Our Researchers

Southern Cross University researchers are tackling complex challenges shaping our world.

From the impacts of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef to developing sustainable solutions for the future. Working across established research clusters, they bring together expertise to generate new knowledge and apply it in ways that create measurable impact across communities, industries and environments.

Kathomi Gatwiri

Centre for Children of Young People launches Seminar Series

The first seminar in the Centre’s newly launched seminar series was hosted on the 25th of July 2024, by A/Prof Kathomi Gatwiri and Dr Kylie Day.

Our discussion topic was 'Decolonial research: building and maintaining relationships with community'. In the seminar, they discussed various aspects of culture, in particular how cultures shape some of our everyday thinking and worldviews. This was then applied to Indigenous data sovereignty and Afrocentric knowledge principles. Departing from typical seminar formats, the seminar structure chosen was an active format that was conversational in tone.

The feedback from this more active format was so positive that the Centre has now adopted this approach for all seminars into the future.
Feedback from the conversation included:
“Thank you Kylie and Kathomi, what a wonderful session on an important topic”;
“Thank you very much for such a valuable, thought-provoking session, Kathomi and Kylie. I have learnt so much, and I am looking forward to learning more”.

Professor Brenda Happell

Sickness in health: when workplace bullying turns colleagues into foes

Professor Scott Johnston

Citizen science-university collaboration highlights impact of legacy mining in Macleay River

Professor Nigel Andrew

A global study has found the key to mapping biodiversity has been staring us in the face the whole time: in the surrounding air.

Associate Professor Janet Schloss

Recovery doesn’t always end when treatment or disaster does. Research is exploring new ways to support people through cancer, trauma and long-term recovery with evidence-informed care.

Dr Mike Climstein

Australians are unable to recognise malignant melanomas on their own skin, calling into question the effectiveness of national self-detection guidelines, according to new Southern Cross University research.

Dr Szabolcs Lehoczki-Krsjak

Picturesque fields of ponded rice paddies belie a severe environmental impact: the world’s most eaten staple food is a water-guzzling, high methane-emitting crop. Southern Cross University is tackling this challenge by breeding rice for Australia that grows without standing in flood-irrigation water.

Man standing in experimental rice crop in Lismore

Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau

Southern Cross University’s laser precision has dated the oldest known evidence of storytelling in art, found in a cave in Indonesia, at 51,200 years..

head and upper body man with casual attitude

Professor Mark Hughes

Ensuring inclusive care for gender and sexually diverse people in residential aged care is the driving force behind a new research project led by Southern Cross University’s Professor Mark Hughes. Speaking on SCU Buzz podcast, Professor Hughes said the project aims to transform residential aged care.

Dr Judith Rosentreter

Emissions of nitrous oxide – a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide and methane – has continued to increase over the past 40 years, according to a new report by the Global Carbon Project which includes a Southern Cross University member.

Dr David Newell

A $500,000 grant will boost a Southern Cross University project to breed and reintroduce a rare Gondwanan rainforest frog back into its natural habitat.

Professor James Bennett-Levy

Southern Cross University will trial a world-first stepped care treatment using group-based arts programs and MDMA-assisted therapy to help Northern Rivers flood survivors suffering PTSD.

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