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Dr Amanda Robinson investigates the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception, face and object recognition, and the dynamic representation of information in the human brain using advanced neuroimaging techniques and computational methods.

Dr Karl Robinson joined QAAFI’s Centre for Horticultural Science (frm. Centre for Plant Sciences) in 2012 as a molecular biologist specialising in RNAi applications against animal and plant viruses. Karl received his doctoral degree from The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science in 2009 and was awarded the 2009 UQ Deans Award. Karl has held postdoctoral research positions within Queensland Government/The University of Queensland - Agricultural Biotechnology Centre and the Viral Pathogenesis and Vaccine Group at the Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Organisation, The University of Saskatchewan, Canada, before joining QAAFI. In 2017, Dr Robinson was awarded the Queensland State Government - Advance Queensland Reseach Fellowship to conduct research into alternative insect and virus control methods using RNAi and nanotechnology. Currently, a senior research fellow, supported by Grains Research Development Corporation, Karl is leading research into spray-on RNAi applications for viruses and insects in high value grain crops. Karl supervises several higher degree research students and delivers the plant virology lectures of the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences 3rd year virology course at UQ.

Conjoint Professor Paul Robinson is the Director of the Children’s Health Environment Program within the Child Health Research Centre (CHRC), and Senior Staff Specialist in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. His research program performs translational research outlining the role of peripheral airway function tests in early lung disease detection and ongoing monitoring of established disease.

He has led the development and standardisation of novel measures of lung function across the entire age range from infancy onwards, facilitating the development of commercial equipment available for widespread use. His research focuses on defining the clinical utility of two specific peripheral airway function tests (Multiple breath washout, MBW, and oscillometry) in important obstructive lung diseases (e.g., asthma, cystic fibrosis, and post bone marrow transplant pulmonary graft vs host disease) and in understanding the impacts of environmental exposures. Structure-function relationships have been explored using state-of-the-art imaging techniques, with the aim of also developing new strategies to reduce any radiation exposure associated with these to advance incorporation into clinical care (e.g., ultra-low dose CT).

These novel lung function tools not only in the hospital setting but also in the school and home setting, enabling the successful development of a parent-supervised remote monitoring strategy for asthma which has been shown to reflect clinically meaningful outcomes missed by conventional approaches. In collaboration with industry, this strategy is now being employed in a series of research projects.

Involvement in longitudinal birth cohorts has outlined the early lung function trajectories in health, and the identification of risk factors affecting normal lung development and contributing to the early development of asthma. Studies investigating environmental health have highlighted the adverse effects of ultrafine particle air pollution.

Professor Robinson’s standing as an international expert, both in terms of clinical and research experience, has led to broader leadership roles across national and international levels.

Dr. Dale Robinson is a Lecturer in The School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering. He specialises in Biomechanics, applying advanced engineering and computational techniques to investigate the function and disease of the musculoskeletal system. Dr. Robinson is an expert in both experimental and computational biomechanics. He develops novel experimental methods that combine customised mechanical loading apparatus with state-of-the-art sensing equipment to measure load and analyse material properties in human tissue and implants across micro- and macro-scales.

His computational expertise centres on rigid body models and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for examining stress and strain in bone, soft tissue, and medical implants. A key focus is on integrating AI and statistical shape modelling with medical imaging (CT, MRI, micro-CT) to create automated workflows for the design and analysis of personalised 3D-printed implants.

Dr. Robinson’s significant research contributions include:

• Design and analysis of customised 3D printed jaw-joint replacement
• Changes in mechanical properties of cartilage with osteoarthritis
• Fracture risk assessment in at risk populations including osteoporosis
• Injury risk assessment for the lumbar spine and pelvis during blast attacks in military vehicles
• Load analysis of osseointegrated transfemoral amputees
• Pelvic fracture reconstruction using statistical shape modelling
• Automated workflows for the design of 3D-printed implants
• FEA of reverse shoulder replacements

Dale is an expert in the use of mechanical loading equipment to perform static, dynamic and fatigue tests of human cadaveric tissue and implants, with sizes ranging from the micro scale to macro-scale of full joints. Sensors that he has used extensively include:

• Digital image correlation and digital volume correlation
• Acoustic emission
• 3D scanners
• Multi-axis load cells
• Accelerometers
• High-speed cameras

Prior to his academic career, Dr. Robinson completed his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering and Science (Mathematics) at UQ, followed by industrial experience with Boeing Aerostructures Australia. He earned his PhD in 2016 and conducted post-doctoral research in Biomechanical Engineering at the University of Melbourne.

Dr Hannah Robinson is an Industry Research Fellow within the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) at The University of Queensland. In this role, Hannah spends half of her time as a researcher focused on advanced crop genomics and associated technologies and the other half within InterGrain, a private plant breeding company, as their genomic scientist. Prior to this, Hannah led the early generation barley breeding program at InterGrain. Her research interests are motivated by industry impact with the overarching aim of increasing genetic gain for the Australian agricultural industry through novel insights into the genetic basis of quantitative traits and the development of new breeding technologies. Hannah is passionate about teaching and mentoring along with sharing her industry experience and currently works with 11 students and early career researchers.

Follow Dr Hannah Robinson on Twitter: @HannahMRobin

Dr Melanie Robitaille is a Senior Research Fellow working with the Calcium Signalling in Therapeutics Team (CaSTT) in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. This team specializes in the development and application of novel methodologies and cellular assays in drug discovery, including the use of genetically encoded indicator for high-content imaging in live cells.

Her interests are to elucidate how calcium signals are remodelled in disease states, to identify calcium transporters as new therapeutic targets and to develop molecular and cellular screening tools to be used in drug development programs. She has an established profile in cellular and molecular biology, with high expertise in plasmid cloning, lentiviral transduction and the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to modulate gene expression.

I'm a Lecturer in the School of Psychology at The University of Queensland, working at the intersection of cognitive, social and applied psychology. My research interests include how people develop expertise, visual attention and inattention, forensic decision-making, epistemic cognition and reasoning, with my current research focusing primarily on the psychology of misinformation and conspiracy beliefs.

Louisa is a hydrogeologist with twenty years of experience. She has had a diverse career working in research, consulting, and government. Louisa’s main areas of expertise include hydrogeological investigations, impact assessment, groundwater resource management, and contaminated land management. She has worked across a range of sectors including mining, energy, transport, and agriculture and her experience includes developing water resources legislation and policy and leading complex groundwater and surface water investigations for project approvals, operations, and compliance.

Louisa is currently working as a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Environmental Responsibility in Mining (CERM). The role involves leading the hydrogeological research, training, and consulting services that CERM provide to the minerals industry in Australia and globally and working with a team of water resource management specialists to contribute to a range of inter-discplinary projects. She has recently completed a project for The Australian National University developing draft National Guidelines for Groundwater Monitoring in Australia.

I am a Research Fellow at the TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, with an interdisciplinary background spanning molecular biology, philosophy of science, and the study of scientific practices. My research focuses on unraveling the complex dynamics of power, ethics, and knowledge production within scientific institutions.

With a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Science from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), my doctoral thesis, "Biobanks in Mexico: Aspects of the Economy of Scientific Capital," explored the intricate relationships between biological sample management, scientific capital, and the broader scientific landscape.

Currently, I am engaged in research projects associated with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology, investigating the intricacies of authorship, recognition, and credit distribution within cross-disciplinary scientific collaborations.

My research employs qualitative methods such as ethnography, participant observation and interviews to shed light on the interplay of scientific practices, intellectual property, and the sociological dimensions of research. I have contributed to the field through publications in journals and edited volumes, as well as presentations at international conferences.

Throughout my career, I have held various roles, including managing a molecular diagnostic service, conducting research and development in the private sector, and teaching at the university level.

Professor Dr. Rodriguez is a biophysicist trained at Wageningen University, specializing in crop ecophysiology and systems modelling to enhance adaptation in broadacre crops. His recent research focuses on trait physiology and high-throughput field phenotyping for drought tolerance in grain crops. He combines empirical research, crop modelling, and data analytics to develop more profitable, sustainable, and resilient crops and cropping systems. Dr. Rodriguez collaborates with institutions in Australia and various countries in eastern and southern Africa, Indonesia, Latin America, and China. He served as President of the Australian Society of Agronomy and organized the 2022 Australian Agronomy Conference. He has contributed to the Academic Board of the University of Queensland and its Research and Innovation Committee. Dr. Rodriguez is the founding editor-in-chief of Nature’s npj Sustainable Agriculture and serves as an Expert Advisor for the Independent Science for Development Council of CGIAR. He is also a member of the College of Experts at the University of Queensland’s Global Change Institute and sits on the Editorial Board of multiple academic journals.

Research interest: Monitoring ecosystem health of coral reefs and seagrass habitats, integrating field and remote sensing image datasets, and the developing applied cost-effective mapping and monitoring approaches. Developed approaches have been adopted as standard practice globally, making a difference in conservation of these valuable habitats. The long term monitoring studies at Heron and Moreton Bay formed the basis for the development of mapping and monitoring over time and space at local to global scale. See here major research impact

Major projects:

• Long term monitoring of benthic composition at Heron Reef (2002-ongoing).
• Long term monitoring of seagrass composition and abundance in Moreton bay Marine Park (2000-ongoing).
• Smart Sat CRC Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Seagrass and Coral Reefs 2023-2027.
• Developement of Underwater Field Spectrometry and Benthic Photo Collection and Analysis
• 3D GBR Habitat Mapping Project 2015 - ongoing:
• Global habitat mapping project 2019-2023 Allen Coral Atlas .

Current position: Associate Professior in Marine Remote Sensing leading the Marine Ecosystem Monitoring Lab. . Academic Director Heron Island Research Station and affiliated researchers with Centre for Marine Science and Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science

Capacity Building and Citizen Science: Capacity: under/post graduate courses; Msc/PhD supervision, workshops/courses; Remote Sensing Educational Toolkit, and online courses (e.g. TNC).Strong supporter of citizen science based projects, as trainer, organiser and advisor for Reef Check Australia, CoralWatch, Great Reef Census and UniDive.

Dr Roets is a consultant anaesthetist (Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH)), intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) and equipment expert within Metro North Hospital and Health Services (MNHHS), co-author of the National Australian Guidance documents for the Provision of ICS with the National Blood Authority (NBA) and the BloodSafe eLearning ICS module (2020) in Australia. As senior lecturer (academic title holder (ATH)) with the University of Queensland she supports students, registrars, and other staff members participating in research projects and education relevant to ICS, blood transfusion and the development and implementation of equipment in Anaesthesia. She holds qualifications in four countries and has developed valuable international collaborations. During her master’s degree in clinical research administration with Walden University (Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America (USA), 2011) she wrote her thesis on the development of equipment in anaesthesia. Within her PhD with the University of Queensland (conferred 27-8-2024), Dr Roets endeavoured to provide scientific evidence (related to identified knowledge gaps) and to encourage the development of ICS to protect national and international blood product supply, and to reduce adverse patient outcomes and related costs.

Dr Julie-Anne Rogers (Woppaburra) is a First Nations researcher with more than 30 years of experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities across government, non-government, health, education, and community sectors. Her research focuses on Indigenous research methodologies, Indigenous Knowledge systems, cultural determinants of health and wellbeing, and community-based participatory action research.

Julie-Anne completed her Doctor of Philosophy at Central Queensland University, where her doctoral research examined cultural continuity and wellness among Woppaburra women, leading to the development of the Yilum 6R's model of recovery, rediscovery, reconnection, regeneration, resilience, and resurgence.

She is a Chief Investigator on nationally funded research projects including Communication Training for Mental Health Professionals: Developing Cultural Sensitivity and Capability to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Outcomes and Integrated Genetic Health Care: Improving Access to Quality Genetic Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients. She is also a member of the Jilbay First Nations Research Higher Degree Academy Leadership Group.

Julie-Anne brings extensive leadership and governance experience through executive and advisory roles at local, state, and national levels. Her work is grounded in strengthening Indigenous self-determination, cultural continuity, health equity, and culturally responsive service delivery. As a Research Fellow based at The University of Queensland Poche Cetre for Indigenous Health, Julie-ann will contribute to national Indigenous-Led research initiatives applying a life-course approach to preventing and managing acute rheumatic feveer (ARF), rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and cardiovascular health amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Sonia Roitman is an urban sociologist and planner by training. Her contributions to the field of development planning and urban sociology include influential research on urban inequalities and how they manifest in cities. Her research interests include housing and poverty alleviation policies; the role of grassroots organisations in urban planning; disaster planning and informal practices; and, gated communities, segregation and planning instruments in Global South cities. Her main research locations are Indonesia, Samoa, Uganda, Argentina and Australia. Her most recent book is: Rukmana, D. and Roitman, S. (Eds), 2026, Growth of a megacity: Planning Jakarta in the Post-Suburban Era, University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.

Teaching responsibilities

PLAN1101 Teamwork and negotiation for planners (Course coordinator and lecturer - 2021 and 2022)

PLAN3005/7121 Community planning and participation (Course coordinator and lecturer - 2019 to date)

PLAN3200/7200 Understanding development complexities: Indonesia fieldtrip course (Course coordinator and lecturer - 2015 to date)

PLAN4001/7120 Planning theory (Guest lecturer 2014-2019)

PLAN4130/7130 Planning practicum (Course coordinator - Summer 2018)

PLAN7010 Planning project (Course coordinator and lecturer - 2015-2016)

PLAN7612 Global South Cities (Course coordinator and lecturer - 2014 to date)

PLAN7614 Urban management and governance (Guest lecturer 2013-2016)

PLAN7638 Assessment of development projects (Course coordinator and lecturer 2013-2015 and lecturer 2016)

SOSC7140 Development effectiveness (Lecturer 2017)

ENVM2100/7100 Sustainable Development (Guest lecturer 2013)

GEOS3102 Global change: Problems and prospects (Guest lecturer 2022-2023)

Service and Engagement

UQ Academic Board (2025 to date) and Academic Board Executive Committee (2026-2027)

Deputy Director Teaching and Learning, School of Architecture, Design and Planning (2026 to date)

Master of Urban Planning Student Advisor (2025-2026)

Planning Program Convenor Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning and Master of Urban and Regional Planning (2023- 2024)

Planning Program Lead, UQ (2019-2023)

Student Advisor Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (BRTP) and Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP), UQ (Jan 2019- Dec 2020)

Planning Institute of Australia UQ Representative (since 2019)

Full Member of Planning Institute of Australia

Board Member RC21 Committee (Research Committee of the Sociology of Urban and Regional Development), International Sociological Association (2014-2023)

Specialty Chief Editor Urban Sociology, Frontiers in Sociology Journal (2025 - to date)

Scientific Committee Member of Prospectiva Journal (Revista Prospectiva, Universidad del Valle, Colombia) (since 2015)

Scientific Committee Member of Bitácora Urbano-Territorial Journal (Revista Bitácora Urbano-Territorial, Universidad Nacional de Colombia (since 2012)

Editorial Member of Journal of City and Regional Development (Jurnal Penbangunan Wilayah & Kota, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia) (since 2018)