Centre for Crop Science - Summer Research Programs

Primary Supervisor: Prof Bhagirath Chauhan | b.chauhan@uq.edu.au (Discuss your interest with Bhagirath Chauhan before applying)  

Duration: 6 weeks (20 hours per week); On-site (Gatton)

The severity of drought is increasing in Australia in the wake of global climate change. Knowledge about the influence of drought on weeds and herbicide performance is necessary for optimising herbicide applications. This research will investigate the effect of drought stress, as one of the negative effects of global climate change on the performance of the commonly used herbicides in button grass.

Expected outcomes: This study would help growers for informed decision-making to increase herbicide efficacy in dryland regions. Students may improve skills in conducting pots experiment and data recording.

Suitability: This project is open to applications from students with a background in agriculture, agronomy, botany, biochemistry, chemistry, crop science, or 3rd and 4th year students only.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Dongxue Zhao |  dongxue.zhao@uq.edu.au  

Duration: 6 weeks (20-36 hours per week); On-site (Gatton)

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of drought events in Australia.New undersatnding on the response of crop water use dynamics and root activity under water stresses is critical for improving crop drought resilience. The research project involves assessing and evaluating functional root traits in the field using sensing technologies. 

Expected outcomes:  The student may gain skills in proximal sensing data collection and data analysis, be involved in biomass and root sampling tasks. The student may be asked to produce an oral presentation at the end of his/her project. There is also an opportunity for the student to produce a publlication based on the project.

Suitability: This project is oepn to 3rd or 4th year student with a background in agronomy or crop ecophysiology.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Gulshan Mahajan |  Please contact Dr Gulshan Mahajan before applying (g.mahajan@uq.edu.au, 0432 467 954)

Duration: 6 weeks (20-30 hours per week); On-site (Gatton)

Priming may have a beneficial effect on stress-tolerant rice varieties. These varieties, when primed, can perform even better under adverse conditions such as drought, salinity, or temperature extremes. This study will investigate the effect of seed priming for improving germination and seedling vigour of a range of varieties.

Expected outcomes:  Tailoring priming techniques to the needs of different rice varieties is crucial for optimizing their growth, yield, and stress tolerance, contributing to more resilient and productive rice cultivation systems. Students may improve skills in conducting lab experiments, data recording, and analysis.

Suitability: The project is open to applications from students with background in agronomy or biochemistry or plant sciences

Primary Supervisor: Dr Gulshan Mahajan |  Please contact Dr Gulshan Mahajan before applying (g.mahajan@uq.edu.au, 0432 467 954)

Duration: 6 weeks (20-30 hours per week); On-site (Gatton)

Salinity is one of the most important factors limiting plant growth and delaying seed germination as well as the final germination percentage in mungbean. Identifying and understanding the genotypic differences in response to salt stress is crucial for developing resilient mungbean varieties, which can sustain productivity in saline-prone areas. This study will investigate the impact of salt stress on germination and vigour index across different mungbean genotypes

Expected outcomes: This study will identify mungbean genotypes with superior salt tolerance based on physiological traits. Students may improve skills in conducting lab experiments, data recording, and analysis.

Suitability: The project is open to applications from students with background in agronomy or biochemistry or plant sciences.

Primary Supervisors: 

Ms Cresha Nadar | c.nadar@uq.edu.au
A/Prof Sudhir Yadav | sudhir.yadav@uq.edu.au

For any questions, please reach out to Dr. Cresha Nadar and A/Prof Sudhir Yadav.

Duration: 6 weeks (20 - 30 hours per week); On-site (St Lucia Campus)

This project focuses on conducting a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) of alternative food sources. With the advancement of biotechnology, researchers are exploring a number of pathways to meet growing nutrition and food demand. The different processes and technologies utilised in food production are known to have varying environmental impacts. Moreover, the choice of LCA methodology and data sources significantly influences the computed results.

Our primary objectives are to educate participants in the fundamental principles of LCA and engage them in running diverse simulation scenarios. This hands-on experience will enable students to assess and compare the environmental footprints of different food production technologies, thereby getting an insight into sustainable food systems.

Expected outcomes: Participants in this project can expect to:

• Learn the fundamentals of Life Cycle Assessment, a widely recognized method for evaluating the environmental impacts of products and processes.
• Gain practical experience by working with our team to run different simulation scenarios to compute environmental footprints.
• Develop a deep understanding of the environmental implications of emerging technologies

At the end of the project, students will be encouraged to prepare a report and based on the their work, which might lead to a manuscript. 

Suitability: A background in Bioprocessing/Food processing/Biotechnology or Environmental science would be preferrable. Both 3rd and 4th year students as well as MS students are welcome to apply. 

Primary Supervisors: 

Dr Bruno Moreira
A/Prof Sudhir Yadav

For any questions or further clarification, please reach out to Dr. Bruno Moreira at b.moreira@uq.edu.au and A/Prof Sudhir Yadav at sudhir.yadav@uq.edu.au

Duration: 6 weeks (20 - 36 hours per week); On-site (St Lucia Campus)

This project focuses on developing and refining biomass quality indices to enhance renewable energy generation in Australia. The goal is to create functional biomass models by integrating physicochemical properties from agriculture, forestry, and/or urban sectors. The project aims to establish practical quality indices that consider both individual properties and their interactions. These indices will aid in optimising biomass selection and addressing issues related to thermal conversion inefficiencies, maintenance costs in biomass-burning equipment, and uncertainties regarding biomass quality and its potential for decarbonisation. This is essential for supporting Australia's carbon-neutral transition. Students will work with a research mentor at a UQ campus, focusing on identifying, calculating, and modelling quality indices such as the Volatile Fuel Index and the Fouling/Slagging Index for various biomass types. Responsibilities include conducting a systematic literature review, organising data from the CSIRO’s Biomass Database and other sources, and contributing to the development of functional and graphical models for comparing and selecting the most suitable biomass types for solid fuel production.

Expected outcomes: Students will learn to identify high-quality biomass types for solid biofuel production and renewable energy generation through functional and graphical models. They will gain skills in systematic literature review and data analytics. The project offers the opportunity to contribute to a publication based on research findings. Students may also be required to produce a report or deliver an oral presentation at lab group meetings, enhancing their science communication skills.

Suitability: This project welcomes applications from students with backgrounds in agriculture, environmental science, or analytical chemistry, particularly those interested in biomass and bio-based solutions for waste management, biofuels and bioenergy, and sustainable development. Advanced analytical skills are not required, but students eager to develop these skills are encouraged to apply.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Owen Powell  | o.powell2@uq.edu.au

Duration: 6 weeks (20 hours per week); On-site (St Lucia Campus)

In this project, the student will learn how to build statistical models to predict how prawns interact with their growing environments. These models will be used to investigate how selective breeding can be used to improve industry targets of improved production efficiencies and animal welfare. For example, breaking the antagonistic relationship between growth and reproductive efficiency.

Expected outcomes: Scholars will gain experience in translational skills in statistics, predictive algorthims, artificial intelligence, computer simulations, complex trait genetics and selective breeding programs.

Suitability: Suitable for students studying or interested in genetics, computer science, mathematics or agricultural science. Skills in these areas are favourable, but not mandatory.

Primary Supervisor: 

Dr Celine Mens |  For any questions, please reach out to Dr. Celine Mens (c.mens@uq.edu.au)
Prof. Michael Udvardi

Duration: 6 weeks (20 hours per week); On-site (St. Lucia/Gatton)

The project will assess the nitrogen fixing efficiency of a genetically diverse collection of mungbean as part of a larger initiative to increase nitrogen fixation in Australian pulses by exploring natural diversity to reduce fertiliser inputs. 

Expected outcomes: Students will gain experience in project design, mass spec analysis, and phenotyping with image analysis. If time allows, data can be explored through GWAS analysis.

Suitability: The project is open to students with a background in agricultural and plant science. Skills in these ares are favourable, but not mandatory.