School of Public Health Winter Research projects
An invisible crisis - Food security in older adults
Hours of engagement | 28 |
Location | Herston: School of Public Health Building (887) |
Project description | Food is more than just nutrients; it's a source of health, connection, and dignity. Yet, for many older Australians, food insecurity remains an invisible crisis, shaped by complex social, environmental, and personal barriers. When access to nutritious and culturally appropriate foods is limited, the consequences can impact an individual's physical and mental health and their quality of life. This project will investigate the latest research on food insecurity among older adults in Australia, exploring the challenges they face and the need for broader action to ensure everyone has access to food as a basic human right. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | Applicants will have the opportunity to develop skills in conducting systematic searches, extracting data, synthesizing results and contribute to a publication. |
Suitable for | This project is suitable for applicants of any background who poses the following skills. Critical thinking- Ability to think critically and reflexively to challenge assumptions, evaluate evidence, and develop conclusions. Communication and Collaboration skills- Strong writing skills with attention to detail, ability to work effectively within a team, ability to integrate and respond to feedback and time management skills to meet project milestones. Experience in public health is advantageous but not mandatory. |
Primary Supervisor | |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Ethical analysis of Commercial Tobacco Endgame Policies
Hours of engagement | 20-36 |
Location | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Project description | Tobacco products are addictive primarily because of their high nicotine content. Most adults who smoke tobacco do so because they are addicted to nicotine and find that stopping smoking can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. One option to reduce the public health impact of tobacco would be to make them non-addictive, which would make it easier for people to stop smoking when they want to do so. This policy was proposed by public health researchers 30 years ago. The policy has been under consideration by the United States Food and Drug Administration for several years and was nearly implemented in Aotearoa/New Zealand in 2024. Policy-making concerning new public health interventions needs to consider a complex range of issues including evidence of effectiveness, but also pragmatic implementation considerations, legal issues and ethical factors. Another option to reduce the public health impacts would be to restrict tobacco product supply to pharmacies. This project will provide an analysis of the ethical considerations of these and/or other endgame strategies. Considerations will include benefits to health, public acceptance of the intervention, harm minimisation, maintaining autonomy, efficiency of resource use and equity. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | Contribution to a journal article |
Suitable for | This is suitable for students from a wide range of disciplines, including pharmacy, all health and medical programs (public health, health sciences), etc |
Primary Supervisor | Professor Coral Gartner Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Experiences of Māori and Pasifika women in the Pasifika Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP)
Hours of engagement | Min 20h, times to be negotiated within the agreed specification. |
Location | Herston: School of Public Health Building (887) |
Project description | The Pasifika Women's Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP), co-designed and developed with the Māori and Pasifika communities in Queensland, was piloted and trialled between 2022-2023. This project was undertaken through a culturally centred approach by Māori and Pasifika researchers and the community. Part of the program implementation involved focus groups with women who completed the program. This qualitative study will analyse focus group data using inductive and deductive analysis and the Pacific health framework to identify key enablers and barriers to culturally responsive diabetes care program and their experiences with PWDWP. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | The students will have the opportunity to gain skills in qualitative data analysis and working with decolonising frameworks, summarising findings in narrative form; and contribute to a publication. The students will also be supervised and mentored by Pacific academics and researchers. |
Suitable for | Honours, eligible postgraduate students can apply. The applicant may have experience with undertaking literature and have experience with qualitative analysis and narrative writing. |
Primary Supervisor | Dr Heena Akbar |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor MUST be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Gender differences in barriers and opportunities for physical activity
Hours of engagement | 36 |
Location | Herston: School of Public Health Building (887) |
Project description | Students will have the opportunity to be involved in an umbrella review focusing on barriers that girls and women face to physical activity across the lifespan. Additionally, to provide breadth to the opportunities, students will also be involved in analysis of a survey investigating opportunities for physical activity in a population of university students. This survey contains a range of variables so the specific analysis can be tailored to the student's area of interest. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | Students will gain experience in quantitative methods and will engage in activities such as literature searches, data analysis, critical appraisal, scientific writing, and communication skills. At the start of the program, students will collaborate with the project coordinator to establish specific outcomes. |
Suitable for | Students with a background in Health Sciences, Public Health, Epidemiology, or related areas. This does not have to be exclusively in physical activity/exercise, but an interest in this is important. |
Primary Supervisor | Dr Stephanie Duncombe |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Mapping and costing smoking cessation support in Australia
Hours of engagement | 20-36 |
Location | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Project description | This project will aim to identify and summarise smoking cessation support programs and interventions that are available around Australia. It will also compare types of support programs that are offered in other countries. The analysis will also attempt to estimate the current annual cost nationally that is currently spent on smoking cessation. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | Contribution to a journal article |
Suitable for | This is suitable for students from a wide range of disciplines, including pharmacy, all health and medical programs (public health, health sciences), etc |
Primary Supervisor | Dr Ara Cho Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Perspectives on menstruation: Analysing attitudes and experiences across generations and menstrual disorders
Hours of engagement | 36 |
Location | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Project description | This study aims to investigate women's attitudes towards menstruation and how these perceptions correlate with the prevalence and severity of menstrual disorders. Using data from the GELLES sub-study of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH), we will analyse responses from cohorts'women born in 1989-95 (aged 26-33 years) and 1973-78 (aged 45-51 years). GELLES provides a rich dataset, capturing menstrual experiences, attitudes, and symptoms from a diverse population-based sample. Participants in GELLES were asked to respond to a series of statements reflecting their emotional, social, and practical perceptions of menstruation, including feelings of embarrassment, acceptance, and the perceived impact of menstruation on their daily lives. By comparing responses between the two cohorts, we aim to explore generational shifts in menstrual attitudes. Furthermore, we will investigate how these attitudes differ between women reporting different menstrual disorders, including endometriosis and other conditions associated with menstrual pain and irregularity. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | The candidate will be responsible for data cleaning and analysis and preparation of a draft manuscript. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how menstruation is perceived across different life stages and health conditions, potentially informing public health messaging, menstrual health education, and clinical approaches to menstrual disorder management. Identifying patterns in attitudes and their relationship with menstrual health may also highlight areas for improved support and intervention for those experiencing menstrual distress. The candidate will gain valuable skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, survey research methods and statistical interpretation. They will also develop critical thinking, literature review, and scientific writing skills, making this project an excellent opportunity for those interested in women's health, public health research, and epidemiology. |
Suitable for | This project is open to applications from students with a basic background in computing, data management, statistics and/or bioinformatics. Some experience in statistical computing software (eg. R, SPSS or STATA) is also required. A basic background in health science and/or epidemiology would also be beneficial. |
Primary Supervisor | Dr Sally Mortlock |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor MUST be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Review of stress, burnout and wellbeing in the mental health and addictions workforce
Hours of engagement | 25-35 |
Location | Herston: School of Public Health Building (887) |
Project description | This project will examine the individual and organisational factors that affect the wellbeing, job satisfaction, stress and burnout of the mental health and addictions workforce, and how these relate to treatment outcomes for people who use the services provided by this workforce. In Australia, and internationally, there has been a sustained decline in the capacity, skills, and morale of the mental health and drug treatment and recovery workforce. There is a limited supply of specialists who provide psychosocial interventions due to staff turnover, and a lack of new staff due to lack of training and unclear or unavailable career pathways. This is worsened by challenging working conditions, job insecurity, and lack of professional development. Research suggests this is true across all professions involved in mental health and substance use treatment, including psychiatry, nursing, and social work. There is a dearth of high-quality research exploring the relationship between treatment outcomes and clinician and organisational characteristics. This area has gained more attention as some countries shift to a systems perspective of workforce development that encompasses not just individual training but also organisational and structural factors. The few high quality studies published to date suggest that the effects of workforce characteristics on treatment outcomes relate to the types of people treated, the types of treatment provided, and the outcomes examined, but further research is needed. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | Scholars may gain skills in designing and implementing search protocols, analysis of text using NVivo, and structured scientific writing. The scholar may have the opportunity to contribute to a scientific publication. |
Suitable for | The project is suitable for any student with an interest in the treatment of mental health and/or substance use. Previous experience of conducting literature reviews would be an advantage. |
Primary Supervisor | |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Review of the evidence on Australian Vaping Control Policy
Hours of engagement | 20-36 |
Location | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Project description | This scoping review aims to synthesise the published literature on Australia's regulatory model for controlling the supply and use of nicotine vaping products. This review will be the most comprehensive evaluation of Australia's unique regulatory using a policy evaluation framework. Introduction: Australia has implemented a globally unique regulatory model for controlling the supply and use of nicotine vaping products. Internationally, the use of nicotine vaping products has increased, including among youth. The regulatory landscape for nicotine vaping products has been highly dynamic as different countries take varying approaches to regulating these products and reforming or refining their models. Australia regulates nicotine vaping products as prescription only medicines, but has developed a pathway to allow controlled access to these products without requiring them to be approved as medicines. Databases of peer-reviewed and grey literature will be systematically searched and results assessed against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Extracted data will be summarised and described in tabular and narrative form. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | Contribution to a journal article |
Suitable for | This is suitable for students from a wide range of disciplines, including pharmacy, all health and medical programs (public health, health sciences), etc |
Primary Supervisor | Dr Kylie Morphett Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Self-reported impact of endometriosis on physical, social, and mental wellbeing
Hours of engagement | 36 |
Location | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Project description | This study aims to investigate the self-reported impact of endometriosis on physical health, social relationships, and mental wellbeing. Using data from the GELLES sub-study of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH), we will analyse responses from two cohorts'women born in 1989-95 (aged 26-33 years) and 1973-78 (aged 45-51 years). GELLES provides a rich dataset, capturing lived experiences of endometriosis, including its effects on daily life, mobility, social participation, and emotional health. Participants in GELLES were asked to respond to a series of statements assessing the ways in which endometriosis affects their ability to engage in social, professional, and physical activities, as well as its influence on mood, self-perception, and overall wellbeing. This study will explore the extent of these impacts and identify potential differences between the two cohorts. By analysing patterns in self-reported experiences, we aim to provide insights into the broader burden of endometriosis, with implications for healthcare support, workplace accommodations, and mental health interventions. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | The candidate will be responsible for data cleaning, analysis, and preparation of a draft manuscript. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the multidimensional impact of endometriosis, helping to inform clinical care, patient support strategies, and public health awareness. Identifying key challenges faced by individuals with endometriosis may also highlight areas for policy development and targeted interventions. Through this project, the candidate will gain valuable skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, survey research methods, and statistical interpretation. They will also develop critical thinking, literature review, and scientific writing skills, making this an excellent opportunity for those interested in women's health, public health research, and epidemiology. |
Suitable for | This project is open to applications from students with a basic background in computing, data management, statistics, and/or bioinformatics. Some experience in statistical computing software (e.g., R, SPSS, or STATA) is required. A background in health science and/or epidemiology would also be beneficial. |
Primary Supervisor | Dr Sally Mortlock |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor MUST be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Umbrella review of Commercial Tobacco Endgame Interventions
Hours of engagement | 20-36 |
Location | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Project description | Commercial tobacco endgame interventions aim to rapidly and permanently reduce smoking to minimal levels. They generally involve much more intensive policies, such as large reductions in the number of tobacco retail outlets or implementing standards that would make tobacco products non-addicting. This project will update a scoping review completed in March 2021 (https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/31/2/365) and also summarise what progress has occurred since this review. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | Contribution to a journal article |
Suitable for | This is suitable for students from a wide range of disciplines, including pharmacy, all health and medical programs (public health, health sciences), etc |
Primary Supervisor | Professor Coral Gartner Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Improving the measurement of physical activity across the life course
Hours of engagement | 28 |
Location | Herston: School of Public Health Building (887) |
Project description | This winter research project is part of a larger study examining the validity and reliability of a retrospective physical activity questionnaire. Most physical activity questionnaires in longitudinal surveys assess current physical activity levels, which require participants to complete assessments at each follow-up. While this approach provides relatively accurate assessments, sometimes it can be challenging due to higher costs and the risk of loss to follow-up. Although there are a few retrospective questionnaires measuring physical activity across different life stages, their validity and reliability are not tested. Therefore, we are currently undertaking a validation study of a retrospective physical activity questionnaire. At the initial phase of this project, we will establish data collection protocols and apply for ethics approval. Data will be collected in a cohort of mid-to-old-aged Australian adults. The primary responsibility of the student will include assisting in the development of data collection protocols and drafting the ethics application. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | The student will gain experience and increased knowledge in the design of studies, collection of survey data, and scientific writing. |
Suitable for | Students undertaking a health-related degree with an interest in physical activity research. |
Primary Supervisor | |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Vaping and health among adolescents and young adults
Hours of engagement | 36 |
Location | Herston: School of Public Health Building (887) |
Project description | Over the last 20 years, there has been a decrease in the number of teenagers smoking combustible cigarettes, thanks to multilevel strategies and intervention to tackle the problem, with promising improvement health outcomes in the world. But e-cigarette use drastically is increasing among high schoolers, and young adults internationally. This project aims to summary evidence the epidemiological aspects and its short-term and long-term impacts on health in the world, and to provide evidence for stakeholder to direct further investigation and mitigation strategies. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables | Students are expected to have the real-world experience in delivering in public health research, to practice knowledge from classes, to have exposure to data collection, data analysis, and report results at the end of the project. |
Suitable for | This project is open for students with some basic knowledge of epidemiology and public health (for example, Master of Epidemiology, Master of Public health). And students considering a PhD in Public Health. |
Primary Supervisor | Dr Ming Li |
Instructions to applicants | The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |