Flinders University students Caitlin Nicholls and Rosie Coleman have been awarded prestigious Playford Trust PhD scholarships to work on their marine biology and molecular neuroscience projects.
They are among 15 Flinders University scholarships presented in this year’s presentations held in Adelaide last week.
The Playford Trust / Donald Laidlaw AO PhD scholarship awarded to Caitlin and Playford / Lang Family Foundation PhD scholarship to Rosie will provide them both with more than $26,000 over the next three and a half years to complete their respective projects.
Ms Nicholls’ Doctor of Philosophy study expands on her dolphin studies with the well-regarded Flinders University Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab, including the effects on local dolphin populations of wharf developments in Townsville led by her College of Science and Engineering supervisor, Associate Professor Guido Parra.
Caitlin’s PhD project will focus on the vulnerability of inshore dolphins to infectious diseases, using social network models.
“Caitlin’s work is both innovative and impactful, with significant potential to advance our understanding of marine epidemiology,” says Associate Professor Parra.
“ plans to collaborate with leading research groups in the USA will undoubtedly enhance her research and contribute to international scientific collaboration.”
Ms Coleman, from the College of Medicine and Public Health, says dementia is a major health and community issue, with cases in South Australia expected to almost double in the next 30 years.
“My PhD goal is to help answer why are brain cells are vulnerable to age-related neurodegeneration. I hope to help discover what is special about brain cells and use it to slow or stop neurodegeneration and memory loss,” she says.
“There is currently no cure of any neurodegenerative disease, and this is why I am doing a PhD.”
Her primary supervisor, College of Medicine and Public Health senior lecturer Dr Yee Lian Chew, says Rosie is “an exceptional scientist and communicator, and a strong believer in the power of ethical leadership to change the world.”
During her PhD, she especially wants to develop relationships with those who live with dementia or neurodegenerative disease so that her research is “relevant to those who are most impacted by it.”
Marguerite Potter, studying a Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons), was one of four Playford Honours Scholarship recipients, along with Adam Galant-Ludwisiak, Lewis Hurley and Lily McClafferty-Jackson from the College of Science and Engineering.
Other Flinders University awardees were:
Engineering scholarships:
• Chelsea Nicholls (supported by Sir Eric Neal AC CVO)
• Samuel Croft (supported by Seeley International)
• Nadia Macoritto (supported by WSP)
• Katija Franchi (supported by Codan)
Playford Trust Rural and Regional STEM Scholarships:
• Izaak Matthiessen, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
• Jorja Feltrin, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil)
• Zachary Pope (Palaeontology)
Playford Trust / Lincoln College Residential Scholarship:
• Joseph Rothe, Bachelor of Geospatial Information Systems and Bachelor of Surveying
With a focus on areas of strategic and economic importance to the state, the SA scholarship program for high-achieving tertiary students, is supported by the SA Government, partners and industry, the education sector and community.
Since 2010, $6.3 million has supported hundreds of South Australian undergraduate, honours and Doctor of Philosophy students, as well as TAFE programs.
In all, 15 Flinders University students received the Playford Trust awards this year, with another undergraduate scholarship to be announced in coming months.
The 2026 Playford Trust awards are due to be hosted at Flinders University’s City Campus next year.
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