Graduate Research School Research Excellence Dean's Award for Excellence 2025

Dean's Award for Excellence 2025

Thesis Title: “You kind of have to keep fighting”: Young Activists Becoming Political and Acting Prefiguratively

Abstract: Doctor Alexander examined young activists' experience of becoming political and their development of a generational radical ecological habitus. Doctor Alexander's research has implications for young people’s political engagement, education and wellbeing

Advisory Panel: Associate Professor Theresa Petray and Doctor Ailie McDowall

Thesis Title: Advancing pathogen detection in Australian giant black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) aquaculture production

Abstract: Doctor Arbon investigated virus detection and surveillance in giant black tiger prawns. Australian farmers are using her work to develop stronger biosecurity in prawn aquaculture.

Advisory Panel: Professor Dean Jerry and Doctor Kelly Condon

Thesis Title: Role of Pharmacists in Transgender Healthcare

Abstract: Doctor Chaudhary designed, delivered and evaluated the first online transgender healthcare training program for Australian pharmacists, which improved knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in their delivery of transgender healthcare. She developed a novel Gender Inclusivity Pharmacy Framework, which will enhance the development and evaluation of future training programs in transgender healthcare.

Advisory Panel: Professor Beverley Glass and Associate Professor Robin Ray

Thesis Title: Processes and patterns in larval settlement of crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris)

Abstract: Doctor Doll investigated larval settlement in the crown-of-thorns starfish. He demonstrated that settlement cues associated with particular algae may govern its recruitment success. His findings highlight the ecological importance of this complex life-history transition and inform management efforts to mitigate the detrimental impact of this coral predator on reef ecosystems.

Advisory Panel: Professor Morgan Pratchett, Professor Andrew Hoey, Doctor Ciemon Caballes and Asoiate Professor Sven Uthicke

Thesis Title: Quantifying and predicting the impacts of major roads in tropical forest frontiers

Abstract: Doctor Engert quantified secondary-road expansion and deforestation stemming from major roads in tropical forest frontiers, and developed methods to predict the impacts of future projects.

Advisory Panel: Professor William Laurance and Professor William Edwards

Thesis Title: Shifting biotic interactions: the indirect effects of climate change on coral community dynamics

Abstract: Doctor Hill explored how climate change indirectly affects coral communities. She found that coral bleaching and ocean acidification alter species interactions like competition, thereby impacting structuring processes on future reefs.

Advisory Panel: Associate Professor Mia Hoogenboom and Doctor Sue-Ann Watson

Thesis Title: Measuring mental health and wellbeing of law students at James Cook University

Abstract: Doctor Holland examined using hope and psychological distress as measures of mental health and wellbeing of law students. She developed an original framework, definition, and model to support law student wellbeing.

Advisory Panel: Associate Professor Thomas Middleton, Associate Professor Riccardo Welters and Associate Professor Rachel Hay

Thesis Title: The population dynamics and functions of corals on post-bleach coral reefs

Abstract: Doctor Morais explored how climate-induced bleaching events affect coral demographics and functions on the Great Barrier Reef. Revealing genus-specific survival and recovery patterns, his

research informs conservation initiatives and restoration projects, enhancing understanding of coral resilience and ecosystem function in the face of frequent environmental disturbances.

Advisory Panel: Professor David Bellwood, Doctor Orpha Bellwood, Professor Garry Russ, Doctor Renato Morais Araujo

Thesis Title: Finding the facet-structure and facet of openness that best predict prejudice and social tolerance: An investigation of predictive utilities and cross-cultural stability

Abstract: Doctor Ng analysed how facets of openness to experience influence group attitudes. Social psychologists are now using his findings to enhance understanding of prejudice and social tolerance

Advisory Panel: Associate Professor Jonathan Ramsay, Doctor Patrick Lin, and Professor Nigel Marsh

Thesis Title: Community Engagement for Leisure Time Physical Activity to Address the Mental Health of Adults Residing in Australian Rural and Remote Communities

Abstract: Kirsten Russell researched evidence-based models support rural communities in engagement, participation, and empowerment when addressing mental health through physical activity. The Community Readiness Model was determined as a feasible evidence-based model to support culturally appropriate interventions. Health professionals working in rural communities can be confident their community engagement strategies are evidence-based.

Advisory Panel: Associate Professor Fiona Barnett and Doctor Robert Stanton

Thesis Title: Using health check data to improve dementia outcomes in the Torres Strait region of Far North Queensland, Australia

Abstract: Doctor Thompson investigated risk and protective factors for dementia in First Nations residents of the Torres Strait region, in Far North Queensland. He found that a large proportion of dementia could be prevented through changes at a population level, and that early signs of kidney damage was an important indicator of later dementia risk.

Advisory Panel: Professor Robyn McDermott, Associate Professor Sarah Russell, Doctor Linton Harriss, Professor Adrian Estermann and A/Professor Sean Taylor

Thesis Title: Ethnobotany and the biological activities of Iningai and Mbabaram Medicinal Plants

Abstract: Gerry Turpin conducted an extensive literature review on medicinal plants used by Aboriginal people in Queensland and investigated eight Iningai and eight Mbabaram medicinal plants for their phytochemicals and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Three Mbabaram plants showed very promising preliminary results and were selected for ongoing biodiscovery projects.

Advisory Panel: Doctor Phurpa Wangchuk, Doctor Roland Ruscher and Professor Darren Crayn

Thesis Title: School-based Community Gardens Battling Food Disconnection as a Manifestation of Environmental Generational Amnesia

Abstract: Doctor Walshe investigates Environmental Generational Amnesia’s relationship to food origin disconnection and limited place awareness. She uses mixed methods to probe urban children's relationship to food and the environment in a school setting. Findings suggest experiential/placeresponsive pedagogies delivered through gardening enhances food origin and place awareness, deescalating EGA in children.

Advisory Panel: Associate Professor Lisa Law, Associate Professor Nicholas Osbaldiston and Associate Professor Snowy Evans