Available honours projects
An Honours year with the Research Institute for Northern Agriculture (RINA) lets you work on real research projects that make a difference to agriculture across northern Australia. You’ll be part of an active research team at Charles Darwin University, tackling challenges shaped by industry and the region.
We’re currently offering a range of Honours projects. If one interests you, get in touch with the listed supervisor. If you don’t see the right fit, you’re welcome to contact a RINA researcher to discuss your interests.
You can also explore the CDU prospective research students page and check the available scholarships page. Additional honours projects are available through the Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods.
Tropical biosecurity
Our research aims to strengthen biosecurity and biodiversity monitoring across northern Australia by developing molecular and genomic tools suited to tropical environments with a focus on environmental DNA.
If you are interested in pursuing Honours in biosecurity or environmental monitoring, please get in touch, and we can discuss potential projects. Contact details: Professor Maxine Piggott (Tropical Biosecurity); phone: (08) 8946 7752 or email: maxine.piggott@cdu.edu.au. Projects currently available are listed below.
Evaluating the Use of Passive eDNA Methods to Detect Saltwater Crocodiles
There have been rapid advances in environmental DNA (eDNA) research, which allows the detection of species from traces of DNA from environmental samples.
In collaboration with the Northern Territory Government, we are investigating the effectiveness of using eDNA analysis to detect saltwater crocodiles in comparison with current management methods. Sampling and filtration methods will be especially important, and this project will compare passive methods with active manual filtration of water samples. The project will combine field and lab work. Previous lab and molecular experience are highly desirable.
Project aims:
- Compare active and passive filtration methods in the detection of crocodiles
- Assess the effect of time on passive filtration in the detection of crocodiles
- Compare the effectiveness of passive filtration methods in the detection of crocodiles at captive and field sites
Detecting Mertens’ Water Monitor with eDNA: A Rapid Conservation Survey for Top End Waterways
Mertens’ water monitor (Varanusmertensi) is an aquatic varanid of northern Australia that uses creeks, billabongs, and spring-fed pools. Populations have declined in some areas (e.g., cane-toad impacts, habitat change). The project will develop and validate a species-specific eDNA qPCR assay to confirm detectability at known sites and to map occurrence with a focus on Litchfield NP. Previous lab and molecular experience are highly desirable.
Project aims:
- Design and validate a short-amplicon qPCR assay specific to V. mertensi.
- Field-validate at 4–6 known-presence waterbodies (e.g., Litchfield NP pools/creeks) + 2 known-absence/low-likelihood sites.
Tropical aquaculture
Our research focuses on understanding and enhancing the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of tropical aquaculture systems across northern Australia. We study the biology, behaviour, welfare, and environmental management of cultured aquatic species, and support industry and Indigenous communities to develop aquaculture in ways that are environmentally sustainable and socially beneficial. Our expertise includes new species development, environmental enrichment, climate adaptation, and innovation in production systems, and the work contributes to both local industry development and broader collaborations, including international partnerships exploring climate-smart practices.
If you are interested in pursuing Honours in aquaculture systems, please get in touch, and we can discuss potential projects. Contact details: Dr. Sunil Kadri (Professor of Tropical Aquaculture); phone: (08) 8946 7752 or email:sunil.kadri@cdu.edu.au.
Cropping systems
Our research aims to enhance the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of tropical cropping systems in northern Australia through multidisciplinary approaches grounded in crop physiology, agronomy, and soil science. We collaborate with experts in ecology, environmental science, computer science, engineering, economics, rural supply chains, and policy development to support innovative practices and new industry development. Key focus areas include understanding crop responses to climatic factors and resource availability, advancing carbon farming and precision agriculture techniques, promoting circular economy principles, and translating research into practical outcomes for industry and communities.
There are currently no projects available in this research area. If you have your own project idea or would like to explore potential opportunities, please contact Dr. Stephen Xu (Professor of Cropping Systems on (08) 8946 7792 or via email at stephen.xu@cdu.edu.au. New projects will be listed here as they become available.
Sustainable pastoral systems
Our research supports the development of productive, resilient, and sustainable pastoral systems across northern Australia by addressing the region's unique environmental, climatic, and management challenges. We work closely with producers, industry partners, and communities to improve livestock productivity, nutrition, grazing management, land condition, and adoption of innovative technologies and practices. Research spans paddock-scale and enterprise-level studies, on-ground trials, and applied systems research, with a strong emphasis on translating evidence into practical outcomes for northern beef and pastoral enterprises.
If you are interested in pursuing Honours in livestock systems, please get in touch, and we can discuss potential projects. Contact details: Dr. Beth Penrose (Associate Professor of Pastoral Production Systems and Sustainability); phone: (08) 8946 7192 or email: beth.penrose@cdu.edu.au.