2022 HDR Scholarship - support by Curtin - ARC project in untapped organic remains’ of insects

Description/Applicant information This project aims to unlock an untapped record of our planet’s past, insect-derived geolipids, by analysing key reference lipids and biopolymers from a range of modern insects. The well-studied inorganic fossil record has provided a framework for understanding major events in the evolution of life and our planet. However, the proposed project aims to significantly advance current perceptions, by accessing the parallel but rarer organic record of insects that are often entombed and exceptionally preserved fossil material. To achieve this goal, a range of modern reference insects will be investigated to evaluate the lipids and biopolymers (and stable C, H and N isotopes) they synthesise.

State-of the analytical infrastructure is available in WA-OIGC (Instrumentation – Western Australian Organic & Isotope Chemistry | Curtin University, Perth, Australia) including TOFSIMSFocused Ion Beam Facility, John de Laeter Centre | Curtin University, Perth, Western Australiain JDLC.

Field trips and excursions will take place during scholarship.

3 year PhD project available at Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia with Prof. Kliti Grice ARC Laureate Fellow and collaboration with Prof. Lorenz Schwark (Kiel University), Dr Vera Korasidis (University of Melbourne) and A/Prof. Marco Coolen (Curtin University)

Student type

• Current Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
• Science courses

Value

This scholarship provides a living stipend of $28,854 p.a.(2022 RTP rates) pro rata indexed, based on full-time studies, for up to a maximum of 3 years.

Maximum number awarded 1

Eligible courses

PhD courses in Science

Eligibility criteria

• Suitable applicant must have a first class Hons degree, Master’s degree or equivalent in Biology, or Zoology, particularly Entomology or alternatively in Chemistry, Geology or Palaeontology.
• Full-time enrolment
• Successful recipients must also not be in receipt of any other scholarship.