Summer and Winter Research Program

Microplastic contamination in anaesthetic solutions

The research project aims to assess the presence of microplastics in anaesthetic solutions used in hospital environments as a potential source of plastic exposure to patients. The successful applicant will gain experience in clean laboratory sample handling and filtration techniques, as well as advanced analytical methods for microplastic identification and quantification (e.g., pyrolysis GC–MS). This project will provide new information on microplastic contamination in clinical fluids and help determine whether anaesthetic solutions represent a previously unrecognised pathway for human exposure to microplastics in healthcare settings.

Supervisor/s: Dr Fatma Nur Eraslan and Dr Cassie Rauert
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

Investigating antifouing paint particle pollution in the marine environment

The research project aims to detecting and quantify small antifouling paint particles in the marine environment to understand their occurrence and sources. The successful applicant will gain experience in laboratory sample handling amd advanced analytical methods for microplastic identification and quantification (e.g., pyrolysis GC–MS). The project will provide valuable data on a yet untapped source of marine plastics pollution.

Supervisor/s: Dr Elvis Okoffo and Gabriel De la Torre Picho
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

Characterisation of nanoparticles in environmental samples

Micro and nanoplastics are ubiquitous contaminants of environmental and human health concern. Nanoparticle characterisation techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) are widely used to characterise nanoplastics from environmental samples. This project will focus on evaluating how each technique measures particle size, concentration and distribution for a range of nanoparticle standards and environmental samples.

Supervisor/s: Dr Grace Davies and Dr Elvis Okoffo
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

Determining antimicrobial resistance (AMR) selection concentrations of environmentally relevant chemicals using the SELection End points in Communities of bacTeria' (SELECT) assay

Antibiotics are essential for modern medicine. However, the misuse and overuse has led to the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR); bacteria which are able to survive in the presence of an antibiotic. The environment is recognised for playing a role in this, with aquatic systems receiving antimicrobial pollution. It is currently difficult to interpret whether environmental concentrations of antimicrobials could cause AMR evolution. This project aims to develop interpretive data to aid our understanding of AMR selection potential within aquatic systems.  This project will combine the use of a high-throughput bioassay (the SELECT method) with available measured environmental concentration data, to assess the current risk posed by these compounds, with potential to inform monitoring and prescribing practices. Students will be actively encouraged to develop new ideas and experimental design. Prior, basic understanding of microbiology and environmental chemistry is required.

Supervisor/s: Dr Jake O'Brien and Dr Emily Stevenson
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

Can Medicines Predict the Next Pandemic?

Can medicines predict the next disease outbreak? This 6-week winter research project at The University of Queensland investigates whether antiviral medicines and common painkillers detected in wastewater can provide early warning signals of emerging infectious diseases (“Disease X”). Students will work with real wastewater datasets to explore pharmaceutical indicators of community health. The project combines environmental science, public health, and data analysis, and is ideal for students interested in epidemiology, environmental health, or analytical research.

Supervisor/s: Dr Qiuda Zheng
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

Evaluating human exposure to bisphenols and phthalates using urinary biomarker analysis

This research project aims to assess human exposure to plastic-associated chemicals, bisphenols and phthalates, by quantifying their exposure biomarkers in urine samples using an automated sample preparation method and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Through this project, you will gain hands-on experience in advanced analytical techniques as well as practical training in quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) workflows.

Supervisor/s: Dr Reena Que
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

Modelling the Economic Value of Early NPS Detection via Wastewater Surveillance

New psychoactive substances (NPS) pose an ongoing challenge to public health due to their rapid emergence and limited clinical information. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) offers the potential to detect emerging substances before widespread clinical harms occur. This project will investigate the potential socio-economic benefits of early NPS detection in Australia using publicly available data.

The student will conduct a targeted literature review to compile information on NPS-related hospitalisations, overdose costs, and public health responses. Using these data, the student will develop a simple scenario-based model to estimate potential healthcare cost avoidance if emerging substances are identified earlier through wastewater surveillance.

This project will develop skills in literature review, data synthesis, and policy-relevant modelling. The student will also have the opportunity to undertake lab-based work under the guidance of research staff and students.

Supervisor/s: Dr Richard Bade
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

The impact of microplastics on the biodegradation of pollutants in aquatic environments

This research project aims to study how microplastics affect the natural breakdown of pollutants in aquatic environments. Controlled laboratory experiments will be conducted to measure how fast pollutants degrade in the presence of different types of microplastics. Advanced analytical tools will be used to observe how pollutants interact with microplastics and how these interactions influence microbial activity. By analyzing the experimental data, the project will evaluate how microplastics change degradation processes and potentially impact the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.

Supervisor/s: Dr Run Tian
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

Plastic particle release from baby wet wipes

This project investigates the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from baby wet wipes and their potential environmental and human exposure risks. Using advanced mass spectrometry and particle-characterisation techniques, the study will quantify particle shedding and analyse polymer composition and size distribution across different brands. The findings will provide critical insights into an under-recognised source of plastic pollution and support safer, more sustainable hygiene products. Open to curious students with a background in chemistry, analytical chemistry, or environmental science.

Supervisor/s: Dr Elvis Okoffo
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

Plastics, Tire Wear Particles, and Additives in Stormwater samples

This project investigates the occurrence of plastics, tire wear particles, and associated chemical additives in urban stormwater. Using advanced analytical techniques, the study will quantify particles, identify polymer and types, and characterise common additives, providing insights into stormwater as a key pathway for environmental contamination. Suitable for students with a background in chemistry, environmental science, or analytical methods.

Supervisor/s: Dr Elvis Okoffo and Dr Cassie Rauert
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

Investigating pets health. Are domestic dogs and cats exposed to harmful environmental contaminants?

This research project aims to investigate if domestic pets are exposed to harmful environmental contaminants that may adversely impact their wellbeing and health. The project is in collaboration with a veterinarian service and will explore urine samples from pet animals and investigate associations with disease, providing a deeper understanding of the health and wellbeing of our beloved pets. 

Supervisor/s: A/Prof Sarit Kaserzon
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

Hidden contaminants in cosmetics and personal care products

This research project investigates the presence of hidden or undeclared chemical contaminants in personal care products and cosmetics sold in Australia, with a particular focus on products marketed as natural or organic. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, the study aims to detect potentially harmful substances that may not be disclosed on product labels. The goal is to improve understanding of product transparency, assess consumer exposure risks, and inform regulatory policies.

Supervisor/s: A/Prof Sarit Kaserzon
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba

What’s Inside Compostable Packaging? Chemicals, Persistence & Circular Solutions

This research project aims to investigate harmful chemicals that may be present in food packaging materials, targeting those that are biodegradable or compostable. By measuring these harmful chemicals and tracking their fate and persistance in a variety of composting scenarios, this project will explore the potential human health and environmental impacts of an often overlooked area of society. By considering the end-of-life aspects of our consumer products we can work towards offering solutions for a healthy and sustainable future.

Supervisor/s: A/Prof Sarit Kaserzon and Christine Howland
Location: Dutton Park campus, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba