Graduate Research Conference

Chris Baumann is a Professor at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, a Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge, an Academic Visitor at the University of Oxford, and holds a visiting engagement with the University of Osaka in Japan.

His research introduced Brand Competitiveness, Competitive Productivity and the Necro-Branding of Elvis Presley as a Necro-Celebrity. Baumann is a co-author of The Psychology Behind Design: A Marketing Perspective Springer book and Confucianism, Discipline, and Competitiveness in Routledge. He has published in journals such as the Journal of Business Research, Journal of Services Marketing, Journal of Strategic Marketing, Journal of Brand Management, European Journal of Marketing, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Journal of Product & Brand Management and Celebrity Studies. 

Chris has won outstanding paper, reviewer and teaching awards and serves on review boards of FT50 and other top-ranked journals.

Sarah Keith is Senior Lecturer in Media at Macquarie University. Her research explores East Asian popular culture and media technologies, focusing on K-pop, streaming, artificial intelligence, and global media industries. She has published widely in international journals and edited volumes, including work on transnational fandom, creative labour, and platformisation.

Sarah is co-editor of the forthcoming Handbook of AI in Creative Industries (Springer) and Commissioning Editor (Korea) for Asian Studies Review. She holds a visiting appointment at Kyung Hee University (Seoul) and collaborates across Asia, Europe, and Australia on projects examining media production and cultural exchange.

Her work has been featured in media outlets such as ABC, SBS, and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Wujin Chu has a BA in business administration from Seoul National University, and PhD in marketing from Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He is currently Professor of Management and Dean at Graduate School of Technology and Innovation Management, DGIST.

He has published numerous articles in Marketing Science, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Marketing, Organization Science and Journal of International Business Studies (JIBS). He was cited by Journal of Marketing Education as the second-ranked professor in Asia-Pacific in 2003. He was also awarded the JIBS Decade Award by the Academy of International Business in 2010.

His research interests are in organizational trust, behavioral economics and applied game theory.

Sandhuli Hettiarachchi is a Ph.D. candidate in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University, Sydney. Her doctoral research focuses on the development of lead-free quantum dots for luminescent solar concentrators, with the aim of advancing sustainable solar energy technologies. Her work integrates nanomaterials synthesis, material characterization techniques, and device applications to design next-generation solar windows.

Enzyme Nanoparticles: Turning Industrial Waste into Valuable Products

My research explores the use of enzyme inclusion bodies (IBs), typically considered inactive aggregates formed during bacterial recombinant protein expression, as stable and recyclable biocatalysts. By using Auxiliary Activity 10 (AA10) Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases, enzymes that degrade complex polysaccharides, we are developing multi-enzyme IBs designed to convert starchy industrial by-products into rare, low-calorie sugars such as allulose and tagatose. Although optimisation and full pathway assembly are ongoing, this work demonstrates the potential of IB-based enzyme systems to support sustainable biomanufacturing and waste valorisation.

Specific Singular 'they' Pronouns: a Systematic Review

There exists a growing academic interest in non-binary individuals’ linguistic expression within a binary gender order. As diverse gender identities increasingly become publicly visible, language change is occurring, allowing for linguistic forms which respect non-binary gender identities. With a broad range of methodologies utilised and speaker variables considered in existing research, there is a clear variation in the findings of each study. This talk presents a systematic review which investigates these variables and codifies a range of themes present: the self and beliefs, familiarity, and metalinguistic knowledge.

Exploring the Influence of Universal Design for Learning on the Experience of University for Neurodivergent Students

This project examines the impact of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) on the experiences of neurodivergent university students. A systematic review of 697 studies (20 included) revealed multiple barriers and inconsistent implementation of UDL. To extend this, 25 lecturers and 51 neurodivergent students were surveyed, then interviews were conducted with 15 students. Thematic analysis identified four areas: challenges faced by students, the impact of these challenges, teaching practices that could help, and the importance of a positive student/teacher relationship. Findings show that while UDL often varies in its implementation, flexible, compassionate, and well-structured teaching can create a positive student experience.

Can songs actually boost infant vocabulary development?

Songs are commonly believed to be beneficial for early language acquisition. Despite this belief, few studies have investigated how infants perform linguistic operations with sung words. If songs boost vocabulary development directly - by providing infants with a new word source - infants should first be able to extract individual words from a continuous song stream. In this talk, I will present findings from our empirical infant research on word extraction from playsongs and discuss the implications of these findings for caregivers and educators.

Reaching Beyond Fire: Testing Occupational Demands using a Laboratory Firefighting Simulation 

Simulating high-risk occupations like firefighting in the laboratory enables safe, controlled performance assessment, without requiring specialised equipment or personnel. This study utilised a novel shipboard firefighting simulation to investigate the effects of physical and cognitive fatigue on task performance. Results highlight how physical fatigue significantly increased task time-to-completion and perceived workload, providing insight into worker efficiency under fatigue. Beyond firefighting, these findings establish a basis for occupational simulation testing that can guide policymakers in optimising performance and safety in physically demanding industries.

Teaching History in the Information Age

Scholars have shown that on-demand internet, including generative AI, can be a powerful tool for educators, but less research has focused on how the tool is shaping the users. This Delphi study has built a consensus among expert history teachers (n=44) revealing the ways that the internet is clandestinely transforming teaching goals, classroom practices, and students’ learning habits. These findings matter for all educators because they highlight a powerful, hidden force operating in the classroom. Beyond the field of education, this study prompts people to reflect on the ways that the internet is shaping their work, relationships and dispositions.

Exploring how to repair broken DNA to protect nerve cells in motor neuron disease

Our DNA is constantly under attack from both internal and external sources, and cells have systems to repair this damage. These repair systems become less effective as we age, and nerve cells are particularly vulnerable because they cannot easily regenerate. When DNA damage goes unrepaired, it can trigger nerve cell death and contribute to MND. Our recent work has found that a protein called PDI can help neurons repair DNA, offering a promising approach to protect them. This project aims to understand how PDI works and explore whether enhancing its function could prevent or slow nerve cell loss in MND.

Making spine research matter: From data to action for children

Spinal pain in children is common but often overlooked, with long-term consequences for health and wellbeing. My PhD uses nationwide hospital registry data to map the incidence and patterns of spine-related diagnoses in Danish children, uncovering trends that can guide earlier interventions and more targeted care. Beyond academia, I translate findings into accessible resources for parents, school health services, and youth sports organisations, while collaborating with clinicians and policymakers to inform guidelines. This lightning talk demonstrates how large-scale data can be transformed into practical tools that make a real-world difference for children and families.

Writing the Nation: Australian Screenwriters as Political and Cultural Activists During Australia’s Screen Renaissance (1960–1980)

This study re-evaluates screenwriters as cultural and political agents during the revival of Australia’s film and television industry between 1960–1980. The research draws on archival materials, textual analysis, and oral histories to challenge auteur theories which have historically privileged directors and actors. The investigation demonstrates how screenwriters were instrumental in developing a distinctive New Wave aesthetic that departed from the dominant British and American models. At the same time they also played a leading role in advocacy campaigns that helped to establish Australia’s emerging screen industry. The 'TV—Make it Australian' campaign (1969–1976) exemplifies this dual agency. The campaign’s 2017 revival contextualizes these foundational achievements amid renewed threats to storytelling within an increasingly globalised media landscape.

It’s in the past! Why does it matter? The Impact of Archaeology on Disability Activism

History and archaeology can be used to legitimise a certain group or ideology. The stories we choose to tell, and those we hide, have an impact on people today. For example, disability affects almost everyone, yet it has been absent in our study of the past. Ableist reconstructions of disability create an exclusionary historical narrative, which can be used to legitimise ableism in the present. My research responds to these challenges by creating histories that support modern disability activism. This activism encourages responsible research that ensures accessibility and supports increased inclusivity and diversity in the past, present and future.

The Impact of Corporate Culture on ESG, Digital Reputation, and Financial Outcomes: Evidence from RoBERTa Text Models

In today's environment of rising tensions and digital-era reputational risks, corporate culture has become a critical factor in achieving business success. Our research introduces a RoBERTa-based Corporate Culture Index showing that positive culture aligns with stronger ESG performance, better digital reputation, and higher market valuation. Cultural health drives both sustainability and financial performance. Accordingly, this insight provides investors, companies, and regulators with a practical tool to monitor and improve organisational culture. By sharing these findings with risk managers, we can extend their impact beyond academia and help address urgent issues like stakeholder tensions, cultural fragmentation, and social inclusion.

A New Molecular Tool for Cancer-specific DNA Methylation Detection

DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification that also serves as a vital biomarker in liquid biopsy in cancers such as colorectal, breast, and lung. However, due to the lack of standardization in diagnosis, the highly invasive tissue biopsy is still regarded as the benchmark. This study investigates surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), utilizing plasmonic nanomaterials to facilitate the sensitive detection of cancer-specific DNA methylation in the patient genome. By advancing the label-free and label-based SERS, we aim to establish a clinically viable diagnostic platform. The findings will benefit clinicians and patients by enabling earlier and more precise cancer detection.

Therapeutic Effects of Iodide on Salivary Gland Cancer Cells

Salivary gland cancers (SGCs) are aggressive and lack effective therapies, leaving patients with limited options. Our research identifies potassium iodide (KI), as a potential treatment that triggers cancer cell death via oxidative stress. While KI shows promise in reducing tumor cell growth, it may also activate pathways linked to drug resistance, highlighting the need for careful translation. This work matters to oncologists, biomedical researchers, and policymakers. Beyond oncology, it raises important questions about iodine regulation in food and public health policy, where safe, low-cost interventions could inform both diet and cancer prevention strategies.

Nature’s Toolkit: Plant Volatiles in the Fight Against Serpentine Leafminer, A New Pest in Australia

The serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis) threatens horticulture by reducing yields, while pesticide dependence fosters resistance and environmental risks. We screened host plant volatiles and essential oils for attractant and repellent properties. Leafminers strongly preferred lychnis, cucumber, and petunia but totally avoided salvia and Russian sage. Chemical analyses, electrophysiological tests, and laboratory bioassays identified bioactive compounds with significant behavioural effects. Beyond the lab, these findings could support the development of plant-based attractants or repellents as sustainable alternatives to pesticides. Such tools could be applied in greenhouses and urban gardens through push-pull systems, advancing eco-friendly pest management and global food security.

Measuring Risk Where It Matters: Lessons from Golden Rivers

Every moment of our lives is shaped by risk - crossing the street, eating our food, or breathing the air around us. But what happens when those risks are measured incorrectly? My research focuses on water contamination from historical gold mining in Victoria, where rivers carry hidden loads of heavy metals. Current assessment tools overlook these pollutants, falsely classifying degraded rivers as healthy. This mismeasurement isn’t just technical—it affects ecosystems, communities, and future water security. By creating a new framework that integrates heavy-metal pollution into river health assessments, my work exposes the real risks and ensures they can be managed effectively. Understanding risk is more than a scientific exercise; it is about protecting life, safeguarding water, and giving rivers scarred by mining a true voice in decision-making.

When Healing Leaves the Earth, Wellness Hits the Shelf

Global and colonial histories have reduced food to calories (a metric of energy that reflects political, economic, and regulatory logics as much as biology). Caloric reductionism overlooks how foods are grown, processed, and storied, silencing other ways of knowing nourishment. Emerging research on bioactives (health-modulating plant compounds that defy standard nutritional categories) challenges this legacy. This study traces how scientific and cultural narratives of fresh produce bioactives are evolving in Australia and New Zealand, exploring how the language of anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant compounds encounters that of soil, season, and ecology in contemporary food knowledge.

‘Whitening’ to ‘Glowing’: more than skin deep for Sri Lankan women

This thesis addresses the gap in media research about skin whitening advertising in Sri Lanka. Through a content analysis of social media advertising, this thesis argues that transnational companies shifted from ‘whitening’ to ‘glowing’ for their skin whitening products. However, promoting skin whitening as ‘glowing’ still perpetuates colourism within a broader industry that poses health risks. This research could benefit young female beauty consumers in Sri Lanka and South Asia by changing media policy through promotion of media literacy in the transnational beauty industry and even be applied to implement increased regulation of skin whitening cosmetics

From MRI Scan to Signature: Non-Invasive Molecular Profiling of Glioma

Accurate molecular classification of gliomas is vital for clinical decisions but still relies on invasive biopsies that can miss tumor heterogeneity. My research addresses this gap with an interpretable, foundation-based deep learning framework for glioma genotyping from routine multiparametric MRI. The model outperforms state-of-the-art baselines and provides transparent heatmaps that patients and clinicians can trust. With the core methodology and validations complete, health economists and policymakers can evaluate its potential to reduce biopsies and improve equitable access. I share outcomes through open code, cross-disciplinary workshops, and collaborations with MRI vendors and regulators to support safe, broad adoption.

Beyond Symbolic Reconciliation: Decolonial Perspectives on the Criminalisation of Indigenous Youth in Post-Apology Australia

Despite Australia’s 2008 National Apology promising improved treatment for Indigenous peoples, incarceration rates for Indigenous youth have worsened, from 15 times higher than non-Indigenous children in 2020 to 27 times higher by 2024. This project examines how settler colonial logics continue to criminalise Indigenous youth post-Apology through an analysis of parliamentary debates and policy documents. By revealing how elimination strategies persist beneath symbolic gestures of reconciliation, this research provides critical insights for policymakers and advocates seeking genuine reform. It also contributes to broader discussions of decolonisation and youth justice across other settler colonial contexts.

Multiplex Liquid Biopsy Assays to Predict Melanoma Recurrence

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed melanoma outcomes, but many patients derive limited benefit, highlighting the need for biomarkers to guide therapy. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) analysis using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) offers a sensitive and cost-effective approach for real-time disease monitoring. Recurrent mutations in BRAF, NRAS, and the TERT promoter make melanoma well suited to targeted assays. Pre-operative ctDNA levels can predict prognosis, although sensitivity remains limited in early disease. This study develops multiplex single-reaction ddPCR assays to detect NRAS and BRAF mutations, with future expansion to TERT. Enhanced multiplexing may improve sensitivity, inform treatment decisions, and broaden application to other cancers.

From Metabolites to Markers: Identifying Early Blood-Based Biochemical Alterations for Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterised by progressive memory and cognitive decline, which typically emerge only after substantial and irreversible brain damage has occurred. To enable timely intervention, it is essential to detect early pathophysiological changes that precede symptoms. My PhD research investigates blood-based biochemical alterations in cognitively unimpaired older adults, focusing on metabolites—small molecules central to metabolism—and linking them with established AD biomarkers and cognitive measures. This work aims to uncover biochemical signatures of preclinical AD that could form the basis of affordable, accessible blood tests. Beyond advancing scientific understanding, these findings have broad significance: for clinicians seeking early diagnostic tools, for policymakers designing dementia-prevention strategies, and for communities eager to reduce the personal and societal burden of AD.

The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by organisations

My PhD thesis aims to examine the antecedent roles and outcomes of organisations achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Achieving the SDGs requires participation from private organisations, as they can have negative environmental and social impacts while also possessing resources to help promote such achievement. The data was collected through a survey of managers working for Indonesian organisations. The results indicate that organisations received pressure to achieve the SDGs. Further, several contingency factors were found to be antecedents in promoting the achievement of SDGs, which, in turn, can enhance competitive advantage and triple-bottom-line performance.

Resource-Efficient Multi-Time Process Tomography

Precise control of quantum operation sequences is hindered by temporally correlated (non-Markovian) noise, for which Markovian mitigation is ineffective. Multi-time process tomography can characterise environmental memory but requires informationally complete intermediate operations, including mid-circuit measurement, rendering it slow, noisy, and impractical beyond a few steps. We present a resource-efficient procedure using superinstruments, i.e., correlated operations implemented via interaction with an ancilla. We show that a single qubit ancilla with a final measurement implements an informationally complete set across arbitrary process dimension and intervention. This eliminates error accumulation and aligns with current hardware, enabling practical, scalable characterisation of memory in multi-time processes.

Enzyme Nanoparticles: Turning Industrial Waste into Valuable Products

My research explores the use of enzyme inclusion bodies (IBs), typically considered inactive aggregates formed during bacterial recombinant protein expression, as stable and recyclable biocatalysts. By using Auxiliary Activity 10 (AA10) Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases, enzymes that degrade complex polysaccharides, we are developing multi-enzyme IBs designed to convert starchy industrial by-products into rare, low-calorie sugars such as allulose and tagatose. Although optimisation and full pathway assembly are ongoing, this work demonstrates the potential of IB-based enzyme systems to support sustainable biomanufacturing and waste valorisation.

Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education and Its Impact on Neurodivergent Students’ Experiences: A Systematic Review

This project examines the impact of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) on the experiences of neurodivergent university students. A systematic review of 697 studies (20 included) revealed multiple barriers and inconsistent implementation of UDL. To extend this, 25 lecturers and 51 neurodivergent students were surveyed, then interviews were conducted with 15 students. Thematic analysis identified four areas: challenges faced by students, the impact of these challenges, teaching practices that could help, and the importance of a positive student/teacher relationship. Findings show that while UDL often varies in its implementation, flexible, compassionate, and well-structured teaching can create a positive student experience.

Can songs actually boost infant vocabulary development?

Songs are commonly believed to be beneficial for early language acquisition. If songs boost vocabulary development directly, i.e., by providing infants with a new word source, infants should first be able to extract individual words from a continuous song stream. In an eye-tracking experiment, our study investigated whether 67 German-learning 8-9 and 11-12-month-olds can extract bisyllabic words from playsongs. Looking times analyses showed that 11-12-month-olds, but not 8-9-month-olds, successfully segmented words from songs. In 8-9-month-olds, performance was modulated by individual ages in days. Our findings provide empirical support for the potential benefit of songs for early language learning.

Mesopotamian Sexuality in Divinatory Text

In 1^st millennium BCE Mesopotamia, communication between the gods and humanity through divination was central to everyday life, and even a person’s sexual behaviour was within the scope of divinatory concern. The largest scholarly collection of omens, šumma ālu, contains over 70 sexual behaviour omens, though they have been largely ignored by Assyriologists. Following cross-disciplinary theories on sexuality and language, my research understands these texts as discursive works through which ancient divinatory scholars constructed Mesopotamian sexuality. Through an expansive translation method and philological analysis, my project produces new critical translations and analysis of these omens, exposing the polyvalence of the original cuneiform.

Novel strategies to prevent DNA damage and enhance DNA repair in ALS/MND

Our DNA is constantly under attack from both internal and external sources, and cells have systems to repair this damage. These repair systems become less effective as we age, and nerve cells are particularly vulnerable because they cannot easily regenerate. When DNA damage goes unrepaired, it can trigger nerve cell death and contribute to MND. Our recent work has found that a protein called PDI can help neurons repair DNA, offering a promising approach to protect them. This project aims to understand how PDI works and explore whether enhancing its function could prevent or slow nerve cell loss in MND.

CEO Speculative Behaviours in the Aftermath of Natural Disasters

This study investigates the speculative behaviours of CEOs in the aftermath of natural disasters, focusing on excess compensation as a form of opportunism. Using a multi-period Difference-in-Differences model on Chinese listed firms from 2010 to 2019, I find that CEO excess pay rises significantly after disasters. The effect is stronger in high-tech firms, under intense competition, and among CEOs with financial backgrounds, while greater risk exposure amplifies the impact and stronger governance reduces it. Additional analysis shows that such behaviour harms firm performance in the long run. This study highlights an unintended consequence of natural disasters: CEOs capitalising on crisis situations to secure additional compensation. These findings provide policy implications for regulators and shareholders seeking to curb managerial opportunism during periods of heightened uncertainty.

MiRD-Kids: A new clinical questionnaire for children with spinal pain

Children with spinal pain often struggle to communicate how their condition affects daily life, making assessment challenging for clinicians. The MiRD-Kids questionnaire was developed through expert consensus and pilot testing with 12–17-year-olds at the Spine Center of Southern Denmark to capture clinically relevant domains in a child-friendly format. Unlike existing epidemiological tools, MiRD-Kids is designed for clinical use, enabling more precise evaluation and tailored treatment planning. This poster will showcase the development process, key features, and potential applications of MiRD-Kids, and explore strategies to share it internationally, bridging research and practice to improve care for children with spinal pain.

Rethinking students’ experiences in government-funded exchange programs: Insights from Brazil’s Science without Borders program (2011-2017)

Drawing on Brazil’s Science without Borders program (2011–2017), this study compares Brazilian students’ experiences across Australia’s university groups (Go8, ATN, and non-aligned universities). The findings reveal that students’ experiences were broadly consistent across institutions, challenging assumptions that prestigious or highly ranked universities offer superior outcomes. This research reframes how governments and educators evaluate international scholarship success—highlighting the need for student-centred measures of quality that extend beyond rankings. By shifting the focus from institutional status to meaningful learning, the study offers new insights for improving future scholarship policies.

Unveiling the Hidden Diversity of Blue Compact Dwarf Galaxies

Blue Compact Dwarf Galaxies (BCDGs) are small, starburst powerhouses that mirror conditions of the early universe, but new research shows their current classification just isn’t cutting it. Using high-resolution, spatially resolved data from KOALA+AAOmega on the Anglo-Australian Telescope, we analysed two iconic BCDGs: HCG31F and He2-10. Despite sharing a label, they’re wildly different, one is a tidal dwarf with low dark matter and young stars, the other a dark matter dominated merger with both old and young stars. Our results challenge decades of assumptions based on low-resolution or photometric studies, uncovering massive discrepancies in stellar and gas mass estimates. This research highlights how overly simplified the current BCDG classification is and emphasises the urgent need for further subcategorisation based on their diverse formation histories. With instruments like KOALA, we’re finally seeing the real story behind these cosmic underdogs, and it’s changing how we understand galaxy formation.

Priority area mapping for improving Australia’s frog diversity knowledge and conservation efforts

Efforts to halt biodiversity loss depend in part on accurate knowledge of species distributions. This knowledge depends on species occurrence records which come from various sources including field surveys, digitised museum collections, and citizen science programs. Biases and incompleteness in species occurrence records can limit our ability to make informed conservation decisions and prioritise survey efforts. Understanding how thoroughly species have been sampled is a critical first step in identifying knowledge gaps. My research assesses the completeness of Australia’s frog species inventory and identifies priority areas to future survey efforts to fill knowledge gaps and support species conservation.

An Explainable NLP Classifier for New-Development vs Established Listings

Property feeds mix new developments with established properties, blurring search results and downstream analytics. This poster presents an explainable NLP system that separates the two at scale across multiple sources and time windows. Listings are cleaned and tokenised, then scored by a calibrated linear model alongside a domain-adapted transformer; SHAP-style rationales surface the key phrases driving each decision. The pipeline runs end-to-end (Snowflake → inference → S3/analytics) with drift checks and simple human review loops. Results show clearer feeds, faster curation, and stable performance under source and temporal shift delivering practical accuracy and transparency that product and operations teams can trust.

Investigating Differential Claudin Expression and Interactome in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This study utilizes Bioinformatics and molecular modelling to investigate the role of Claudins (CLDNs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Analysis of GEO profiles revealed the upregulation of CLDN1 and downregulation of CLDN4, CLDN7, and CLDN17. Gene Ontology and PPI network analyses identified CLDN1’s key interactions with EGFR, CDH1, and AKT1. Virtual screening of 1,055 molecules and MD simulation of the top 4 found anticancer agent31 as the most stable inhibitor (-38.698 kcal/mol), Results indicate that CLDN1 is a potential biomarker and target in OSCC, while anticancer agent31 can also be applicable for drug screening and validation.

Nature’s Toolkit: Plant Volatiles in the Fight Against Serpentine Leafminer, A New Pest in Australia

The serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis) threatens horticulture by reducing yields, while pesticide dependence fosters resistance and environmental risks. We screened host plant volatiles and essential oils for attractant and repellent properties. Leafminers strongly preferred lychnis, cucumber, and petunia but totally avoided salvia and Russian sage. Chemical analyses, electrophysiological tests, and laboratory bioassays identified bioactive compounds with significant behavioural effects. Beyond the lab, these findings could support the development of plant-based attractants or repellents as sustainable alternatives to pesticides. Such tools could be applied in greenhouses and urban gardens through push-pull systems, advancing eco-friendly pest management and global food security.

Patient Care Coordination in a Virtual Hospital: a Mixed-Method Qualitative Case Study

Virtual hospitals are increasingly integrated into healthcare to provide hospital-level care at home via digital platforms. However, these models are in early stages with limited research on care coordination and practical challenges. This case study aims to identify suitable patient groups for virtual care by creating patient personas and visualising care coordination by mapping patient journeys within a Sydney-based virtual hospital. Using a mixed-methods approach, including document analysis, observations, and 17 interviews with clinicians, personas and workflow maps were developed for two groups: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and INR monitoring with warfarin. Challenges with both care models included patient expectations, understanding among referrers, delays with pathology results, and care duplication. Recommendations focus on improving understanding, collaboration, and implementing outreach teams. The insights help identify suitable patients and adapt virtual care models broadly, addressing intrinsic multidisciplinary challenges.

Healthcare providers’ experience of delivering a heart rate variability feedback intervention to individuals living with spinal cord injury to inform implementation into usual care

The Impact of Corporate Culture on ESG, Digital Reputation, and Financial Outcomes: Evidence from RoBERTa Text Models

Culture is critical for corporate sustainability, reputation and growth, yet no dynamic, scalable measure of culture currently exists. Traditional surveys lack temporal granularity and contextual nuance. This research proposes a novel RoBERTa-based Corporate Culture Index using earnings-call transcripts to quantify corporate culture. Grounded in stakeholder and signalling theories, we argue that positive sentiment fosters sustainable practices, strengthens digital reputation and enhances long-term performance. The findings of this research will be informative for regulators and corporate reporting, while advancing machine learning applications to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (industry innovation) and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production).

Innovative additives for sustainable livestock: methane mitigation, animal health and productivity

Enteric methane emissions, ruminal acidosis, and frothy bloat are major challenges in ruminant production, impacting both sustainability and animal welfare. This study investigates a novel feed additive that is able to address all three issues simultaneously. Using in vitro rumen simulation systems, we assessed its impact under conditions that induce acidosis or bloat. The additive consistently reduced methane production without impairing fiber digestion or volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. In acidosis simulations, it prevented pH collapse through a microbial mode of action. Under bloat-prone conditions, it reduced foam formation, indicating possible anti-frothing effects or altered microbial gas dynamics.

Ultra Porous ZnO/ZnS Nanocomposites for High Performing UV Photodetectors

Accurate molecular classification of gliomas is vital for clinical decisions but still relies on invasive biopsies that can miss tumor heterogeneity. My research addresses this gap with an interpretable, foundation-based deep learning framework for glioma genotyping from routine multiparametric MRI. The model outperforms state-of-the-art baselines and provides transparent heatmaps that patients and clinicians can trust. With the core methodology and validations complete, health economists and policymakers can evaluate its potential to reduce biopsies and improve equitable access. I share outcomes through open code, cross-disciplinary workshops, and collaborations with MRI vendors and regulators to support safe, broad adoption.

Development of AgInS2/ZnS quantum dots for Luminescent Solar Concentrators in Zero-energy Buildings

Photovoltaics is a promising technology addressing the global energy crisis by efficiently harnessing sunlight. Building-integrated sunlight harvesting is an emerging approach, where luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) enable electricity generation through windows. Semiconductor nanoparticles known as quantum dots (QDs) are used in LSCs. However, many efficient QDs contain toxic heavy metals, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. This study focuses on synthesizing heavy-metal-free, highly luminescent AgInS₂/ZnS QDs using the hot-injection method. Photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) is a key parameter indicating QD light emission efficiency. A high PLQY of 63.7% was achieved, supporting the use of these QDs in efficient LSCs.

Developing Intercultural Communication through Digital Storytelling: A Meta-Synthesis

Digital storytelling (DST), the art of storytelling in digital formats, has long served as a pedagogical approach to foster intercultural communication across educational levels. Drawing on a sociocultural perspective, this poster reports a meta-synthesis of 17 studies retrieved from seven journal databases which examined DST’s impact on students’ intercultural communicative competence. The analysis identified three major themes of collaborative DST: negotiating intercultural awareness and respect, co-constructing knowledge and understanding, and developing agency and identity. This study offers practical implications for integrating DST into classrooms to support intercultural learning and provides directions for future research on pedagogical applications of DST.

The impact of social participation on quality of life in residential aged care facilities: A systematic review

Introduction: Quality of life (QOL) is a shared goal for both older adults and aged care providers. Social participation is one of the most important predictors of QOL in later life, however, evidence on whether, and which social participation interventions are effective remains limited. This systematic review aims to explore the impact of social participation on QOL among aged care residents.

Mangroves Above-Ground Carbon Estimation in Two Different National Parks of Indonesia

Mangrove forests play a vital role in climate change mitigation by sequestering large amounts of atmospheric carbon. Accurate estimation of mangrove Above-Ground Carbon (AGC) is crucial to understanding current conditions and informing conservation strategies. This study integrates field measurements and multisource remote sensing data to model AGC at two protected areas in Indonesia: Komodo National Park and Baluran National Park. Extensive field surveys were conducted across 110 sampling plots, collecting data on tree height, girth at breast height, canopy cover, and density. Remote sensing variables derived from Sentinel-2, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and a national Digital Elevation Model (DEM) were processed to extract spectral bands and vegetation indices. Several machine learning (ML) algorithms, such as Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), k-Nearest Neighbour (k-NN), and Gradient Boosting (GB), were employed to develop predictive models. A hybrid XGB optimised with a Genetic Algorithm (XGB-GA) produced the most accurate results at Komodo (R² = 0.857 training, 0.758 testing; RMSE = 15.40 Mg C ha⁻¹), while RF using Red Edge 3, GNDVI, and tree height performed best at Baluran (R² = 0.93 training, 0.86 testing; 5-fold CV RMSE = 8.27 Mg C ha⁻¹). Estimated AGC values ranged from 2.52 to 123.89 Mg C ha⁻¹, with study-site averages of 57.16 and 27.42 ± 10.47 Mg C ha⁻¹, respectively. The findings highlight the effectiveness of combining field data with high-resolution satellite imagery and advanced ML approaches, providing scalable, reliable methods for AGC estimation in tropical mangrove ecosystems.

Physiotherapists’ perspectives on implementing a prevention-based walking and education program (WalkBack) for recurrent low back pain: a qualitative study

Background: Low back pain is the leading cause of disability, with recurrences frequent. Although the WalkBack trial showed a physiotherapist-guided walking and education program reduces recurrence, an implementation gap remains, and challenges to clinical integration must be explored. Aim: To identify physiotherapists’ perceived barriers and facilitators to WalkBack implementation.
Methods: Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with twenty physiotherapists. Data was analysed using inductive framework analysis informed by RE-AIM.
Results: Four themes emerged: program relevance; training shaping integration; structured yet flexible resources; and system-level enablers.
Conclusion: Sustainable implementation for health interventions requires targeted training, continuing resources, and aligning with existing funding.

Environmental Impact Assessment of α-Spodumene Production from Lithium Mining in Australia

The global demand for lithium due to expansion of renewable energy technologies, especially in battery production and electric vehicles, has increased α-spodumene mining. This study assesses this mining environmental impacts in Australia using Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA). The findings show that the Global Warming Potential (GWP) has an average impact of 0.4 kg CO₂ eq/kg, primarily driven by diesel use in mining. Additionally, significant contributions to terrestrial ecotoxicity, human health impacts from PM₂.₅, and non-carcinogenic toxicity were identified. The study emphasises the need for reduction of CO₂, NOx, PM₂.₅, and toxic metal emissions from the lithium extraction upstream stages.

From MRI Scan to Signature: Non-Invasive Molecular Profiling of Glioma

Accurate molecular classification of gliomas is vital for clinical decisions but still relies on invasive biopsies that can miss tumor heterogeneity. My research addresses this gap with an interpretable, foundation-based deep learning framework for glioma genotyping from routine multiparametric MRI. The model outperforms state-of-the-art baselines and provides transparent heatmaps that patients and clinicians can trust. With the core methodology and validations complete, health economists and policymakers can evaluate its potential to reduce biopsies and improve equitable access. I share outcomes through open code, cross-disciplinary workshops, and collaborations with MRI vendors and regulators to support safe, broad adoption.

Multiplex Liquid Biopsy Assays to Predict Melanoma Recurrence

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed melanoma outcomes, but many patients derive limited benefit, highlighting the need for biomarkers to guide therapy. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) analysis using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) offers a sensitive and cost-effective approach for real-time disease monitoring. Recurrent mutations in BRAF, NRAS, and the TERT promoter make melanoma well suited to targeted assays. Pre-operative ctDNA levels can predict prognosis, although sensitivity remains limited in early disease. This study develops multiplex single-reaction ddPCR assays to detect NRAS and BRAF mutations, with future expansion to TERT. Enhanced multiplexing may improve sensitivity, inform treatment decisions, and broaden application to other cancers.

From Metabolites to Markers: Identifying Early Blood-Based Biochemical Alterations for Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterised by progressive memory and cognitive decline, which typically emerge only after substantial and irreversible brain damage has occurred. To enable timely intervention, it is essential to detect early pathophysiological changes that precede clinical symptoms. My PhD research investigates blood-based biochemical alterations in cognitively unimpaired older adults, with a particular focus on metabolites—small molecules central to cellular metabolism. By linking these metabolites with established AD biomarkers and cognitive measures, this work aims to identify biochemical signatures of preclinical AD. Such findings may provide valuable tools for early detection and intervention, with broad implications for researchers, clinicians, and the wider community.

Three-year-old children’s interactions with peers vs. educators during play in an early childhood centre: A multimodal study of their potential to promote language learning

Language development in early childhood education and care settings (ECEC) contributes to improved educational outcomes and reduced inequalities later in life. While educator-child interactions are known to foster early language learning, this study explores the potential of preschool children’s peer interactions in ECEC settings. Using systemic functional linguistic theory and social semiotic multimodal theory, the study analyses two children's use of speech, gesture, and gaze in interactions with peers and educators. The findings highlight the unique and complementary language learning opportunities in both educator-child and peer interactions. This study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the various contexts that support early language learning in ECEC settings.

The neural basis of lexical tone in bilingual language processing: An MEG study

Lexical tone is a crucial cue in tonal languages such as Mandarin but not in non-tonal languages like English. Previous studies on tonal monolinguals have identified a broad left-lateralized or bilateral network for tone processing. Yet, its neural basis in bilingual language processing remains unclear. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) with an auditory oddball paradigm, Mandarin–English bilinguals and English monolinguals listened to English interlingual homophones (IHs; e.g., two /tu:/ with dipping tone which sounds like soil tu3 in Mandarin) and non-IHs (toy) superimposed with Mandarin tones as deviants and the same words without tones as standards. Tonal deviants elicited mismatch fields (MMFs) in bilateral STG and left MTG. Compared with monolinguals, bilinguals showed enhanced MMFs in bilateral STG and a greater IH effect in the left STG. These findings indicate a hierarchically organized cortical network in which right STG encodes acoustic features, left MTG supports phonological representations, and left STG mediates cross-language lexical activation.