Assessing exposure to bushfire smoke and associated health risks

The PhD project aims to collect environmental samples and human fluid samples and analyse them for bushfire smoke-related chemicals, to assess the exposure of bushfire smoke for residents. Health effects will be measured for example the oxidative stress damage related to the exposure to bushfire smoke. The ultimate goal of this PhD is to assess residents' exposure to bushfire smoke during a combustion event, and its association with health risks.

This PhD project is within UQ’s defined strength of environmental science (the top 20 in the world). QAEHS has a particular strength in environmental monitoring, analytical chemistry, and human exposure risk assessment. QAEHS has multiple student support programs such as scholarship top-up and conference-attending support. QAEHS has a newly equipped and well-maintained PC2 laboratory with all the advanced equipment and other resources this project needs. These include 13 state-of-the-art mass spectrometers – five Sciex LC-MS triple quadrupoles (QQQ), two LC-MS QTOFs, a GC-Orbitrap, a HRGC-HRMS and a GC-triple quadrupoles, and an NCI-GC-triple quadrupoles. QAEHS also owns a fully automated sample preparation system (LCTech FreeStyle) and three pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) systems (Thermo) assisting this project's work.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

A working knowledge of human biomonitoring, mass spectrometry and trace organic analysis would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of environmental science and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of chemical emissions from biomass burning is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Dr Xianyu Wang (x.wang18@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 22 May, 2024 22 May, 2024.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter .

Apply now