Eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduates will be the focus tomorrow(March 5) at a function to acknowledge their completion of an inaugural and innovative research program through Griffith Sciences.

The Indigenous Summer Research Fellowship Program was launched in December and provided the students with six to eight-week research placements under academic supervision.

Senior Learning Assistance Officer with the GUMURRII Student Support Unit, Ms Jennifer-Leigh Campbell, says the aim of the program is to create pathways to research for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are already under-represented in Higher Degree by Research programs, but this is particularly so in the Sciences,” says Ms Campbell.

“This program introduces students to scientific research conducted at Griffith University. By completing the program and experiencing research first-hand, students gain technical and practical skills.

“This will better prepare them for Honours and postgraduate degrees while increasing their skills and employability.”

The Indigenous Summer Research Fellowship Program’s first cohort of students was:

Jean Pepperill, Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Supervisor: Professor David Lambert. Project: Introduction to ancient DNA studies;

Shelby Simpson, Bachelor of Science (Ecology and Conservation Biology). Supervisor: Dr Kylie Pitt. Project: Retention of tracking devices on Cassiopea jellyfish;

Anita Nahuysen, Bachelor of Science (Ecology and Conservation Biology). Supervisor: Associate Professor Fran Sheldon. Project: Cane toad habitat preference: a case study in Toohey Forest;

Eden Little, Bachelor of Science. Supervisor: Dr Bixia Xu. Project: Visionary approaches for climate change adaptation;

Christopher Lake, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering). Supervisor: Dr Wayne Hall. Project: Biodegradable natural fibre composites;

Jase Jackson, Bachelor of Engineering. Supervisor: Dr Jun Jo. Project: Autonomous car motor upgrade;

Hannah Allan, Bachelor of Science (Advanced with Honours). Supervisor: Dr Guy Castley. Project: Bird communities in managed environments, Comparing urban parks to botanic gardens;

Kelly Dalley, Bachelor of Science (Ecology and Conservation Biology). Supervisor: Professor Catherine Pickering. Project: The effect of trail types on invasive plants abundance.

The students will present their work tomorrow at the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre at Nathan.