School of Science

Dr Dave Blake & Emeritus Professor Pierre Horwitz – Grant to Put Peatlands on the World Map

Dr Dave Blake and Emeritus Professor Pierre Horwitz are co-leading a Lotterywest-funded project to map and protect WA’s unique peatland ecosystems, in collaboration with UWA and guided by Noongar Elders.

Who Are ShinyHunters?

Jennifer Medbury - Lecturer in Computing and Security, investigates the cybercrime group ShinyHunters, known for targeting major companies using advanced social engineering tactics like voice phishing and deepfakes.

A Novel Present Helped Maths Whiz

Dr Julia Collins, Lecturer in Mathematics, shares how she uses knitting as a creative teaching tool to help students engage with mathematical concepts, blending craft and curriculum in a unique way.

Should You Accept All Cookies?

Dr David Cook Lecturer in Computer and Security, breaks down the digital dilemma in his latest piece for The Conversation - exploring what those cookie pop-ups really mean and whether you should hit “accept” or “reject.”

Machine Learning to Detect Hidden Fat

PhD student Arooba Maqsood and ECU researchers are developing AI to detect visceral fat using bone scans, offering a low-cost, radiation-free alternative to traditional imaging methods.

CyberWest Hub Supports Scam Awareness Week with Scams and Scones Event

CyberWest Hub Supports Scam Awareness Week

CyberWest Hub partnered with the City of Joondalup to host Scams and Scones, a community event focused on scam prevention. Attendees heard from Director Emma O’Neil and cyber expert Caitriona Forde, who shared practical tips to stay safe online.

The event featured a personal story from 90-year-old Tess and was covered by 7NEWS Australia, highlighting the importance of digital safety and education.

Making Data Centres More Efficient

Professor Paul Haskell-Dowland discusses the rising energy demands of data centres and explores strategies to improve their efficiency amid growing digital consumption.

Associate Professor Paul Haskell-Dowland – 5 Big Trends in Australians Getting Scammed

Associate Professor Paul Haskell-Dowland outlines the top five scam trends affecting Australians, from phishing to romance scams, and offers tips to stay safe online.

Dr Afsah Saleem & Dr Syed Zulqarnain Gilani – ECU-Developed AI to Revolutionise Early Disease Detection

Dr Afsah Saleem and Dr Syed Zulqarnain Gilani are developing AI that supports early and accurate disease diagnosis, enhancing clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

Nicole Said – Higher Degree Research Student - Ron Kenny Prize Winner at AMSA Conference

Nicole Said – Higher Degree Research student, received the Ron Kenny Prize for best oral presentation at the Australian Marine Sciences Association conference for her research on seagrass thermal tolerance.

Professor Zora Singh – Global Breakthrough in Fruit Storage

Professor Zora Singh presented groundbreaking research in Chicago that could significantly extend fruit shelf life and reduce global food waste through improved post-harvest storage techniques.

Gardens for Wildlife event a National Science Week success

Last month, the ECU School of Science hosted three “Gardens for Wildlife” events across WA, attracting over 180 attendees and distributing 300 native plants to support local ecosystems. The events featured talks by experts, guided tours of native gardens, and interactive activities, culminating in positive feedback and increased awareness of National Science Week. Funded by National Science Week and Inspiring Western Australia, these events aimed to enhance community appreciation of the environment.

Chemistry students challenged with new competition

Last semester, students in the Organic Chemistry unit SCC2211 showcased their skills in the inaugural Chemistry Synthesis Competition. Teams were judged on collaboration, independence, and the quality of their final product, with a close finish separating the top three teams.

Jerry looks back to go forward with a career switch

"Don't think about the million reasons things will not work out. Think about the one reason it will." Wise words from Jerry Schweitzer, mature age student and career switcher who found his reason by recalling childhood memories.

High school students flex cyber security skills in digital capture the flag battle

High school student Teams around Australia went head-to-head for PECAN+ Capture The Flag 2024, battling it out to solve exciting cyber security challenges which included themes of cryptography, digital forensics, open source intelligence gathering and web exploitation.