Applications are invited for a HDR project investigating how the GLP‑1/GIP dual agonist tirzepatide (Mounjaro) alters gut homeostasis in a mouse model. This project will investigate how this increasingly prescribed therapy alters gut permeability and the mucosal microbial communities throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This project will identify region‑specific signatures and candidate microbial pathways linking GLP‑1/GIP therapy to treatment response and barrier/immune modulation.

This project is suited to students interested in preclinical research, microbiome science, host–microbe interactions, and metabolic disease, with training in fundamental laboratory methods and bioinformatics.

Contact: Dr Matthew Snelson (m.snelson@ecu.edu.au)

Applications are invited for a HDR project conducting a large-scale nutritional epidemiology study exploring how dietary intakes and dietary patterns relate to circulating indicators of gut barrier dysfunction in a large cohort dataset. This research will also examine how gut barrier dysfunction relates to chronic disease occurrence, and whether it helps explain (mediate) the relationship between diet and disease.

This project is ideal for students who enjoy data-driven research and want to develop skills in population health nutrition, statistical analysis, and diet–disease research in an emerging field.

Contact: Dr Matthew Snelson (m.snelson@ecu.edu.au)

DXA scanning technology stands out for its minimal radiation exposure, positioning it as a prime candidate for frequent, early-stage screening of cardiovascular diseases and other conditions by identifying structural irregularities. Despite this, DXA scans are often plagued by issues of noise and low resolution.

The goal of this project is to create advanced explainable medical image processing and Machine Learning algorithms capable of detecting and localising these irregularities. Embodying a truly multidisciplinary endeavour, this work synthesizes elements of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cardiometabolic Health, and Mineralisation Disorders. Our team is able to corroborate the research findings and algorithm effectiveness through population-wide studies.

We are looking for a PhD candidate with a strong academic background in fields such as Computer Science or Engineering. They should excel in programming languages like Python and possess a solid grasp of mathematics, particularly in statistics. Prior research experience and a broad understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques are essential.

This project is well suited to students who demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, and strong communication skills, and who have an interest in medical image processing. Ideal candidates will be collaborative, adaptable to emerging technologies, and motivated by a passion for advancing knowledge in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Contact: Dr Syed Zulqarnain Gilani (s.gilani@ecu.edu.au)

Food insecurity is irregular and uncertain physical, social, and economic access to nutritious foods. While there is recognition of the problem in Australia, the government largely focuses on short-term solutions rather than addressing structural causes.

This HDR project will examine the barriers and enablers local government, and community organisations face when integrating food security into everyday practice – policy planning and programmatic delivery. Through semi-structured interviews and co-design workshops with government/non-government, the project will develop a practical framework that translates core food security concepts into planning and practice terminology and tools. The framework aims to build capacity for more holistic and adaptive food security action.

This project is suitable for students with a strong interest in developing, qualitative research and critical analysis skills.

Students will be mentored in co-design methods, engaging with lived experience, and interest holder engagement, with a focus on food security as a complex, multidimensional issue. A strong interest in food security and the role of government in supporting community wellbeing is essential, along with strong communication skills and the ability to work autonomously.

Contact: Dr Stephanie Godrich (s.godrich@ecu.edu.au)

Fruit and vegetables, as well as tea, cocoa and other plant-based foods and beverages, are dietary sources of flavonoids – bioactive compounds that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and systematic inflammation. Higher intakes of flavonoids are favourably associated with pulmonary function parameters and less age-related decline in lung function. Furthermore, higher flavonoid intakes are associated with a lower risk of COPD in smokers. However, this area of the literature is extremely sparse.

Students will be mentored in nutrition epidemiology to assess how flavonoid intakes relate to respiratory health in the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study cohort. There is 1 project available in this area.

This project is suitable for students with an interest in respiratory health and nutrition epidemiology. Ideally, students should have knowledge of biostatistics, biomedical science and/or clinical nutrition. However, highly motivated applicants are encouraged to apply.

Contact: Dr Benjamin H. Parmenter (b.parmenter@ecu.edu.au)

Fruit and vegetables, as well as tea, cocoa and other plant-based foods and beverages, are dietary sources of flavonoids – bioactive compounds that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and systematic inflammation. Findings from several studies point to a potential role of flavonoids in regulating body composition, particularly in relation to weight loss and obesity.

Students will be mentored in nutrition epidemiology to assess how flavonoid intakes relate to measures of body composition in the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study cohort. There is 1 project available in this area.

This project is suitable for students with an interest in anthropometry and nutrition epidemiology. Ideally, students should have knowledge of biostatistics, biomedical science and/or clinical nutrition. However, highly motivated applicants are encouraged to apply.

Contact:  Dr Benjamin H. Parmenter (b.parmenter@ecu.edu.au)

Fruit and vegetables, as well as tea, cocoa and other plant-based foods and beverages, are dietary sources of flavonoids – bioactive compounds that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and systematic inflammation. There has been growing interest in the potential role of flavonoids in modulating the immune system and reducing the risk of allergic diseases. Several studies have suggested that flavonoids may have a protective effect against allergies, however, the evidence is not entirely consistent.

Students will be mentored in nutrition epidemiology to assess how flavonoid intakes relate to allergy occurrence in the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study cohort. There is 1 project available in this area.

This project is suitable for students with an interest in immunology/allergy and nutrition epidemiology. Ideally, students should have knowledge of biostatistics, biomedical science and/or clinical nutrition. However, highly motivated applicants are encouraged to apply.

Contact:  Dr Benjamin H. Parmenter (b.parmenter@ecu.edu.au)

This project involves a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the prevalence of vascular calcification, by sex in the general and clinical populations. The study PICOS protocol (population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study), a framework that formulates the eligibility criteria or protocol for the review and search strategy will already be established. Student will be mentored to perform any of the following:

• Search across multiple databases using established PICOS and search strategy
• Screening of abstracts, and full text articles following study PICOS
• Data extraction of included studies
• Synthesis of data
• Preparation of a manuscript

This project is suitable for students with an interest in Cardiovascular disease. Ideally knowledge on how to perform the elements described above for a systematic review is favourable, however highly motivated applications are encouraged to apply.

Contact:  Dr Cassandra Smith (cassandra.smith@ecu.edu.au)

Parents of young children in Western Australia are scheduled for regular checks with the child health nurse. There is a focus on metric centred care, like growth charts and milestones. This research project aims to investigate metrics used, how child health nurses perceive these when assessing a child, and how they manage a child who does not fit into the standard metrics but appears well from their parents’ perspective. Timing and continuity of care will also be investigated. Students will be supported to evaluate the literature in this field, collate information and analyse survey data. There is the opportunity for up to two projects in this area.

This project is ideal for students with an interest or experience in health care, parenting or early childhood development. Experience with survey data is desirable but not essential.

This project is part of a program of work with the International Network for Child and Family Centred Care and students will have an opportunity to work with international experts in the field of child health.

Contact: A/Prof Therese O’Sullivan (t.osullivan@ecu.edu.au or phone 6304 3529)

Child health nurse visits are an important source of information and support for parents. However, some parents report feeling anxious after seeing the child health nurse, particularly around issues related to infant feeding and growth charts. This research project aims to investigate parents experiences with child health nurses and explore their thoughts around how parents can be better supported. Students will assist in running a focus group and analysing data. There is the opportunity for up to two projects in this area.

This project is ideal for students who enjoy talking with people about their experiences and have an interest in parenting or early childhood.

This project is part of a program of work with the International Network for Child and Family Centred Care and students will have an opportunity to work with international experts in the field of child health.

Contact: A/Prof Therese O’Sullivan (t.osullivan@ecu.edu.au or phone 6304 3529)

Stress and mental Health have been very topical, especially in the last few years since COVID. There is growing awareness that being stressed for prolonged periods of time can lead to mental and physical health conditions such as depression, anxiety and cardiovascular disease. This timely research investigates the link between greater fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced stress levels, as a simple, healthy alternative.

Contact Dr Simone Radavelli-Bagatini (s.radavellibagatini@ecu.edu.au)