Dr. Xueyan Shen

As part of a larger project to understand the genetic architecture of disease resistance in Asian seabass, a PhD scholarship is available for a student to examine the heritability of resistance, genetic correlations with other traits, and investigate potential QTL or genes associated with resistance.

We are seeking a high calibre PhD student with a passion for applied science with strong quantitative and molecular skills, and interest/experience in bioinformatics to address this important question in the genetic architecture of disease resistance in fish. The student will use quantitative genetics, next generation sequencing technologies, qRT-PCR and fish husbandry techniques to directly examine the impacts of pathogen exposure on the biology and performance of different family lines under experimental and commercial culture conditions. The student will work in close collaboration with senior academic staff and a research assistant on the same project.

Selection of applicants will be based on merit; to be competitive will require a Research Masters (or First Class Honours) and have preferably (co)authored at least one scientific publication in a closely related field.

The prospective candidate will be required to apply for one of JCU’s highly competitive PhD scholarships (https://www.jcu.edu.au/graduate-research-school/candidates/scholarships). Prospective applicants should email Dr Xueyan Shen (xueyan.shen@jcu.edu.au) in the first instance to discuss their research experience and project details.

Dr. Neil Hutchinson

The following project suggestions indicate potential research areas for suitably qualified doctoral candidates interested in the ecology and conservation of sharks and rays in Southeast Asia.  I am also happy to discuss other potential projects concentrating on shallow water and intertidal fish and invertebrate species

Project 1: Cross-boundary movements and impacts on sharks and rays across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia

Sharks and rays (elasmobranchs) face significant pressures across the maritime borders of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, yet little is known about how these animals move across these boundaries and the cumulative impacts they experience across jurisdictions. This project would investigate the cross-boundary movements of elasmobranch species in the region, providing critical insights into their ecology and the conservation and management challenges that arise from their transboundary nature. A combination of techniques would be employed to address these questions in one of the world's most biodiverse and heavily trafficked marine regions.

Project 2: Behaviour and ecology of sharks and rays in the Straits of Johor

The Straits of Johor, separating Singapore and Malaysia, represent a unique and heavily human-modified coastal environment that is home to a range of elasmobranch species. Yet fundamental aspects of their behaviour and ecology in this setting remain poorly understood. This project would investigate the behaviour and ecology of sharks and rays in the Straits, shedding light on how these species navigate and persist in one of the world's busiest waterways. A combination of techniques would be used to characterise movement patterns, habitat use and key behaviours across this dynamic environment.

Project 3: Identification of key breeding habitat for sharks and rays in Singapore

The identification and protection of breeding habitats is critical to the conservation of sharks and rays, yet these areas remain largely uncharacterised in Singapore's waters. This project would work to identify and map key breeding habitats for elasmobranch species in Singapore, generating foundational knowledge to support evidence-based conservation and spatial planning. A combination of techniques would be employed across field and laboratory settings to detect, characterise and assess the condition of these critical habitats.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must meet doctoral entry requirements, which include: a bachelor's degree with Second Class Division A (Honours) or above incorporating at least 12 credit points of supervised project work; a postgraduate qualification with a supervised research component of at least 12 credit points graded at distinction or above; a Master of Philosophy or equivalent; or a combination of tertiary qualifications, research training and relevant experience considered equivalent by the Dean of the relevant College. The candidate should be keen to work in field and laboratory situations and should possess a positive and open approach to communication that would enable them to work closely with non-academic partners. For more details on any of these projects, or to discuss other research interests, please contact Dr. Neil Hutchinson (neil.hutchinson@jcu.edu.au)

Dr. Thanh Nguyen

Dr Nguyen's research interests and where there are possible student research projects fall into three broad categories:
a) Bank performance
b) Stock market
c) Income inequality

Bank performance: one of Dr Nguyen's research interests focuses on the issue of bank performance and how efficient and productive banks are compared to other banks in the same country. Moreover, there is the question of whether commercial banks in one country are more efficient, more productive and more innovative in reducing costs and increasing profit than banks in other countries. Furthermore, she has research interests in understanding the association between competition and performance, and between competition and bank risk.

Stock market: The second research area aims to address the important issues in relation to the determinants of stock market integration, portfolio diversification, and the interrelationships between stock markets.

Income inequality: the third area of research is about income inequality determinants, and the impacts of financial development, FDI and tourism development on income inequality. As bank performance and stock market play a very important role to the development of an economy, while income equality plays a crucial role to the sustainability of economy development, these three categories of research will be very useful for the policy makers, bank managers, investors, researchers, and other stakeholders.

For more details on this project, or to discuss other research interests, please contact Dr Thanh Nguyen (nguyen.thanh@jcu.edu.au).

Dr Xueyan Shen

We are seeking a high calibre PhD student with a passion for applied science with strong quantitative and molecular skills, and interest/experience in bioinformatics to address this important question in the genetic architecture of disease resistance in fish. The student will use quantitative genetics, next generation sequencing technologies, qRT-PCR and fish husbandry techniques to directly examine the impacts of pathogen exposure on the biology and performance of different family lines under experimental and commercial culture conditions. The student will work in close collaboration with senior academic staff and a research assistant on the same project.

Selection of applicants will be based on merit; to be competitive will require a Research Masters (or First Class Honours) and have preferably (co)authored at least one scientific publication in a closely related field.

The prospective candidate will be required to apply for one of JCU’s highly competitive PhD scholarships (https://www.jcu.edu.au/graduate-research-school/candidates/scholarships). Prospective applicants should email Dr Xueyan Shen (xueyan.shen@jcu.edu.au) in the first instance to discuss their research experience and project details.

Associate Professor Adrian Kuah

The transition toward a circular economy is emerging as a strategic priority for governments, industries, and international organizations. Across Southeast Asia, countries are increasingly exploring policy instruments, standards frameworks, and business model innovations to support this transition. In particular, the emerging ISO 59000 family of circular economy standards provides a structured foundation for organizations and policymakers to operationalize circular principles, redesign value creation systems, and measure circular performance. Against this backdrop, the Sustainability Research Cluster led by Professor Adrian Kuah at James Cook University is undertaking several interdisciplinary research initiatives on 3 interrelated themes examining circular economy policy design, organizational readiness, and business model transformation in ASEAN economies.

Project 1: Circular Economy and Extended Producer Responsibility

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has become a central policy instrument for advancing circular economy transitions by transferring responsibility for post-consumer waste management from governments to producers. However, the effectiveness of EPR systems varies significantly across jurisdictions due to fragmented policy design, weak institutional coordination, limited financial transparency, and insufficient market incentives. While much of the existing literature focuses on regulatory compliance mechanisms, less attention has been given to how complementary financial instruments can accelerate market adoption of circular economy practices. Building on international policy developments and emerging standards frameworks, including the ISO 59000 family of circular economy standards, the study investigates how financial instruments—such as eco-modulated EPR fees, tax incentives for recycled content, green procurement policies, subsidies for circular product design, and credit mechanisms for recycling infrastructure—can complement EPR systems to stimulate demand for circular products and services. The study aims to develop an integrated policy framework for EPR and circular economy financial instruments that aligns governance structures, market incentives, and measurement systems in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Viet Nam.

Project 2: Circular Economy Readiness Index

The transition toward a circular economy (CE) requires robust frameworks to assess the readiness of firms and markets to adopt circular practices. This PhD research aims to develop and empirically test a Circular Economy Readiness Index (CERI) for firms in ASEAN countries. The study will construct an integrated readiness index based on four conceptual layers derived from the ISO 59000 family: (1) normative CE principles, (2) organizational transition capability, (3) product-level circularity evidence and (4) consumer acceptance. A survey instrument will be developed to measure these dimensions. Empirical testing will be conducted across selected ASEAN economies, targeting firms in key manufacturing and resource-intensive sectors. The research will employ exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to validate the dimensional structure of the index, followed by structural modeling to examine the relationships between circular readiness, organizational characteristics, and enabling policy environments. Comparative analysis across countries will identify regional patterns of circular readiness and sectoral differences in transition capability. The study contributes theoretically by operationalizing international CE standards into a measurable readiness framework, and methodologically by proposing a standards-aligned index that integrates principles, organizational transition, and product-level circularity data.

Project 3: Circular Economy Business Models

Circular economy business models are increasingly recognized as a critical mechanism for enabling the transition from linear production systems to regenerative and resource-efficient economic systems. In particular, the recently developed ISO 59010 provides a structured approach for organizations to assess and redesign their value creation models and value networks for circular outcomes. This PhD study aims to develop and empirically test a Standards-Aligned Circular Economy Business Model Framework. Drawing on guidance from ISO 59004 and ISO 59010, the research conceptualizes circular business model readiness as a multi-dimensional construct encompassing strategy and circular ambition, value proposition redesign, resource and material flow management, value retention mechanisms, value network collaboration, and governance and performance monitoring. These dimensions reflect the transition logic articulated in ISO 59010, which emphasizes the transformation of both organizational value creation models and the broader value networks within which firms operate. The research offers one of the first attempts to operationalize international circular economy standards into a measurable business model framework suitable for cross-country analysis.

Eligibility

We are seeking high calibre PhD students with a passion for interdisciplinary research and interest/experience in progressing on circular economy transition. Currently the research cluster is involved in several projects funded by UNDP and UNEP to assist developing countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam on circular economy transition and policy formulation. PhD candidates will have the added opportunities to assist in multilateral projects to supplement their PhD training. The candidate will work in close collaboration with senior academic staff and other PhD researcher on these projects.

Selection of applicants will be based on merit; to be competitive will require a Masters (or First Class Honours) and have preferably (co)authored at least one scientific publication in a closely related field.  Prospective applicants should email Professor Adrian Kuah (adrian.kuah@jcu.edu.au) in the first instance to discuss their research experience and project details.

The threat of phishing and loss of money to scammers is a global issue affecting businesses and individuals alike. The problem is of particular concern to the tropical nation of Singapore, which has embraced digital services and the development of a Smart Nation. With these technical advances come increased risks, exacerbated by rapid change and external attacks that are difficult to prevent without heightened vigilance. In 2022, phishing attempts in Singapore rose 175%.

Cybersecurity and phishing awareness techniques have been used to improve the security posture of companies and individuals, making them less likely to be phished or fall victim to a scam, but frequent refreshers and adaptations are needed to maintain their effectiveness. Authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication, password-less login and security keys have made account hijacking harder, but circumventions continue to be developed and used.

One of the biggest challenges is overcoming familiarity and process fatigue, where individuals perform actions they are used to doing before they have time to critically analyse those actions. In other critical disciplines, such as rail operation, techniques such as point and call may be used to affirm the actions being taken and information being observed. This project proposes to draw upon this and other similar approaches, not necessarily borne out of the world of IT, to create stronger anti-phishing and anti-scam safety nets that enable users to affirm their actions and validate the legitimacy of what they believe to be happening. Ultimately, we seek to answer the research question: How can we give a user full confidence in what actions they are taking online?

Suitable candidates will have an interest in authentication technologies, web/network protocols, web/mobile app development and UX design. Strong foundational skills in at least two of these areas will be necessary, with the expectation that a suitably motivated candidate can expand their skillset during their pursuit of this research question. Prospective applicants should contact Dr Steve Kerrison (steve.kerrison@jcu.edu.au) to discuss their interest in the project.

Smart devices interact with us and our world in countless ways, often without direct interaction from us. So how can we establish trust that these devices are behaving properly and securely? Research has shown smart devices equipped with biometric sensors can be turned into wireless biometric thieves. Therefore, we need a way to establish the cyber-safety of devices before we even touch them.

We possess the building blocks for building such trust: cryptography, authentication, and wireless communication to give a few examples. But what would an architecture and framework for establishing trust look like, and how would it work?

Candidates interested in exploring these problems will have an understanding (and willingness to further deepen their knowledge) of the areas of cryptography, public key infrastructure, authentication methods, embedded systems development, Internet of Things and Bluetooth. Prospective applicants should contact Dr Steve Kerrison (steve.kerrison@jcu.edu.au) to discuss their interest in the project.

A critical problem in contemporary sustainability transitions is that the growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) within entrepreneurial ecosystems risks reinforcing structural inequities rather than advancing inclusive, sustainability‑aligned innovation. Although often presented as objective, AI systems frequently embed historical biases in training data, shaping entrepreneurial evaluation and opportunity structures in ways that disadvantage women and marginalised groups—patterns already well‑documented in gender and entrepreneurship research (Henry, Foss & Ahl, 2016). This challenge is particularly acute for sustainability‑oriented ventures, where Green Entrepreneurial Orientation (GEO) has been shown to strengthen opportunity recognition and environmental value creation (Tuncer & Korchagina, 2024), yet little is known about how AI‑shaped environments may distort or privilege specific cognitive or strategic profiles. Regional evidence further shows persistent exclusion of women and under‑represented founders from climate‑aligned sectors such as circular economy ventures and sustainability‑tech, resulting in significant missed opportunities for inclusive green growth (UNDP, 2022; ASEAN Secretariat, 2022). The absence of responsible and justice‑oriented AI governance frameworks therefore constitutes a major barrier: without safeguards for fairness, accountability and inclusion, AI risks amplifying existing inequalities in venture visibility, legitimacy, resource access and sustainability impact. Addressing this problem is essential to ensure that AI supports—not undermines—just and equitable participation in sustainability and circular entrepreneurship, a prerequisite for a fair and regenerative green transition

For more details on this project, or to discuss other research interests, please contact Dr Hina Munir (hina.munir@jcu.edu.au).

Collaborative project with the Department of Biological Sciences at National University of Singapore (NUS).

• Professor Andreas L. Lopata
• Dr. Thimo Ruethers
• Assoc. Professor Fook Tim Chew (NUS)

Over 40 per cent of the world’s population has some type of allergic sensitivity, and allergic reactions are seen throughout life in both children and adults. In addition, allergen sources are the most diverse in the Asia-Pacific region, including insects and mites, which are inhaled and ingested. However, there are still many things we have to understand about allergies and how to diagnose and manage them including the development of therapeutics.

The tropical mite (Blomia tropicalis), which is related but different to the well-investigated European house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), has been recognised as one of the major causes of allergic asthma in the tropical and subtropical regions. In fact, up to 80% of Singaporeans are sensitised to this mite and clinical cross-reactivity to ingested shellfish such as shrimp is suggested based on similar allergenic proteins (allergens). Cross-reactive allergens will be investigated in this project utilising molecular and immunological tools in laboratory as well as clinical settings.

Shellfish allergy is a leading cause of food-induced anaphylaxis and one of the most common causes of food allergy among adults, with up to 3% of the general population affected. Several allergens have been identified across different shellfish and related arthropod species including insects and mites, but many Asia-Pacific species are not well characterised. Insects are an emerging alternative food protein source with an under-investigated risk of allergic reactions.

Suitable candidates should be passionate about applied sciences and interested in working in a dynamic interdisciplinary environment. Prior experiences in biological or biomedical sciences would be advantageous.
For more details on this project or to discuss other research interests, please contact any of the prospective advisors.

Some reading (doi): 10.1111/all.15363, 10.3390/foods11030404, 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2010.01094.x, 10.1038/s41598-019-48688-y.

Collaborative project with industry partners.

• Dr. Thimo Ruethers
• Professor Andreas L. Lopata

Singapore is an innovation hub and research leader in future foods and the sustainable production of alternative proteins. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) became the first and to date only national regulator in the world to ‘green light’ the sale of lab-grown cultivated meat in 2020 – often referred to as cell-cultured chicken meat without slaughter. Local companies are leading the establishment of cultivated, not caught, seafood and JCU is supporting this movement for the production of healthy and safe alternative proteins. SFA’s Singapore Food Story and the Good Food Institute are major drivers of this food revolution.

Cultivated seafood offers exciting opportunities for the production of sustainable food proteins for the growing world population with tremendous positive impacts on global climate and planetary health. Human health benefits include a lower risk of foodborne illness and a lack of various biotoxins, contaminations and heavy metals. However, selected safety aspects such as the potential to trigger allergic reactions are yet to be investigated in this pioneering project.

Candidates who want to explore the world of healthy alternative food proteins should be passionate about applied sciences and interested in working in a dynamic interdisciplinary and intersectoral environment. Prior experiences in biological or biomedical sciences would be advantageous.

For more details on this project or to discuss other research interests, please contact any of the prospective advisors.

Some reading (doi): https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fmi13060828; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10061226

Collaborative project with Bioinformatics Institute (BII) at Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR:

• Professor Andreas L. Lopata
• Dr. Thimo Ruethers
• A/Prof Jose Domingos
• Dr. Sebastian Maurer-Stroh (A*STAR)

Over 40 per cent of the world’s population has some type of allergic sensitivity, and allergic reactions are seen throughout life in both children and adults. In addition, allergen sources are the most diverse in the Asia-Pacific region, particular to different types of food. However, there are still many things we have to understand about allergies, which will be investigated in this project utilising molecular, immunological and bioinformatic methods. We aim to improve the diagnosis and management of food allergies and co-develop therapeutics.

The correct diagnosis and appropriate management of seafood allergy are often impossible due to the lack of suitable tools and similar allergenic proteins found in different food sources. Clinical cross-reactivity between fish, frog, crocodile and chicken muscle has previously been demonstrated in fish allergy sufferers.

Proteins in food products can pose a risk for an immediate, life-threatening immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic response. Bioinformatic tools can assist in predicting and investigating the allergenic potential of proteins. Our team at A*STAR and JCU recently developed a web server, AllerCatPro 2.0, to predict protein allergenicity with higher accuracy than other computational methods and new features that help assessors making informed decisions.

Suitable candidates should be passionate about applied sciences and interested in working in a dynamic interdisciplinary environment. Prior experiences in biological or biomedical sciences or bioinformatics would be advantageous.

For more details on this project or to discuss other research interests, please contact any of the prospective advisors.

Some reading (doi): 10.1111/all.14574, 10.1111/pai.13781, 10.1093/nar/gkac446

Population ageing has become a defining demographic trend across many countries, driven primarily by declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy. This demographic transformation presents significant economic and social challenges. As the proportion of retirees grows relative to the working-age population, dependency ratios are expected to increase, placing pressure on labour markets, public finances, and social welfare systems (Bonzini et al., 2023). In several advanced economies, the ratio of individuals beyond traditional working age to those within the working-age population is projected to rise substantially in the coming decades (The Straits Times, 2024). These developments raise important questions about how societies and organisations can sustain productivity while supporting longer working lives. In this context, HRM plays a critical role in shaping organisational responses to population ageing. Findings from these studies can help organisations adapt to demographic change by fostering age-inclusive workplaces, promoting lifelong learning, supporting employee well-being, and enabling flexible career pathways. Such approaches can empower older employees to remain engaged, productive, and valued contributors while facilitating knowledge transfer across generations.

For more details on this project, or to discuss other research interests, please contact Dr Kim-Lim, Tan (kimlim.tan@jcu.edu.au).

This research seeks to understand how hawker centres are being practiced (lived), perceived and represented (conceived) by Singaporeans (which includes hawkers, customers and government organisations), residents and visitors as tools of social cohesion.

This study provides a reflection on the roles of hawker centres in enhancing social cohesion in a multi-cultural setting in Singapore. The study contributes to theory and practice by using a set of dimensions (Kamble & Bouchon, 2016) to assess if hawker centres can be a tool/means for fostering social cohesion. If so, how this will enhance Singapore’s status as a hawker culture.

The findings aim to address the validity of hawker centres as a catalyst for social cohesion and has implications for how policy should develop and of the conceptual framework within which social cohesion could be enhanced in the future. It also aims to address aspects of the sustainable developmental goals in making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable as well as promoting a just, peaceful and inclusive society.

The findings will also have implications for multilevel governance in policy, future research on food, as well as for theories on sociology creativity, and governance.

For more details on this project, or to discuss other research interests, please contact Dr Zilmiyah Kamble (zilmiyah.kamble@jcu.edu.au).

Bedtime procrastination, the deliberate delay of bedtime, is an instance of intention-behaviour gap. Bedtime procrastination could lead to serious health complications due to its association with sleep insufficiency (Kroese et al., 2016). As such, it is important to explore the approaches to reduce bedtime procrastination. The project seeks to explore the underlying neural mechanisms and interventions for bedtime procrastination and sleep outcomes. Neuroimaging, EEG, and subjective and objective sleep measures will be involved in the project.

For more details on this project or to discuss other research interests, please contact Assoc Prof Ai Ni Teoh  (aini.teoh@jcu.edu.au).

Associate Professor Patrick Lin patrick.lin@jcu.edu.au

1. Impact of Childhood Adversity on Social Withdrawal (Hikikomori) Tendencies

Childhood traumatic experiences can have significant and lasting impacts on an individual’s psychological and social development (Felitti et al., 1998; Hughes et al., 2017). In this project, we aim to examine whether childhood adversity is associated with hikikomori (severe social withdrawal behaviours). Specifically, we investigate how early adverse experiences may contribute to individuals’ tendencies to withdraw from social interactions and everyday functioning (Kato et al., 2019). In addition, this study explores potential psychological mechanisms, such as perceived social support, emotion dysregulation, and mental well-being, that may help explain this relationship (Gratz & Roemer, 2004; Cohen & Wills, 1985). By understanding these pathways, the findings may provide insights into the development of hikikomori and inform future interventions aimed at reducing social withdrawal among young adults.

2. Exploring AI Interventions for Social Withdrawal (Hikikomori) Tendencies

Hikikomori is a severe form of social withdrawal that primarily affects young individuals and can cause significant distress to caregivers (Saito, 1998). This study explores the potential of conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an intervention for this growing psychosocial issue. Traditional interventions often rely on external social support from family and friends (Donovan & Blaser, 2020), but individuals may lack the internal coping mechanisms needed to overcome isolation. Given that hikikomori individuals frequently engage with technology, AI-based interventions may offer an alternative approach (Jarrah et al., 2022; Tashtoush et al., 2023). Conversational AI tools such as ChatGPT can simulate human-like dialogue and have shown promise in supporting mental health (Milne-Ives et al., 2020; van Lingen et al., 2023; Alneyadi et al., 2023). This study examines whether regular, structured interactions with ChatGPT (and other GenAI tools) can reduce hikikomori tendencies among Singaporean young adults. Participants will engage in guided chatbot conversations over four weeks, simulating everyday social interactions.

3. The relationship between school refusal, social withdrawal tendencies, Hikikomori risk factors, technology influence, and personal issues among young adults in Singapore

Student failure to achieve satisfactory attendance is a widespread issue across educational levels. The School Refusal Assessment Scale-Revised (SRAS-R) is widely used to assess school refusal (Inglés et al., 2015), yet it has not been validated in Singaporean samples and is limited to primary and secondary school populations. As a result, school refusal behaviours and related constructs—such as social withdrawal and hikikomori—remain under-researched in higher education contexts. Existing studies show that school refusal is associated with anxiety and depression (Benarous et al., 2022; Lin et al., 2022; Teo et al., 2018), which may contribute to the development of severe social withdrawal behaviours (Uchida, 2015). Additionally, students who refuse school may develop technological dependency, including excessive use of gaming and social media, often linked to limited family support and emotion dysregulation (Kurt et al., 2018; Brodbeck et al., 2022). However, there is limited research examining school refusal and its associated psychosocial and behavioural factors—particularly hikikomori and technological use—among students in higher education, especially within the Singapore context. Hence, this study aims to examine the relationships between school refusal, hikikomori tendencies, social withdrawal, technological use, and individual psychological factors (e.g., emotion dysregulation and social support) among students in higher education.

For more information, please email patrick.lin@jcu.edu.au

The emotion disgust is known to have a variety of effects on attention memory processes. These effects were found using disgust-evoking stimuli such as pictures of vomit vs. 'neutral' images such as pictures of stationery. As such, the effects of disgust on cognition has been heavily dependent on what the control stimulus is. The problem is, in most if not all cases, the control stimuli is a set of varied 'neutral' images that have different stimuli identity as the disgust stimuli used (e.g., vomit vs. pencils). In short, past findings asserting the role of disgust on cognitive processes have confounded stimuli identity with the emotion disgust. To address this issue, stimuli identity in disgust stimuli needs to -- and can be -- controlled for. This project seeks to develop, improve, and validate new ways of manipulating disgust. A variety of equipment (e.g., eyetracker, fMRI, EEG) would be used, alongside some level of programming.

For more information, please email kaiqin.chan@jcu.edu.au

Do emotions become amplified the larger one's group size is? When you watch the World Cup alone vs with five other friends, how does each person's emotions affect one another? This project seeks to develop models to understand how, when, and why emotional experience differ in social situations. This project is in social cognition, both in its theory, as well as its experimental methodology. However, computational modeling techniques such as agent-based models (or any other suitable alternatives) might be required if experimental manipulation becomes untenable.

For more information, please email kaiqin.chan@jcu.edu.au

Forming impressions of others’ personalities is an important part of interpersonal relationships and can influence outcomes across many areas of life. For example, perceived personality similarity can strengthen friendships (Cemalcılar et al., 2018; Selfhout et al., 2009) and improve romantic attraction and relationship development (Montoya et al., 2008; Tidwell et al., 2013). Personality perceptions also affect hiring decisions (Baert & Decuypere, 2014) and judgements in legal contexts (Porter et al., 2010). However, people often rely on simple heuristics when judging others, such as using facial features that may not accurately reflect true personality (Todorov et al., 2009). Given the impact of these judgements, it is important to study these biases, the conditions under which they occur, and the processes that drive them.

For more information, please email patrick.lin@jcu.edu.au

People have lay beliefs about emotional experiences, that is, ideals of what an emotion response should be like. What happens when these lay beliefs are violated? In this project, we focused on one particular lay belief, the time taken to display an emotional response, where we asked the question "How does it matter whether people's responses to emotions are immediate or delayed?" Over two experiments, when we manipulated emotional response times, we found that emotions that are delayed are perceived as being less sincere. Future studies will focus on uncovering mediators and moderators of the effect. This project is in social cognition, both in its theory, as well as its experimental methodology.

For more information, please email kaiqin.chan@jcu.edu.au

Psychological interventions are moving away from a one-size-fits all approach based on DSM-5 diagnoses because such interventions do not work for many people and effect sizes are stagnating (Hofmann & Hayes, 2019). Process-based therapy (Hayes et al., 2020) offers a more individualised approach to treatment, where underlying processes of change are identified and targeted for individual clients using a network approach. Given the recency of this paradigm shift, research in this field is limited and it offers a wealth of opportunities for clinical psychologists who wish to pursue a PhD.

Associate Professor Joanna Barlas (joanna.barlas@jcu.edu.au) has a strong interest in schema therapy and is available to supervise research with clinical psychologists interested in using qualitative methods and case series designs to address questions such as:

• How can qualitative methods help us to identify moments of therapeutic change and barriers to change in psychological interventions?
• What can psychology session transcripts tell us about the underlying processes of change for clients undergoing psychological treatment?
• How can qualitative and quantitative data best be combined in case series research to test the underlying assumptions of process-based therapy

Clinical and Health Psychology: Evaluations, Interventions and Psychological Fitness

This research programme adopts a scientist-practitioner approach to understand psychological fitness – including its role in protecting against mental ill-health, informing less stigmatising interventions, and identifying mechanisms that drive meaningful behavioral change.

Projects are embedded within applied, real-world contexts, and involve collaboration with local and international partners, including public health services, NGOs, and community organisations. Candidates will benefit from structured research training, development of both research and and engagement with a collaborative research community.

Current Research Projects

There are several strands of this research, featuring collaboration between other researchers (international and local industry partners – e.g., NGOs, public health centres) in this line of enquiry. Project scope includes modular research parts in experimental designs and/or longitudinal study of psychological processes and psychological interventions to address attention, mental health literacy and mental health fitness. It may include development and co-designs of programmes with real-world applications. It has a strong research and practice training component and suitable for Master and PhD thesis students in Psychology and Counselling who in partnership with research collaborators will deliver the applications (see below for some examples).

Sleep Intervention Study
Evaluation of universal, evidence-based sleep interventions to support youth mental health across community and clinical settings; in collaboration with local hospitals and community youth mental health services.

Screening Pro-Social Skills
Assessment of pro-social competencies among adolescents in out-of-home care in Singapore, with implications for intervention and policy; in partnership with social welfare and family community agencies.

Cognitively Tuned and Tamed
Exploration of mindfulness processes through experimental designs and/or delivery of mindfulness-based interventions; with a focus on well-being.

Who Should Apply

• Honours or Master’s degree in Psychology, Counselling, or a related field
• Interest in clinical, community, or health psychology
• Motivation for applied, partnership-driven research
• Ability to undertake independent research

• A brief statement of research interests
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts

For more conversations, please contact Dr.Lucy Tan, Associate Professor Clinical Psychology (lucy.tan@jcu.edu.au).

I am interested in exploring a new line of work concerning the effects of competition on cognitive neural processes. This may include the neurobiology of stress under conditions of scarcity and social competition, or the impact of resource allocation on behaviour and neural activity. Questions may include: What neural pathways are activated during competitive tasks? How does social competition for resources impact cognitive functions? What are the neural correlates of stress responses to scarcity? Interest will be to identify the neural mechanisms underlying competitive behaviour and stress responses, contributing to a deeper understanding of the cognitive neural processes influenced by competition.

For more information, please email chris.lo@jcu.edu.au.

Employees are increasingly embracing remote working as a means to balance work and life, yet this has led to scepticism and even stigmatisation from managers and organisations, who perceive that remote working undermines professionalism and productivity. At the root of this issue lies trust - how can managers trust that their subordinates are working productively outside of the office? How can employees demonstrate their trustworthiness? How does (mis)trust affect the dynamics between employees and managers, and employees' abilities to manage their work and family demands satisfactorily? Through the use of qualitative and quantitative approaches, this study aims to investigate these issues surrounding remote work. Findings of this study hold the potential to provide valuable insights into how organizations can create a more trusting and productive remote work culture, fostering optimism and hope for the future of remote work.

Please contact us for details on this project or to discuss further ideas:  smita.singh@jcu.edu.au; sherry.aw@jcu.edu.au.

The location bias is defined as the preference for an entity that has some association in name to a certain location. Over 5 experiments have found that people think that universities with a famous city name (e.g., Stockholm) is better than a university with a nonfamous city name (e.g., Uppsala), because famous cities evoke more positive. The next stage of this project focuses on examining moderators of this phenomenon. A future stage of the project might include interventions to mitigate this bias. This project is in social cognition, both in its theory, as well as its experimental methodology.

For more information, please email kaiqin.chan@jcu.edu.au.

Population ageing is a global phenomenon, with current estimates indicating that the number of people aged over 60 years will more than double between 2015-2050 and more than triple by 2100 (United Nations, 2015). Approximately 70% of the global ageing population lives in countries such as Singapore, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia, India and Indonesia (United Nations, 2012). Asia is expected to shift from having 12% of its own population aged 60+ years in 2015 to over 25% by 2050 (United Nations, 2015).

The longer a person lives the higher the probability of them developing cognitive impairment. At a societal level, as average lifespan increases, the number of people living with cognitive impairment increases. In addition, as birth rates fall in developed countries, the proportion of the population needing care in living with cognitive deficits increases. This change in the demographics and health profiles of developed societies has major social and financial implications for families, communities, and countries.

However, it should be noted that cognitive impairment is not a normal consequence of ageing. It is not inevitable, nor is it irreversible. Understanding effective mechanisms to promote healthy aging to prevent or reduce the prevalence of cognitive impairment in older adults, is becoming increasingly urgent.

This project will examine the impact of video game training on cognitive skills in older adults. It will be of interest to psychology graduates who wish to develop an understanding of applied cognitive psychology in the context of healthy ageing.

For more details on this project, or to discuss other research interests, please contact Professor Nigel Marsh (nigel.marsh@jcu.edu.au).

Women’s participation in leadership is underrepresented in Singapore. In 2019, there were only 18.4% of female board members in 26 Singapore-listed firms, falling short of the global average of 20% (Williams, 2019). Research has indicated that women’s participation in leadership is complicated by psychosocial challenges or stressors. One of these stressors is workplace incivility, which refers to disrespectful, biased, and rude behaviours (Andersson & Pearson, 1999). In addition, people generally foster bias against women leadership (Eagly et al., 2003) and Asian leaders (Narayanan & Zhao, 2020). Women leaders in Singapore, being both women and Asian, are facing more challenges in their leadership. These additional challenges can compromise their well-being and affect their performance at work. The proposed project aims to focus on the challenges faced by women leaders and women leaders’ cardiovascular responses to such challenges.

For more details on this project, or to discuss other research interests, please contact Dr. Ai Ni Teoh (aini.teoh@jcu.edu.au).

Assoc. Prof. K Thirumaran
k.thirumaran@jcu.edu.au
Tel: 67093716

Supervision specialisations: Luxury tourism and hospitality, cultural and heritage tourism, technology and tourism, historical narratives in tourism, place-making & destination marketing, tourism policy & planning and post-colonial studies.

K. Thirumaran’s research focuses on tourism, hospitality, and cultural studies, with recent work on sustainable tourism models, circular business practices, and transformational travel experiences. Emerging opportunities in luxury tourism research include sustainability-driven frameworks, shifting consumer demographics, and the integration of technology into upscale travel.

New or Potential Research Areas:

1. Sustainable Luxury Tourism + Focus on eco-conscious luxury travellers who demand exclusivity without compromising environmental responsibility. + How are frameworks like Porter’s Diamond Model and Blue Ocean Strategy being applied to luxury tourism sustainability?
2. Technology Integration +Use of immersive technologies (AR?VR) to enhance luxury travel experiences. +Smart resorts and AI concierge services as differentiators in luxury hospitality
3. Socio-Economic Impacts +Examining how luxury tourism affects local communities, especially in developing nations, enclaves, resorts and exclusive activities in remote community regions. +High-end event tourism that is exclusive to the elite or at least those who can afford. How do we democratise elite-targeted events such as FI, famed arts, concerts and musicals
4. Food security & Aquaculture through enhanced Technology +Field opportunities abound both in Singapore and Malaysia. +Product development, packaging, market reach and marketing

Assoc. Prof. Smita Singh (smita.singh@jcu.edu.au)

1. Perceptions of Workplace Inclusivity in Singapore

This project will examine the perceptions and implementation of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices in Singaporean workplaces. It seeks to understand how inclusive organisational practices are experienced and how these experiences shape key psychological outcomes, including well-being, sense of belonging, and work engagement. The study will aim to provide insights into the effectiveness of EDI initiatives in fostering genuinely inclusive work environments and to identify factors that support both positive employee outcomes and sustainable organisational practices. The project will revolve around exploring - How are equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices perceived and experienced by employees in Singaporean workplaces? How do experiences of workplace inclusion influence psychological well-being among? What is the relationship between perceived inclusion and sense of belonging in the workplace?  How does inclusion relate to work engagement and motivation?  Does sense of belonging mediate the relationship between EDI practices and employee outcomes (e.g., well-being, engagement)?  What role does perceived organisational support play in shaping inclusion experiences?

2. The Role of Workplace Relationships in Shaping Employee Well-Being

Workplace relationships play a critical role in shaping employees’ psychological well-being and overall work experience. This study aims to examine how the quality of interpersonal relationships at work—characterised by trust, support, and positive communication—contributes to key well-being outcomes such as emotional health, job satisfaction, and work engagement. Drawing on frameworks such as social support theory and belongingness, the research will explore whether strong workplace relationships buffer against stress and enhance resilience, particularly in contemporary work contexts marked by hybrid arrangements and increased digital interaction. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will investigate both perceived relationship quality and its impact on well-being, with the goal of identifying relational factors that foster healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable workplaces.

3. Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Psychological Impacts on Student Learning and Engagement

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education is transforming how students learn, engage, and perform academically. This study aims to examine the psychological impact of AI use on students’ learning experiences, with a particular focus on motivation, self-efficacy, and academic engagement. Drawing on self-determination theory and cognitive learning frameworks, the research will explore whether AI-supported learning enhances or undermines students’ sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Additionally, the study will investigate potential disparities in AI use and access, and how these may shape students’ perceptions of fairness and inclusion within academic environments. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research seeks to provide insights into how AI can be effectively and equitably integrated to support meaningful learning and student well-being in higher education.

Prospective students are not limited to these places but will be given higher consideration for studies that are located in the Asia Pacific region. Location suggestions includes ASEAN, Maldives, India, China, Arabian Peninsula, Bhutan and South Africa and East Africa.