Posts by Michelle Luca

A cotton pangenome for enhanced genomic selection 

This Project will identify key representative lines of the Australian cotton breeding population to construct a cotton pangenome. The expected outcome is to construct a cotton pangenome using the lines which are most efficient in terms of labour and financial resources. This may help increase the accuracy of genomic selection and hence increase the rate of genetic gain. 

Optimizing NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme)

This Project aims to improve NatHERS Whole of Home ratings by developing mathematical models for heating and cooling appliances. Expected outcomes are an assessment of various heating and cooling appliances and insights into the most appropriate heating and cooling solutions tailored to specific climate zones. The potential benefit is to enhance the overall energy efficiency and thermal comfort of residential spaces nationwide. 

Improving infrastructure risks using satellite radar (InSAR) monitoring with GNSS sensor systems

The objective of this project is to develop and test new methods to integrate next generation satellite radar (InSAR) monitoring for ground motion with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) positioning devices. This will focus on test sites where the student will investigate the optimal methods for combining multi-satellite InSAR with a network of Kurloo GNSS devices to provide robust 3D ground motion monitoring from space. The potential benefits may include the development of near-real time 3D hazard monitoring for critical infrastructure, extending to pre-collapse alerts, thus reducing the risk of catastrophic events.

Origin of hydrogen and helium occurrences

This Project seeks to understand the geological settings that facilitate the generation and accumulation of natural hydrogen. The expected outcome is to track the critical elements involved in the hydrogen and helium gas resources. This may result in fast-tracking the industrial production of natural hydrogen.

Repurposing & fortification of nutrient-rich waste streams

This project investigates the potential of the combined waste streams from the two industries to develop new ingredients for food applications. The expected outcome is a framework to develop products from reclaimed and fortified nutrient-rich fractions suited to their physico-chemical properties. The potential benefit is improved nutrient upcycling, reduced food waste and carbon footprint. 

Enhancing cybersecurity with AI and Large Language Models 

This project will explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) to predict organisational cybersecurity risks and mitigate threats in advance. The expected outcomes are an enhanced cybersecurity framework, better threat intelligence techniques and user-centric designs, and an adaptable solution. This may help businesses to identify cyber risks and prevent cyber incidents prior to happening and avoid financial losses and brand damage.   

Extending the shelf life of UHT plant protein beverages

This Project aims to improve understanding and overcome the negative effects of the secondary lipid oxidation products and Maillard reaction in UHT plant protein beverages. The expected outcome is a methodology to impede the negative impact of malodorous/browning reactions in high protein UHT beverages. This may lead to the extension of shelf life of these products furthering export opportunities.  

Evaluating Robotic Medical Surgery with Multimodal and Responsible AI

This Project aims to develop multimodal and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) for automated robotic surgery assessment. The expected outcome is to develop multimodal and responsible AI for automated robotic surgery assessment. The potential benefit is enhanced surgical training, improved patient outcomes, reduced training costs, and increased transparency. 

Shaping human and AI collaboration in Security Operations Centres

This project investigates innovative solutions to enhance collaborative intelligence, leveraging human and artificial intelligence affordances, in security operations centres (SOC). The expected outcome is the development of socio-technical artifacts that leverage cyber threat intelligence for enhanced cyber situational awareness and sensemaking in SOCs. The potential benefit is faster and more effective responses to cyber threats in Australia. 

Fingerprinting critical minerals development in continental margins

This project will study how critical minerals develop in the Andean-type plate margins through case studies in eastern Australia. The expected outcomes are results that characterise signature minerals in a polymetallic minerals province in Far North Queensland. This may result in supplying new data-driven mineralisation models for key exploration regions.