2011 James Cook University Results

Open Winner ($3,000)
Dr Andreas Lopata (Comparative Genomic Centre) – Rapid Detection of Toxins in Seafood
Food-borne illnesses require better test systems for the rapid detection of multiple toxins. Fish-Stik is a rapid, inexpensive and portable test-kit for detecting and quantifying the major causes of seafood poisoning.

Open Runner-Up ($1,000)
Dr Patrick Schaeffer (School of Pharmacy & Molecular Biosciences) – TT Lock ImmunoPCR Diagnostics
The search for better diagnostics is paramount to the world with the constant discovery of new life-threatening diseases. Current immunodiagnostics are all based on the same old principles and shortcomings. The TT Lock system aims to be faster, more sensitive and reliable.

Open Highly Commended ($500)
A/Prof Shashidhar Venkatesh Murthy (School of Medicine & Dentistry) – Tecnology Enhanced Cognitive Scaffolding – Future Education
This innovation aims to teach, motivate, assess and support large cohorts of students (>200) including knowledge, clinical and laboratory skills in pathology.

Student Winner ($3,000)
Mr Reza Al Shakarji (Scholl of Engineering & Physical Sciences) – Alternative Anode for Large Scale Copper Extraction
More than 720,000 lead anodes are currently used in copper mining. Mr Al Shakarji’s research involves a new type of anode that is lighter, safer to handle, costs less to produce and transport, generates less acid mist when used, and poses no health or environmental hazards in comparison to lead anodes.

Student Runner-Up ($1,000)
Mr Tom Stevens, Mr Ross Marchant & Prof Peter Ridd (Marine Geophysics Laboratory) – Cheap, Accurate Ocean Current Meter
This robust ocean current meter aims to enable both researchers and commercial operators to perform broad sampling of ocean currents.

Student Highly Commended ($500)
Ms Shruti Saptarshi (Comparative Genomics Centre) – NanoDetak-A: Nanotechnology Based Detection Assay for Allergies
NanoDetek-A aims to be a highly specific and effective tool for the sensitive quantification of allergen specific antibodies in human blood. This technology will promote early diagnosis of allergic sensitisation and help to better managean increasing major healthcare problem which affects over 35% of the world population.

Pitching Excellence ($1,000)
Mr Tom Stevens (Marine Geophysics Laboratory) – Cheap Accurate Ocean Current Meter
See above.