Human Protection Defence Research Summer Vacation Scholarships

Here are the Human Protection projects for Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) Scholarships. DSTO is offering 68 university students $4,050 tax-free each for a 12-week research project in the Summer Vacation Scholarship Program. Applications can be made online and close 19 July 2009, with the projects running from late November 2009 to mid February 2010 accross Australia.

The Projects

HPPD 01 UPLC methods for the detection and verification of chemical warfare agents, their hydrolysis products and by-products at trace levels

The study of organophosphorus compounds is of importance to defence and national security.

The project will utilize new UPLC/MS equipment to investigate the detection and analysis of organophosphorous compounds at trace levels. This will involve development of LC methods using different stationary phases and MS methods to lower the detection limits of these compounds. The project will generate a library of mass spectra for the compounds analysed.

The student will be generating UPLC/MS and MS/MS data. The student will be performing the analysis on two different instruments, a triple quadrupole MS and an ion trap MS. The student will be expected to handle toxic chemicals in limited quantities at low concentrations (with appropriate training). UPLC/HPLC/MS Data analysis

Human Protection and Performance Division DSTO Fishermans Bend

HPPD 02 Eating behaviour - issues for Defence feeding

Review the literature and other information sources and identify eating behaviour issues in the Defence environment. Conduct a review of the scientific literature and other information sources, identify key issues, prepare a report.

Nutrition, dietetics, behavioural science Understanding of nutrition principles, experience in researching the scientific literature, ability to use Microsoft Office based programs (Word, Excel)

Students who have completed at least 2nd year of a relevant undergraduate degree, including completion of subjects relevant to the research area. Good organisational, and communication skills and methodological approach to tasks.

Human Protection and Performance Division DSTO Scottsdale TAS

HPPD 03 Fresh Food Order System

Design a software program that supports an interface between caterers and the ADF fresh food scale, or investigate suitable COTS options.

Conduct requirements analysis, software design and development; or compare and evaluate COTS items.

Software programming, web programming Some understanding of nutrition principles and/or catering, ability to use Microsoft Office based programs (Word, Excel)

Students who have completed at least 2nd year of a relevant undergraduate degree, including completion of subjects relevant to the research area. Good organisational, and communication skills and methodological approach to tasks.

Human Protection and Performance Division DSTO Scottsdale TAS