Centre for Animal Science - Winter Research Programs

Primary Supervisors: Dr Xinle Tan |  xinle.tan@uq.edu.au

Please contact Dr Xinle Tan (xinle.tan@uq.edu.au) before submitting an application.

Duration: 4 weeks (20 - 30 hours per week); on site (St Lucia Campus)

our preliminary result with next generation sequencing technology shows an abundant candidates of transcripts (genes) that were not identified in pigs tongue before. This project aims at identifying and validating novel transcripts in pig tongue that is associated to sensing mechnism. the lab work involves various molecular biology tools including PCR, sanger sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis. 

Expected outcomes: Scholars will gain experience with molecular biology techniques (wet lab), understand basic concepts of genomic sequencing and homology related bioinformatic analysis.

Suitability: This project is open to applications from 3rd – 4th year undergraduate, or masters students with a background in any of the following: agricultural science, molecular biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, biomedical sciences or food science.

Primary Supervisors: Dr Chian Teng ONG  | chianteng.ong@uq.edu.au

Please contact Dr Chian Teng ONG (chianteng.ong@uq.edu.au) before submitting an application.

Duration: 4 weeks (20-30 hours per week); on site (St Lucia Campus). Potential one sampling trip at North Queensland

Accurate microbiome profiling requires efficient DNA extraction to ensure the integrity and representativeness of microbial communities. This study aims to compare two DNA extraction methods to determine their effectiveness in extracting microbial DNA from cattle oral samples for methane prediction. Verification will be performed using 16S rRNA gene PCR analysis. Optimizing DNA extraction will enhance the accuracy of microbial community profiling, leading to better understanding and potential applications in reducing methane emissions from cattle.

Expected outcomes: This project provides an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR analysis, and microbiome research. Students will develop critical skills in laboratory work, data analysis, and scientific reporting.

Suitability: This project is open to applications from 3rd – 4th year undergraduate, or masters students with a background in any of the following: agricultural science, molecular biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, biomedical sciences or food science.

Primary Supervisors: Dr Sean Bisset | s.bisset@uq.edu.au

Please contact Dr Sean Bisset (s.bisset@uq.edu.au) before submitting an application.

Duration: 4 weeks (20 - 30 hours per week); on site (Dutton Park/ EcoSciences Precinct)

Avibacterium paragallinarum is a respiratory bacterial pathogen which infects chickens and other birds, and can contribute to morbidity and mortality in the poultry industry. Methods to prevent infections include developing live vaccines. However, these efforts are complicated by difficulty reliably culturing this bacteria in standard laboratory media. This project aims to address this by using genomics methods (such as whole genome sequencing) to identify metabolic pathways which may be incomplete within different strains of A. paragallinarum, in an effort to identify metabolites which can be supplemented to improve this growth. The student will employ both standard microbiological techniques (in the form of bacterial culturing and assessment of growth curves) and DNA extraction techniques, with a possibility of carrying out some small or preliminary bioinformatic analyses. This project aims to use the optimisation of A. paragallinarum as a proof-of-concept for deploying this methodology to other bacteria. 

Expected outcomes: The student will learn techniques in culturing fastidious bacteria, standard microbiology practises, DNA extraction, and will be introduced to bioinformatic tools. 

Suitability: This projet is open to applications from 3rd - 4th year undergraduate, or masters student, with a background in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology or bioinformatics. 

Primary Supervisors: Dr Karishma Mody | k.mody@uq.edu.au 

Please contact Dr Karishma Mody before submitting an application.

Duration: 4 weeks (30 hours per week); On site (St Lucia Campus)

For over a decade, RNA interference (RNAi) has been an important molecular tool for controlling pests and parasites including parasitic worms. However, there is limited research done on RNAi efficacy on internal parasites that affect livestock.This project aims to explore the RNAi platform to control internal parasites. The student will learn to develop and maintain the parasitic worms under in vitro conditions to investigate the RNAi competency to develop effective control. 

Expected outcomes: The student will develop a protocol pipeline for live fluke and gain valuable skills in experimental design, parasite bioinformatics, material science, and the application of RNAi for livestock protection. They will work closely with Dr. Karishma Mody and Prof Tim Mahony's research team at UQ.

Suitability: This project is open to applications from 3rd - 4th year undergraduate, or masters student, with a background in microbiology, molecular biology, or biotechnology.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Seema Yadav | seema.yadav@uq.edu.au

For any questions or further clarification, please reach out to Dr. Seema Yadav at seema.yadav@uq.edu.au.

Duration: 4 weeks (25 - 30 hours per week); On-site (St Lucia Campus)

For generations, agriculture has been the backbone of our food supply, driven by the art of selective breeding, which helps us find the best crops and boost yields. But now, the landscape of agriculture is on the edge of an exhilarating transformation, driven by the incredible potential of marker data. These markers are like tiny genetic signposts that help us understand the secrets hidden within each plant’s DNA, opening doors to Genomic Selection, a cutting-edge approach. In this project, instead of just looking at the whole genetic picture, we’re diving deeper into the plant’s genetic code, looking for chromosomal segments called haplotype blocks with the potential to turbocharge desired traits.

The main aim is to understand how these blocks influence traits, ultimately enhancing crop yields and disease resistance. In this project 
we investigate the methods for estimating the impact of haplotype blocks. The students will delve into the investigation of the correlation between haplotype block effects as estimated through different approaches. 

Expected outcomes: The student will gain skills related to quantitative genetics theory and gain hands on experience in analysing the genomic data using differnt R package. The student will closely work with Dr Seema Yadav and Ben Hayes Research Team at UQ.

Suitability: The project is open to applications from students with a bacground in plant sciences and quantitative genetics.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Seema Yadav | seema.yadav@uq.edu.au

For any questions or further clarification, please reach out to Dr. Seema Yadav at seema.yadav@uq.edu.au.

Duration: 4 weeks (25 - 30 hours per week); On-site (St Lucia Campus). 

The objective of this project is to conduct a comprehensive review of the Genotype-Environment Interaction (GEI) framework, investigating its historical context, current methodologies, and future directions. The focus will be on the impact of GEI on breeding strategies and potential innovations to enhance yield stability and crop adaptation.

Expected outcomes: The student will conduct a comprehensive review to identify gaps in existing knowledge and suggest areas for future research. If time permits, the goal is to publish it as a review or systematic review. Dr. Seema Yadav will provide initial guidance and full support if the student chooses to proceed with writing the article.

Suitability: The project is open to applications from students with a background in plant sciences and quantitative genetics.

Primary Supervisor: 

Dr Natasha Hungerford | n.hungerford@uq.edu.au
Dr Viviene Santiago | v.santiago@uq.edu.au
Mr Hans Yates 

Please contact Dr Viviene Santiago (v.santiago@uq.edu.au) or Dr Natasha Hungerford (n.hungerford@uq.edu.au) before submitting an application.

Duration: 4 weeks (30 hours per week); on site (Health and Food Sciences Precinct, 39 Kessels Rd, Coopers Plains)

This project focuses on the development of a validated, up-to-date analysis method for the measurement of natural toxins grayanotoxins and pyrrolizidine alkaloids in honeys sourced from different parts of the world. Honey samples will be analysed using different analytical chemistry techniques such as HPLC-ELSD and LC-MS/MS.

Expected outcomes: Scholars will gain skills in the use of HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis and will generate research data that is expected to lead to a publication.

Suitability: This project is open to applications from students with a background in organic chemistry with an interest in analytical chemistry. Can be undertaken as a research project for assessment if required.

Primary Supervisors: 

Dr Natasha Hungerford | n.hungerford@uq.edu.au
Dr Viviene Santiago | v.santiago@uq.edu.au
Mr Hans Yates 

Please contact Dr Viviene Santiago (v.santiago@uq.edu.au) or Dr Natasha Hungerford (n.hungerford@uq.edu.au) before submitting an application.

Duration: 4 weeks (30 hours per week); on site (Health and Food Sciences Precinct, 39 Kessels Rd, Coopers Plains)

This project focuses on method development for the analysis of atypical sugars from stingless bee honey. Honey samples will be analysed for their sugar content using different analytical chemistry techniques such as HPLC-ELSD and LC-MS/MS.

Expected outcomes: Scholars will gain skills in the use of HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis and will generate research data that is expected to lead to a publication.

Suitability: This project is open to applications from students with a background in organic chemistry with an interest in analytical chemistry. Can be undertaken as a research project for assessment if required.

Primary Supervisors: 

Dr Natasha Hungerford | n.hungerford@uq.edu.au
Dr Viviene Santiago | v.santiago@uq.edu.au
Mr Hans Yates 

Please contact Dr Viviene Santiago (v.santiago@uq.edu.au) or Dr Natasha Hungerford (n.hungerford@uq.edu.au) before submitting an application.

Duration: 4 weeks (30 hours per week); on site (Health and Food Sciences Precinct, 39 Kessels Rd, Coopers Plains)

This project focuses on the identification and analysis of the hepatotoxic indospicine in Indigofera leaf samples. Indospicine, an unusual amino acid found in all parts of certain Indigofera species, is known to be hepatotoxic to different species of animals, including cattle, sheep, dogs, and rats. Prolonged ingestion of indospicine have been reported to result to mild to severe liver disease. This project will examine the indospicine content of leaf samples using LC-MS/MS analysis and examine isolation of indospicine from these samples using HPLC-PDA.

Expected outcomes: Scholars will gain skills in the use of HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis and will generate research data that is expected to lead to a publication.

Suitability: This project is open to applications from students with a background in organic chemistry with an interest in analytical chemistry. Can be undertaken as a research project for assessment if required.