Understanding the factors of influencing the bioactivities and components of Kuuku I'lyu medicinal plant Dodonaea polyandra

This PhD scholarship is part of a wider Australian Research Council Linkage Project called 'Co-research supporting the development of Aboriginal plane knowledges', which is a partnership between the University of South Australia, Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation and Melio Skincare. The project focuses on examining factors that may influence levels of compounds and bioactivities in the leaves and stems of the Uncha plant, and the stability of these compounds when plant extracts are formulated as a skin cream. The primary objectives include examining the impact of harvesting, regrowth, and fire regrowth on bioactive clerodane diterpenoid compounds, understanding post-harvest treatment effects, and characterizing other minor compounds in the plant extracts. This project is funded for reasonable living expenses and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $50,291 per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included.