Unpinning “the role of microbes in carbonate mineralization under different substrate conditions”

Microbial activities have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the formation of minerals since the advent of life on Earth. Bacterial biomineralization plays a critical role in biogeochemical cycling as well as has important environmental applications especially in the area of sustainable construction materials. But much of our knowledge in the area of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation is limited due to poor understanding of bio-mineral reaction kinetics at molecular level; highlighting the need for unpinning the role of microbial biofilms, extrapolymeric substances and metabolic activities under a range of substrate conditions. This project aims to significantly advance the current perceptions and knowledge by developing new methods for elemental tracking of Ca under biotic and abiotic environments in a range of substrates and microbial metabolic pathways using stable isotopes.

A 3 year PhD project available at Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia with Dr. Navdeep K Dhami in her ARC Discovery project in collaboration with Prof. Allan Pring (University of Adelaide), Dr Carlos Rodriguez (University of Granada, Spain) and Prof. Abhijit Mukherjee (Curtin University)

• Current Students
• Future Students

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Engineering courses

• Higher Degree by Research

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa
• International Student

• Merit Based

This scholarship provides a living stipend of $28,854 p.a. pro rata indexed, based on full-time studies, for up to a maximum of 3 years.

1

Any HDR student wishing to study in PhD Engineering

• Successful recipients must also not be in receipt of any other scholarship.
• Suitable applicant must have a first-class Hons degree, Master’s degree or equivalent in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Geochemistry, Geology, Chemistry or related fields
• Prior publications in good quality journals are desirable

Current Student

• Please submit an expression of interest to Dr. Navdeep K Dhami, navdeep.dhami@curtin.edu.au with a current CV and 2 referee names.

Future student

• Please submit an expression of interest via the Expression of Interest form , and please ensure you include a current CV and 2 referee names. 

Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 month of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full time basis for the duration of the scholarship

Dr. Navdeep K Dhami, navdeep.dhami@curtin.edu.au