Funded Research Projects
University of Waikato Academics list research funding/projects and opportunties when available. Please read the project details and contact the relevant academic directly to apply.
| 2025 |
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Research Project Reversing declines in water quality through better farm management |
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Research Details Applications are invited for a master's scholarship opportunity at the School of Science, University of Waikato. This project is funded by Hodderfield Farms and the Waikato River Authority. It will investigate the hypothesis that detainment bunds on pastoral lands confer tangible benefits to the environment by reducing contaminant loads to receiving environments. The project will take the form of monitoring: 1) the effectiveness of the detainment bunds in removing contaminants from overland flows during heavy rain events; and 2) establishing baseline conditions at sites above and below the main surface flow path to the receiving stream. The successful applicant should be eligible to enrol at the University of Waikato. Prior experience in environmental science, ecology, or an earth science, along with writing technical reports would be advantageous. |
| Closing Date | Jan 23 2025 |
| Eligibility |
B+ GPA expected Postgraduate Full-time Domestic/International/PR Valid driver's license |
| Application Documents Required |
Letter explaining motivation CV References (academic and/or character) |
| Tenure |
Masters = full-time for up to 24 months |
| Fees, Stipends, Student Services Fee |
Stipend = $8,500 per annum paid monthly Excludes tuition fees and SSF not included |
| Costs |
Research costs are covered |
| Main contact |
Dr Frank Burdon frank.burdon@waikato.ac.nz |
| 2024 |
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Research Project Importance of stream-wetland refuges for kōaro populations |
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Research Details Whakahohetia Ngā Wai Kāinga is a focus study within the Toitū Ngā Taonga Waimāori research programme (see below) that aims to support Te Arawa’s place-based prioritisation and implementation of adaptation interventions that will support the resilience of their cultural keystone species and iwi/hapū communities under a changing climate. Kōaro (Galaxias brevipinnis) once supported an important customary fishery for Te Arawa iwi/hapū. Along with other galaxiid species, kōaro have been greatly impacted by land use change and the introduction of non-native fish species. Catchment modifications, exotic and invasive species, and other man-made pressures have decimated this taonga species in the Te Arawa lakes, where only small, relict populations now remain. Climate change is likely to expose these populations to further challenges. This MSc study will focus on the ecology of kōaro in a stream-wetland mosaic along the shoreline of Lake Ōkāreka. A significant population has been discovered in this habitat and it is thought to be an important source of recruits for the kōaro metapopulation in Lake Ōkāreka. The study will address the population and trophic ecology of kōaro in this habitat over the course of a year through monthly sampling. The study will aim to describe the population demography (including size classes) through time and establish prey sources to better understand the food-web dynamics of kōaro using this stream-wetland refuge. There are opportunities to learn/use eDNA approaches and assess the habitat preferences of other kōaro populations across the Te Arawa region. |
| Closing Date |
Sunday 28th April 2024 (or until filled) |
| Eligibility |
Our team is seeking a highly motivated and skilled MSc candidate to work on this collaborative project with the University of Waikato, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Kusabs & Associates and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree in ecology or environmental science. Good written communication skills are desired. You will be conscientious, detail oriented, hard-working, eager to do field work, and have a positive attitude. MSc supervision will be provided by Dr Frank Burdon, with support from Dr Ian Kusabs and Te Arawa Lakes Trust where needed. |
| Entry Requirements |
To be eligible, you need to meet the enrolment requirements of the University of Waikato. Ideally you will be ready to commence study as soon as possible. At Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, the University of Waikato, we embrace equity and diversity; therefore, we strongly encourage applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. |
| Application Documents Required |
Please provide:
Note: Academic transcripts may be requested to demonstrate your educational background and eligibility for this opportunity. |
| Main contact |
Dr Frank Burdon frank.burdon@waikato.ac.nz |
Looking for PhD opportunities?
The University of Waikato has a wide range of PhD research opportunities available and new vacancies are added regularly.