Winter projects

We offer winter research scholarships to eligible students. Our winter research program is offered for four weeks over the winter holiday period (June to July).

Students will participate in a 4- week research project, working with a research mentor, and will be expected to actively participate in the program for between 20 and 36 hours per week.

Contact A/Prof Wendy Goodwin, w .goodwin@uq.edu.au for more information on the eligibility and the application process.

Available projects

Characterisation of shelter dogs for olfactory perception and detection.

Title: Characterisation of shelter dogs for olfactory perception and detection.

Background: This research project aims to analyse shelter dogs that would benefit from targeted olfactory enrichment. Over time, it is interesting to note which traits observed during initial selection contribute to long-term success, and how they vary. The research assistant will be responsible for reviewing video footage, annotating sensor data based on video observations, and ensuring data accuracy to categorise canine behaviours. They will work in conjunction with the project team to develop a standardised behaviour categorisation system to classify observed behaviours and match video footage with sensor data.

Supervisor: Associate Professor Gry Boe-Hansen

Exploring the ecological impacts of invasive fire ants on Australian wildlife

Title: Exploring the ecological impacts of invasive fire ants on Australian wildlife

Background: This project investigates how invasive red imported fire ants influence native Australian wildlife distribution, behaviour and habitat use across South East Queensland. The Winter Research Scholar will assist an ongoing field and spatial ecology study examining wildlife occurrence in fire ant–infested and non-infested landscapes. The student will support fieldwork activities (camera trap deployment and sample collection where appropriate), contribute to spatial mapping and data visualisation using GIS, and assist in preparing reports and outputs for the spatial modelling component of the project.

Supervisor: Dr Kate Dutton-Register