Our HDR Alumni

Ajanie Kodagoda Bammanna Arachchige – Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Supporting Information Problem Solving in the Age of Misinformation and Generative AI: A Socio-Technical Approach

Ajanie’s research addresses the critical challenge of information problem-solving in an era dominated by misinformation and generative AI. Using a socio-technical approach, her work explores strategies and tools that help individuals and organisations verify information, make informed decisions, and maintain trust in digital environments. This research contributes to building resilience against misinformation and ensuring ethical, reliable information practices in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Learn more about this research here.
 

Jennifer Binetter – Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Towards a better understanding of factors which explain the effectiveness of entrepreneurial education offerings for university students

Jennifer's research explored what makes entrepreneurial education truly effective for university students. Her work investigates the key factors—such as curriculum design, learning environments, and student experience—that shape how students develop entrepreneurial capabilities. By identifying what works and why, her research contributes to improving how universities design programs that build confidence, creativity, and real‑world entrepreneurial skills in learners. Learn more about their reseach here.

Kristine Deroover – Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Understanding how people integrate conflicting health information: An epistemic cognition approach

Kristine's research investigated how people make sense of conflicting health information in an era where advice, opinions, and evidence can vary widely across sources. Using an epistemic cognition lens, her work explores how individuals evaluate credibility, reconcile contradictory claims, and form judgments about what to believe. This research provides valuable insights into how health communication can better support informed decision‑making, especially in complex or uncertain health contexts. Learn more about their reserach here.

Loic Juillard – Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

The Influence Of Extreme Weather On The Ecology And Welfare Of Eastern Grey Kangaroos In Semi-Arid Rangelands

Loïc's research investigated how extreme weather events affect the ecology, behaviour, and wellbeing of Eastern Grey Kangaroos living in semi‑arid rangelands. His work provides new insights into how wildlife responds to heat, drought, and environmental stress, helping inform more effective conservation and animal welfare strategies under a changing climate. Learn more about their research here.

Paulina Larocca – Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Choreographing Possibility An Autoethnographic Transdisciplinary Immersion Into the Practice of Deferring Judgement In Creative Endeavours

Paulina’s research explored how deferring judgement can expand creative possibility. Her work uses an autoethnographic, transdisciplinary immersion to examine what happens when individuals consciously suspend evaluation during the creative process, allowing ideas to unfold more openly. By connecting creative practice with reflective inquiry, this research offers insights into fostering imagination, innovation, and more generative approaches to creative endeavour. Learn more about this research here.

Jarnae Leslie – Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Understanding System Change: Assessing Sydney’s Waste Reduction Target

Jarnae research investigated how large‑scale system change unfolds through the lens of Sydney’s ambitious waste‑reduction targets. The project examines the complex mix of policies, behaviours, infrastructures, and governance arrangements that shape the city’s transition toward a more circular and sustainable waste system. By mapping the barriers, leverage points, and unintended consequences within this evolving landscape, Jarnae’s work provides evidence‑based insights into what it really takes for metropolitan areas to shift entrenched practices and meet bold environmental goals. Her research helps inform more effective, integrated approaches to waste reduction that support long‑term urban sustainability. Learn more about this research here.

Yujie Liang – Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Towards a better understanding of regulatory mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: an integrated modelling approach

Yujie's research focuses on improving how governments and industries design policies to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Using an integrated modelling approach, this work examines how different regulatory mechanisms—such as emissions targets, pricing schemes, and compliance structures—interact within complex environmental and economic systems. The research provides evidence‑based insights to help policymakers better understand which regulatory combinations are most effective, efficient, and sustainable for driving meaningful emissions reductions. Learn more about this research here.

Taylor Mcevoy – Master of Transdisciplinary Innovation (Research)

Reframing the functional contributions of wild boar in coexistence narratives

Taylor’s research explored how reframing the functional roles of wild boar can reshape coexistence narratives. This work examines the ecological contributions of wild boar and investigates how shifting perspectives—from conflict to functionality—can open up more balanced and constructive approaches to human–wildlife interaction. By connecting ecology with narrative reframing, this research provides insights into supporting coexistence strategies that acknowledge both environmental impact and ecological value.

Monique Potts – Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

How can transformative learning support young people to develop preparatory resilience in the face of climate change and uncertain futures?

Monique's research explores how transformative learning can help young people build the resilience they need to navigate climate change and uncertain futures. Her work examines educational approaches that empower learners to question assumptions, re‑frame challenges, and develop the adaptive capacities required in a rapidly changing world. By investigating how transformative learning fosters agency, critical reflection, and future‑readiness, this research offers valuable insights for educators, communities, and policymakers seeking to support young people in preparing for complex environmental and societal disruptions. Learn more about this research here.

Hafsah Saeed – Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Neurological, Public Health and Medical Implications of COVID and Long-Term COVID

Hafsah’s research examines the neurological, public health, and medical implications of COVID-19 and long-term COVID. Her work explores how the virus and its prolonged effects impact brain function, cognitive health, and overall well-being, alongside the broader challenges for healthcare systems and policy. By investigating the intersection of clinical outcomes, neurological mechanisms, and public health strategies, this research aims to inform effective interventions and support frameworks for individuals living with long-term symptoms. The findings provide critical insights for clinicians, policymakers, and researchers seeking to mitigate the lasting impacts of the pandemic on population health. Learn more about this research here.

Esty Yanco – Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Towards morally-inclusive coexistence: barriers, pedagogy, and opportunities for expansive conservation

Etsy's research investigates how conservation can become more morally inclusive, particularly in contexts where humans and wildlife must coexist. Her work explores the barriers that prevent more compassionate, ethically grounded conservation practices, while also examining the pedagogies that help people rethink their relationships with the natural world. By identifying opportunities for more expansive, justice‑oriented conservation approaches, this research highlights how education, values, and social systems can work together to support coexistence that respects both human and non‑human lives. Learn more about this research here.