PhD students present UV research in US

Two University of Southern Queensland (USQ) PhD students were invited to present their research on UV radiation at the 34th Meeting for the American Society for Photobiology in Burlingame, California in June 2008.

Peter Schouten and Joanna Turner attended the conference after winning Frederick Urbach travel awards to assist with travel expenses.

In his third year of PhD research Peter's presentation looked at measuring UV levels under water and was titled ‘Measurement of solar UVB exposures in sea water with a high-exposure dosimeter.'

'It involves UV under water so instead of using normal optical meters I am looking at using a simpler system which is easier for marine researchers to take measurements in oceans, creeks and dams etc,' Peter said.

Peter's research has been published in Photochemistry and Photobiology.

In her second year of a PhD Joanna's presentation was titled ‘Characterising the influence of human UV exposures due to reflective vertical surfaces'.

'My research considers whether there is increased UV exposure by being near shiny, highly reflective surfaces in an unshaded area,' Joanna said.

'I have found some results that suggest these surfaces can increase UV exposure by 20 percent which is fairly significant.'

The results could have a significant impact for the construction and building workers, she said.

'Guidelines on health and safety for workers only specify being aware of such surfaces.

'Previous research looks at horizontal surfaces but not walls and rooftops. This is something the construction industry should be aware of.'

Interacting with international UV researchers was the highlight of the conference for Joanna.

'I thought it was great. There were so many well-known researchers. I've been reading all of these research papers and the people you read work from are there.

'It was great to have peers look over your work.

'I've come back with lots of new ideas because you'd have people coming up at the conference saying have you thought of considering this?'

Peter also enjoyed meeting people well-known in the UV research world.

'You see a few UV celebrities. It's a good way to collaborate.'

The pair acknowledged their supervisor Associate Professor Alfio Parisi, the Faculty of Sciences, the Office of Research and Higher Degrees and the Centre for Rural and Remote Area Health in assisting them to attend the conference.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559