However, Rising PhD stars at Flinders University are working on some groundbreaking ways to address change around recovery improvement after a stroke, safeguarding against dangerous toxins in wastewater used to irrigate crops, and how food supplies can be guaranteed in the face of climate change.
Thomas Beltrame, a biomedical engineer who specialises in rehabilitation and assistive technology, has taken a fresh approach to long-term stroke rehabilitation. He is developing a novel music-based mirror therapy in virtual reality (VR) to support stroke survivors through their rehabilitation journey.
His PhD is testing the ingenious use of VR by encouraging stroke survivors to play virtual musical instruments through therapeutic arm and hand motions. This hopes to improve upper limb mobility in an enjoyable, cost-effective and motivating way – and it’s designed for musicians and non-musicians.
Beltrame won the 2024 Flinders University 3-Minute Thesis competition for the engaging way he explained his innovative rehabilitation method.
He is delighted by the preliminary feedback from stroke survivors and professionals who believe the proposed VR therapy could improve upper limb function and independence.
“If the pilot trial is successful, this virtual model could revolutionise independent, home-based rehabilitation for chronic stroke survivors,” says Beltrame, “and the best part is that it’s fun.”
This exciting pilot trial is currently recruiting participants and will be commencing in February 2025.
Inspired robotics scan sounds of the sea
Flinders international student, Lucas Domingos is developing machine learning algorithms that can detect and classify sounds emitted by ships, underwater vessels, maritime mammals, and
seismic activities – showing exactly what is happening in the ocean without having to be in the ocean.
Working with his supervisor, Associate Professor Russell Brinkworth, Domingos’s PhD project has been awarded a prestigious National Industry PhD Program grant, supported by industry partner PrioriAnalytica, which provides Operational Analytics solutions for the Defence, resources, energy and logistics sectors.
Through using diverse interactions between artificial intelligence and automation technologies, biologically-inspired algorithms, machine vision and signal processing, Domingo will develop a new system that could automate surveillance of the Australian shores, enhancing the efficiency of coastal monitoring and national security at a fraction of current costs.
“It will have diverse uses and benefits, because it can also be a valuable tool to support marine conservation, observations of marine life and controlling environmental impact,” says Domingo.
Eliminating toxins from food crops
To examine the damaging effects of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, Shayne Faulkner is undertaking a PhD to study cyanobacteria toxin uptake in food crops and its implications on human health.
Working in partnership with SA Water and Water Research Australia, Faulkner’s study will focus on common toxins from blue-green algae blooms that pose health risks if they accumulate in food crops, animals or aquatic products.
This is a looming problem due to increasing use of recycled water for irrigation, and the presence of blue-green algae blooms in wastewater. Standard wastewater treatment methods currently struggle to eliminate these toxins, so pinpointing the conditions and thresholds for blue-green algae blooms will streamline testing and reduce the costs of monitoring irrigation water and food crops.
“We have to ensure more accurate measurement of these toxins in food crops, especially in the parts we eat, and understand how the toxin spreads within the plants,” says Faulkner.
“The ultimate goal is to support sustainable agriculture, ensure food security and overcome health risks.”
Changing the script to eradicate ageism
Dr Dr Rebecca Carpenter-Mew has published a challenging thesis that examines the extent to which ageism is embedded in our language and literature and takes to task celebrated Australian contemporary fiction and prize-winning authors.
Having started her PhD at the age of 52, after a career as an English high school teacher, Dr Rebecca Carpenter-Mew’s thesis “Ageism and the older woman in contemporary Australian literature: the tonics and the toxins” won a 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Doctoral Thesis Excellence for the way it examines storytelling full of tradition and conventions that do not necessarily serve us well yet are widely accepted as the cultural reference for ageing.
“Without doubt, genre matters. Additionally, there is a greater tendency to stereotype when authors write outside their age demographic,” she says.
“Those who write from lived experience side-step tripwires and pitfalls of traditional narrative structures and strategies to enliven the depiction of ageing.
"They refashion age for their own purposes and offer more constructive pathways for readers as they navigate their own ageing in an increasingly ageing society.”
Food security informed by Indigenous knowledge
Collethy Jaru, part of the Anga Tribe of Papua New Guinea, is using her PhD research at Flinders to link Indigenous knowledge with western philosophy, particularly to address food sustainability in the wake of climate change affecting her homeland.
Her PhD focuses on skills, tools and techniques using cassava, a high-carbohydrate tuber that flourishes in tropical climates, making it ideal as the main crop that can best address climate change and food security in Papua New Guinea’s rural communities.
Working with her PhD supervisor, Professor Udoy Saikia, Jaru presented data results from her thesis at national conferences, underlining Flinders’ commitment to create avenues for PhD students to present their thesis progress.
“I remember my childhood, spending time and growing up in a remote rural village with my grandpa, who taught me a lot of my Indigenous knowledge,” says Jaru.
“Now I’m taking steps to make sure that Indigenous knowledge is catalogued so that it can be used now, to address climate change that affects local food resources, and far into the future.”
Flinders University secures another three national Industry HDR research grants
Flinders University has been successful in gaining funding for three outstanding industry PhD projects in the most recent round of the Australian Government Department of Education National Industry PhD Program.
The three PhD projects examine virtual reality in the healthcare sector, supporting carers of people with dementia, and nutrition solutions to help reduce postnatal depression.
Professor Timothy Cavagnaro, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training and Capabilities) and Dean of Graduate Research, says this recent round of awards shows that Flinders continues to put priority on developing the next generation of research leaders.
“Flinders’ continued success in this important program is testament to our commitment to partnering with industry to deliver research with real world relevance and impact.”
If you are interested in making an in-depth exploration of a topic that interests you, creating new knowledge, or becoming an expert in your field, a Higher Degree by Research at Flinders can help you to make a difference.
Find out more about Flinders Higher Degree by Research here by clicking here.
