Arlidge
01 Apr 2026 - 31 Mar 2028
This project delivers a global assessment of fisheries co-management. It administers a structured survey to conservation practitioners and government officials working on fisheries co-management arrangements in coastal nations worldwide, recruited primarily through the Wildlife Conservation Society and WWF site networks, with broader outreach to practitioners in other NGOs and government agencies. The instrument captures governance characteristics, governance quality (effective, equitable, responsive, and robust), and perceived social and ecological outcomes. The work develops a typology of co-management systems and examines the conditions shaping their emergence, persistence, and impact, with findings disseminated through peer-reviewed synthesis articles.
Professionally Psyched: A Podcast to build professional identity, career clarity, and belongingness
Connar McShane
01 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
JCU Learning & Teaching Innovation Grant
“Bonus Chats”: A podcast series to build professional identity
Connar McShane
01 Jul 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
This project will use a podcast series to build professional identity within the psychology undergraduate cohort. The 15- minute podcast episodes will feature staff, PhD and Honours students discussing their research and contemporary issues relevant to the discipline. Research has shown that professional identity is important in the retention of people to organisations and careers. This project aims to build a sense of belongingness and community with the psychology undergraduate students through a creative and flexible delivery that showcases the diversity and opportunities within the psychology discipline. Improved retention, performance and engagement are the ultimate long-term goals.
Corals of the future: adaptation potential of Australian reefs to a changing climate (Old ID 27635)
Kate Quigley
01 Aug 2023 - 30 Jul 2029
Oceans are changing. Coral reefs are natural wonders of high socio-economic value but are under threat. Conservation genomics can inform managers where to move or establish reserves to prioritize biodiversity protection. This DECRA will help prepare Australia’s prized reefs against future decline by identifying “bright spot” reefs that protect three of the most fundamental biological processes found in nature: dispersal, symbioses, and adaptation. Outcomes include quantifying unknown genetic baselines to help managers optimise protection to sustain future reef ecosystem services. This will boost Australia’s standing as a global leader in the next conservation planning revolution using genomics.
Evaluating the Teaching Excellence and Collaborative Hub (TEACH): Building Educator Capability and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Lisa Simmons
03 Aug 2026 - 03 Aug 2029
This non-funded research project will evaluate the Teaching Excellence and Collaborative Hub (TEACH), a multi-modal faculty development initiative within the College of Medicine and Dentistry at James Cook University. TEACH aims to build educator capability, confidence, collegial connection, and engagement with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning through digital resources, mentoring, networking, communities of practice, showcases, and scholarly support activities. The evaluation will use a mixed-methods developmental evaluation design, including anonymous post-activity surveys, quarterly staff experience surveys, semi-structured interviews, and aggregate program-level engagement data. Findings will inform ongoing refinement of TEACH and contribute evidence about sustainable faculty development in regional health professional education contexts.
In what ways could Student-led Ward Rounds impact the experience of students completing their paediatric rotations? A Mixed methods study
Lisa Simmons
01 Jul 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
This mixed-methods study will explore how Student-led Ward Rounds influence the learning experiences and values of medical students completing paediatric rotations. The project is framed as an action research study and involves introducing a revised inpatient ward round structure in which medical students lead ward round activities, including taking patient histories, examining patients, and contributing to management plans under direct supervision from a senior doctor. This differs from the traditional paediatric ward round model, where students usually participate primarily as observers. Students will experience both traditional and student-led ward rounds during their six-week rotation. After the rotation, consenting students will be invited to provide feedback through an online survey and a short semi-structured interview with a research assistant. Findings may inform future educational redesign and research into active learning approaches within paediatric clinical placements. The project has previously been reviewed by an external ethics committee: SA Health Research GEMS. External approval number: 2025/HRE00442.