Mackay research student makes local floods focus for PhD scholarship

Marian’s Kelly Dixon is among 27 of Australia’s top research students who will take up Smart Futures PhD scholarships at universities across Queensland in 2009.

Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle said the Queensland Government scholarships award each postgraduate $22,500 over three years for full-time research in varied disciplines.

Ms Dixon’s doctorate will examine the psychological effects of the 2008 Mackay floods on the community and how to reduce stress and depression as a result.

“I was involved in the community recovery response to the Mackay floods last February, and unlike a cyclone or other natural disaster, after a few weeks there is little exterior evidence of damage to the landscape,” Ms Dixon said.

“It’s the interior of houses that may be gutted, or have been affected to a relatively minor degree, but people can experience a sense of dislocation and anxiety for prolonged periods after the event.

“Having worked as a counsellor with Lifeline Community Care Queensland in Mackay for the past eight years, I’ve been interested in ways to reduce depression and anxiety for some time.

“Some people are more resilient than others and I want to investigate why, and find ways to boost resilience.

“If we can work out the best methods to alleviate psychological stress and anxiety in adults post-disaster, that will have broad ramifications.”

Ms Dixon will study externally through the Queensland University of Technology, while supervised by Professor Ian Shochet, renowned for developing programs to promote adolescent resilience, implemented across Australia and internationally.

Ms Boyle said other projects undertaken by the PhD scholarship-holders will include climate change on the Great Barrier Reef, skin cancer treatment, obesity intervention, developing new learning methods, improving police investigative practices and the effects of aerosols on rainfall.”

“A landmark study into the Aboriginal perspective on health will also be conducted by Maryborough’s Victoria Close, the first Indigenous recipient of a Smart Futures PhD scholarship.

“These scholarships foster innovation in the state’s research and development sector, helping build the foundations for a sustainable state-wide research community.

“This in turn plays a key role in our economic prosperity and social advancement,” she said.
“Queensland has a reputation for building world-class R&D infrastructure and now there is a push to attract leading researchers too. “

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the local community is very proud of Kelly’s achievements.

“Mackay residents went through a really tough time during the floods last year and any research that could potentially reduce the psychological trauma of such an event is very welcome.”

Ms Boyle added that during the past 10 years the Queensland Government has invested $3.4 billion in 36 new research institutes and more than 230 research scholarships and fellowships,” Ms Boyle said.

“The four-year $120 million Smart State Strategy, launched in 2008 and incorporating the Smart Futures scholarships, will boost science and industry’s capacity to solve problems through research, innovation and partnerships across public and private sectors.

“I congratulate all scholarship recipients and I look forward to the outcome of their research.”

12 February, 2009

Media contact: Marcus Taylor 3225 1005/0419 025 326 or Zoe Russell 3224 2007/0437 436 914
2009

Queensland University of Technology: Astra Dadzis 3138 2361

Link to photo of Kelly Dixon:
http://www.dtrdi.qld.gov.au/media/20093001_smartfutures/Smart%20Futures%20PhD%20scholarships%20winner-%20Kelly%20Dixon.jpg



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