The Centre for Applied Water Science (CAWS) at the University of Canberra is a diverse, multi-disciplinary group of applied researchers who work closely with research end-users to contribute to knowledge, policy and management of freshwater systems. CAWS is advertising for research students to undertake two projects (see below): one in the field of Indigenous Water Science and a second in the field of Floodplain Vegetation Ecology.
Potential Research Topics
These topics can be adapted depending on the students interests.
Incorporating Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing into freshwater conservation and evaluation (Honours, Masters or PhD).
There is a growing recognition globally that Indigenous perspectives and knowledge of land and water management are a critical part of developing sustainable, equitable and resilient approaches to natural resource management. First Nations participation is now a priority of environmental monitoring, evaluation and research programs, with funding committed to ensure Indigenous science, perspectives, values and knowledge are considered alongside Western science and management strategies.
We are seeking an Indigenous (Australian) or non-indigenous student to undertake research within the Centre for Applied Water Science (CAWS), University of Canberra. The student will focus on how Indigenous science, knowledge and perspectives can be used to improve any aspect of the management, monitoring or evaluation of freshwater environments within the Murray Darling Basin. This information will inform culturally appropriate engagement of Indigenous people within water science and develop approaches to effectively combine Indigenous and non-indigenous science in conservation management of freshwater environments. We are open to potential honours, Masters or PhD level students for this opportunity.
PHD opportunity: The influence of flow regimes and climate on floodplain vegetation.
Floodplain vegetation requires intermittent flooding during key life stages to reproduce, disperse, germinate, establish and survive. Floodplain communities continue to be impacted by changes in flow regimes related to river regulation and water extraction. Changes in rainfall and temperature patterns are likely to exacerbate these effects.
We are seeking a PhD student to understand the role of flooding and drying on floodplain vegetation communities and species in the context of a managed system under a changing climate. Your research will explore how historic, recent and predicted future flow regimes and climate shape floodplain vegetation patterns and processes. You will join a team led out of the Centre for Applied Water Science (CAWS), University of Canberra on the Flow MER Program where you will have access to long-term data sets, fixed survey sites, and support. This PhD combines plant ecology, riverine-floodplain ecology, hydrology and data science. This project will likely involve a combination of field-based data collection, undertaking glasshouse experiments, remote sensing and using long-term data sets. Your findings will support the management and evaluation of environmental flows and conservation management of floodplain habitats. This opportunity is open to domestic students and will include a PhD top up.
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