The Hub's Emerging Researchers Network kicks off for 2025
29 April 2025
The inaugural Emerging Researchers Network program is underway, with the Hub welcoming a cohort of 11 higher degree by research (HDR) candidates participating in 2025.
The Emerging Researchers Network initiative is designed to bring together students whose studies relate to drought and climate resilience or rural and agricultural innovation. Throughout this year participants will attend a series of fully funded, in-person workshops, receive exclusive mentoring and training, participate in monthly online community of practice (CoP) meetings and network with industry – all designed to boost their career prospects after completion of their studies.
The Hub is pleased to welcome to our 2025 Emerging Researchers Network:
- Jewel Cabardo, Australian National University - Supporting the sustainability of agri-food value chains through farmer entrepreneurship.
- Miltone (Kishiki) Kimori, Charles Sturt University - Social marketing, communication, and community development in a future with less water.
- Nani Gopal Das, Charles Sturt University - Heat stress mitigation in lambs and sheep through feeding.
- Pradeep Rai, Charles Sturt University - Regenerative Agriculture realities and addressing research gaps to inform farmers’ decision making on agricultural sustainability.
- Rabin Dulal, Charles Sturt University - Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cattle identification and management to enhance resilience.
- Yangfan Zhang, University of NSW - Machine learning integrated new agri-photovoltaics system (merging solar power and farming) for rural reform.
- Zahra Ghoreishi, Australian National University - Sociotechnical imaginaries in the Murray-Darling Basin to enhance the adaptive capacity of farmers and communities.
- Joseph Anumba, University of Canberra - Investigating the impact of environmental exposures on wellbeing outcomes (using advanced geostatistical and multilevel models).
- Mariam Khanam, Charles Sturt University - Addressing soil degradation and climate variability through cost-effective and sustainable methods for reducing salt stress and improving soil fertility.
- Clytie Binder, University of Canberra - Holistic organic waste management to support resilient communities.
- Tiarna Scerri, Charles Sturt University - Alternative treatment to antibiotics for bovine mastitis – susceptibility to which is exacerbated by drought and heat conditions.
The new group had its first online meeting in March, then they met in-person at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga on 15 and 16 April, where they participated in workshops to set personal goals for the program, carried out stakeholder mapping and canvassed ideas to expand their networks. They also took part in off-site activities including a soil pit tour with Dr Shamsul Haque from CSU about the relationship between soils and drought.
Caption: Southern NSW Innovation Hub's Angus Dunne and Nick Morgan with the 2025 Emerging Researchers Network at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga (absent is Tiarna Scierri)
