The Summer and Winter Research Programs provide students with an opportunity to gain research experience working alongside some of the university’s leading academics and researchers.
Applications open 24 March 2025
2025 Winter Research projects:
Investigating tyre related pollution in urban environments
The research project aims to assess the impact of roads as a source of tyre wear particles and related hazardous chemicals to the surrounding environment. The successful applicant will gain expertise in state of the art extraction techniques for samples such as air, dust and soil, as well as advanced analysis methods (e.g., pyrolysis GCMS). This project will provide new information of these pollutant in the Australian environment and determine how road surfaces are a key source of this pollution.
Supervisor: Dr Cassandra Rauert
Hours: 20-36 hours per week
Duration: 30 June - 25 July 2025
Location: UQ Dutton Park (20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba)
Investigating nanoplastics in Australian bottled water
This research project seeks to investigate the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in bottled water across Australia, focusing on their potential impact on water quality and consumer health. By utilising advanced high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques, the study will accurately quantify both microplastics and nanoplastics in various bottled water brands. Through a comprehensive analysis of products from diverse regions of Australia, we aim to assess the prevalence and variability of plastic contamination in the market. This project will provide critical insights into the safety and quality of bottled water, addressing growing concerns about plastic pollution in everyday consumer goods. The findings will contribute to public health discourse, inform policy and regulatory frameworks, and highlight the need for more sustainable practices in the bottled water industry.
This project is open to applications from students with a passion for science and plenty of curiosity. A background in chemistry / analytical chemistry / environmental chemistry would be highly beneficial.
Supervisor: Dr Elvis Okoffo
Hours: 20-36 hours per week
Duration: 30 June - 25 July 2025
Location: UQ Dutton Park (20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba)
Distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in floor dust
This project aims to assess the distribution of PFAS in floor dust in an analytical laboratory and adjacent offices. PFAS identification and quantification will be conducted using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results are expected to assess how PFAS are distributed from potential sources to other areas in the room and evaluate relevant human exposure risk.
Supervisor: Dr Fisher Wang
Hours: 20-36 hours per week
Duration: 30 June - 25 July 2025
Location: UQ Dutton Park (20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba)
Designing 3D-printed passive samplers for environmental monitoring
In today's world, the use of chemicals is on the rise, making exposure to these substances almost unavoidable. These chemicals often find their way into our environment, where they can be difficult to measure and detect.
This project aims to address this challenge by designing passive samplers. Passive samplers are small devices that can be deployed in various environments to collect chemical samples passively. Over a period of time, these samplers accumulate chemicals, providing a means to monitor and measure the presence of pollutants in the environment. In this project, we will focus on creating spherical passive samplers with a porous membrane. The interior of these samplers will contain clean water, and chemical accumulation will rely on the diffusion of chemicals through the waterfilled pores.
This winter project will focus on the design and development of passive samplers using 3D printing technology. Students will learn about the principles of passive sampling, the design process for creating effective samplers, and the use of 3D printing to produce these devices. Students are required to have prior experience with 3D printing to participate in this project.
Supervisor: Dr Rory Verhagen
Hours: 20-36 hours per week
Duration: 30 June - 25 July 2025
Location: UQ Dutton Park (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.
The student will learn and apply methods for analysis of bio-samples for contaminants, data analysis and interpretation.
Supervisor: A/Prof Sarit Kaserzon & Dr Sara Ghorbani Gorji
Hours: 20-36 hours per week
Duration: 30 June - 25 July 2025
Location: UQ Dutton Park (20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba)
Harmful contaminats in compostable food contact materials
This research project aims to investigate harmful contaminants in food packaging and compostable food contact material items that may be released and recycled back into the environment. The study includes a range of government and industry collaborators and aims to inform action and policy for safer materials to reduce human and environmental health impacts.
The student will learn and apply methods for analysis of bio-samples for contaminants, data analysis and interpretation.
Supervisor: A/Prof Sarit Kaserzon & Dr Sara Ghorbani Gorji
Hours: 20-36 hours per week
Duration: 30 June - 25 July 2025
Location: UQ Dutton Park (20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba)
Investigating substance use in a major city over time
The research project involves assessing and evaluating weekly and seasonal trends of chemical substance of interest measured in wastewater samples from a major city in Australia. This study aims to identify the drivers of changes over time for common substances of interest to public health.
Supervisor: A/Prof Phong Thai
Hours: 20-36 hours per week
Duration: 30 June - 25 July 2025
Location: UQ Dutton Park (20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba)
PFAS in bottled water
The research project looks at the presence of the forever chemicals (PFAS) in bottled water in Australia using high resolution mass spectometry technique. The student will also look at the leaching possibility of PFAS from bottles to the water.
Supervisor: Dr Sara Ghorbani Gorji
Hours: 20-36 hours per week
Duration: 30 June - 25 July 2025
Location: UQ Dutton Park (20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba)
Hidden contaminents in cosmetics
The research project looks at the presence of the hidden/undeclared contaminents in cosmetics sold iin Australia using high resolution mass spectometry technique.
Supervisor: Dr Sara Ghorbani Gorji
Hours: 20-36 hours per week
Duration: 30 June - 25 July 2025
Location: UQ Dutton Park (20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba)