Chemical and pathogen exposure during mass gatherings

In the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is important to understand how large gatherings can impact on the population and the environment. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) or wastewater surveillance has been a crucial tool for assessing community-level chemical and pathogen exposure for more than a decade. As sewage (wastewater) contains urine from entire communities, WBE extends urine testing of individuals to whole communities. Large events, such as international sporting competitions, festivals or COVID-19, can lead to changes in human activity and use of various substances, resulting in temporary changes in chemical discharges into wastewater. Moreover, an increase in international visitors can also lead to changes in the pathogens, to which the community is exposed. Monitoring this through WBE helps identify potential health risks so that interventions can be implemented and monitored for their efficacy. The student will establish methods for chemical/pathogen exposures, using samples collected during events.

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 student support programs such as scholarship top-up. 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, an HRGC-HRMS and a GC-triple quadrupole, and an NCI-GC-triple quadrupole.

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 wastewater-based epidemiology would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of environmental science, analytical chemistry, or forensic chemistry and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of wet chemistry sample preparation techniques and the use of analytical instruments 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 Richard Bade (r.bade@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 5 May, 2025 5 May, 2025.

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 PATHOGEN-BADE.

Apply now