Ph.D Scholarships The School of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science

The Auckland Volcanic Field is a small-scale monogenetic intra-plate basaltic system that has produced about 50 small centres in the form of tuff rings, maars, cinder cones and associated lava flows during its estimated 250 kyr lifetime. The most recent eruption was about 700 years ago, and the field is still considered potentially active. PhD projects available:

1. Petrology of the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF) The volcanology, mineralogy and geochemistry of the AVF has been generally described and this project will focus on detailed studies (mineral chemistry, melt inclusions, isotopes, trace element modelling) which will lead to an understanding of how the mantle yields small scale melts and how these melts become modified during their rise to the surface. The successful applicant will have an interest in volcanic rocks, mineralogy and geochemistry; an ability to apply mathematical models will be an advantage. He or she will be expected to work closely with the PhD candidate working on the complementary project investigating physical controls of monogenetic volcanism. Research team: Ian Smith (ie.smith@auckland.ac.nz), Colin Wilson, Steve Blake, Jan Lindsay

2. Physical controls on monogenetic basaltic volcanism This project focuses on developing a quantitative understanding of the physical controls on monogenetic basaltic volcanism. The focus will be on the Auckland Volcanic Field, but suitable ancient analogues will also be targeted. The successful candidate will undertake field investigations to improve the current structural and tectonic model for the Auckland volcanic Field, and determine the relationship, if any, between tectonics and volcanism in this region. From a strong foundation in field observation, the candidate will formulate models for the transport of magma through the crust and test these using numerical simulations. This project provides an opportunity to produce innovative insights into how monogenetic volcanism evolves and varies in both time and space. Applicants for this PhD project should have a strong foundation in structural geology, tectonics and volcanology, and a high level of numeracy. The successful applicant will be expected to work closely with the PhD candidate working on the complementary project investigating the petrology of the Auckland Volcanic Field. Research team: Julie Rowland (j.rowland@auckland.ac.nz), Colin Wilson, Steve Blake

3. Quaternary crypto-tephra study of sediments in Auckland maars Auckland Volcanic Field maars contain excellent sequences of laminated lake sediments with numerous tephra layers from local and distant volcanoes, spanning the last 50,000 years. A candidate is needed to construct a tephrostratigraphic record of ash fall based on crypto-tephra (microscopic ash) layers. The purpose is to assess the past frequency and sources of ash fall in Auckland for hazard analysis. The project will involve the extraction and geochemical analysis of glass shards from sediment cores. A background in lake sediment cores; micro-geochemical analysis or tephra studies could be an advantage, but is not required. Research Team: Phil Shane (pa.shane@auckland.ac.nz), Paul Augustinus, Graham Leonard, Jan Lindsay

General information:

Each PhD position includes a 3-year stipend of NZ $25,000 per annum (tax free), university fees and research costs (including field and analytical costs, and travel to national and international conferences). Applicants should provide a CV and include contact details of 2-3 referees and a short letter of motivation and research skills. Applications due by 30 June 2008 with an expected start date by December 08.

Available PhD Topics at High Temperature Group, Swinburne University

Available PhD Topics at High Temperature Group, Swinburne University. Invitation to submit an application for PhD scholarship at this mid-year intake at Faculty of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology. Due date 30 May 2008. All the information is available through the following link:

http://www.swinburne.edu.au/research/schols.htm

Electrically enhanced reactions in high temperature metal processing
Supervisors: Dr Akbar Rhamdhani, Prof. Geoffrey BrooksMetal- slag reactions during high temperature processes can be viewed as electro- chemical reactions. The current study will investigate the effect of electrical potential on the characteristics of the metal-slag interface (such as interfacial tension) and on the rate of metal- slag reactions in non-ferrous systems. The project will involve conducting high temperature experiments, microstructure characterisation and chemical analyses of the samples and development of a kinetic model that includes the effect of electrical potential. The understanding of this problem will open the possibility of a development of a new advanced high temperature metal processing. The project is suited to a student with a background in metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering or chemistry.

Novel multistage aluminium production

Supervisors: Dr Akbar Rhamdhani, Prof. Geoffrey BrooksThe current study will investigate and establish the feasibility of multistage aluminium production from alumina. The proposed route is through a reduction of alumina to intermediate aluminium compounds, which then subsequently be reduced to aluminium in the following processes. The project will involve a thermodynamic evaluation, as well as the overall feasibility evaluation of the process. It will also involve high temperature experiments, microstructure characterisation and chemical analyses of the samples. The project is suited to a student with a background in metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering or chemistry.

New sidewalls materials for aluminium smelter

Supervisors: Dr Akbar Rhamdhani, Prof. Geoffrey Brooks The current commercial production of aluminium through the Hall- Heroult process has high energy consumption. One reason is due to the requirement of high heat flux out of the sidewalls for the formation of frozen layer of electrolyte for protection of the sidewalls. In the current study, new materials for the sidewalls
will be developed with the aim to lower energy requirement and ecological footprint associated with the current process. The project will involve a fabrication of the new materials, high temperature experiments as well as microstructure characterisation and chemical analyses of the samples. The project is suited to a student with a background in metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering or chemistry.

Solar Production of Direct Reduced Iron
Supervisors: Prof. Geoffrey Brooks, Dr Akbar Rhamdhani and Dr Brenton Hall. This project would investigate the feasibility and process kinetics of using solar furnaces to produce iron from iron oxide/carbon omposite pellets. This project may (still to be determined) have involvement from a solar energy company who can provide expertise and equipment in solar furnaces. Our plan is to impersonate the intense energy of a solar furnace through high powered lamps and set
a small scale experimental rig to measure temperature gradients and the kinetics of the reactions in the system (essentially Fe2O3 + 3C = 2Fe + 3CO). We may also end up building a small scale solar furnace but this will depend on how the project develops. There is a strong potential for a patent in this area. This project is suited to a student who loves invention, experimentation and chemical kinetics.

Kinetics of Liquid Aluminium Oxidation
Supervisors: Prof. Geoffrey Brooks, Dr Akbar Rhamdhani and an academic from University of Queensland. This is an experimentally based project looking at understanding and quantifying the rate of liquid metal oxidation ("dross formation"), which is very important to the casting industry. We would do this project in collaboration with CAST (see https:// http://www.cast.org/. au/index. php) and the University of Queensland (http:// http://www.uq.edu.au/) . The project would involve significant industry involvement and spending some time travelling to Queensland (a couple of weeks a year). This project is suited to a student who can perform well controlled experiments and is good at interpreting experimental data.

Being a Mom - Reflections on Mother's Day

Being a Mom – Reflections on Mother’s Day

Since my daughter was born a little over 2 years ago, Mother’s Day has been a very special day for me. After all, I had carried her for 9 months and spent countless sleepless nights taking care of her to earn the title “Mother”.

But this year I really started thinking about my mom. This Mother’s Day I feel a completely new level of gratitude and respect for my Mom. I have gained a much better understanding of what she went through and how much she scarified to raise me.

Let’s take a little closer look at what “Mom” did and does for you.

Pregnancy
Remember those first few months of pregnancy with the excitement, anxiousness and – who could forget it- the morning sickness? Your Mom went through all of that as well, and she did it without being able to access every conceivable piece of information about pregnancy online and without all the early tests we have now to ensure us that everything is fine with our baby.

Mom also shared the kicks to the bladder and the backaches that come later in pregnancy. And don’t forget about labor. Well, who could forget labor? Mom’s been there, done that as well. And she probably did it with a lot less medicinal help than we did!

Infancy
Then the real joy of motherhood begins - no sleep for months, midnight feedings and endless diaper changes. Could you imagine surviving without disposable diapers? I couldn’t, but somehow my Mom managed to wash millions of dirty cloth diapers while taking care of me.

I am sure she also got the same words of advice from everyone around her about how to properly care for the little infant and worried about all the possible germs the baby could be exposed to with everyone wanting to hold her.

Toddler
Just like you, Mom eventually made it through your infancy and met the toddler version of you. When I recently complained about my daughter’s “terrible two’s” to my Mom, she just laughed and told me it was payback for all my tantrums when I was my daughter’s age.
Did she worry as much as I did about picking the right time to wean her off the bottle, the pacifier, to get her potty trained? Did she go through all the heartbreak and crying, and - as far as potty training goes - the mess that comes with it? I am sure she did. And like any good mother, we both supported the first attempts at independence. So what if my daughter decides to wear rain boots with her summer dress? I feel sure there is a picture of me somewhere in a very similar outfit.

Preschooler
So you and your Mom finally make it past the terrible twos. By now, if not earlier, you are probably torn between kids and career. If your Mom is anything like mine, she ran into the same problem. Should you stay home and be there for the kids 24/7, or should you continue to work to be able to afford the kind of things you want to be able to give your kids?
At this stage Moms also spend a lot of time getting their kids ready for school. All along you have probably been reading to your child, teaching her numbers and colors, just like your own mother did.

School
Your kids may or may not be in school yet, but even if they aren’t, I am sure you can relate to making sure your child gets to school on time every morning, helping with homework and various school projects and attending school functions. Your Mom was probably there with you every step of the way too. She shared your joys and pains. She comforted you when the other kids made fun of you, just like you will with your kids.

I feel sure you have many more special memories about your Mom that you haven’t thought about in years. Why don’t you pick up the phone and call her? Spend some time with her. If you take the time and make the effort, you will find a great friend in your mother if you are not already at that point in your relationship. Take her on a “girls-day-out”. Go shopping, have lunch and get some pedicures together. Just enjoy her company and don’t forget to thank her for all she has done for you. After all, you wouldn’t be the great woman you are today without her.

They say there is a great woman behind every successful man, but there is also a wonderful mother behind every great woman.

Back to School 101

It’s time to dump your summer crush, get a new hairstyle, and start a new school year. It’s also time to make your out-dated room into the pad where everyone wants to hang out. No need to spend all of your summer babysitting money to make it happen.

Here are a few tips from Daryle Gibbs, head of Product Development at Pier 1 Imports, on how to make your room a place where you’ll want to be grounded.

Organization 101

You won’t get an A in class if you don’t get it together. Go through your desk and toss your old junk -- including the notes from 5th grade math class. Try lined wicker baskets for desk or shelf storage. “Fabric boxes with lids are good for storing trendy pieces you’re not quite ready to part with, and CD racks are a must. Music CDs and DVDs can clutter up a room faster than you can say Limp Bizkit,” says Gibbs. “Another great option is a decorative trunk. You can store love letters and yearbooks inside and when the lid is shut, you have extra seating for study sessions.”

Now that you’ve attained “controlled clutter” you’ll know right where everything is.

World Cultures Class: Bohemian Rhapsody

And since you have passed organization class, you can finally see the floor! Think about your personal style and what you want your room to say about you. Are you a bohemian kind of gal? No problem -- you don’t have to live in India to get the look. “Shimmery, bright, fabrics in throws, window treatments and beaded silk pillows are all the rage right now. Add a lush, luxurious Flokati rug from Pier 1 and you’ll be bohemian glamorous,” says Gibbs. With Moroccan hurricanes for lighting and floor pillows for lounging, you’re all set to have people over to watch “Friends.”

Geography: Seeking Asian Inspiration

Maybe you’re an Asian-inspired gal like Gwyneth and Madonna, carrying your yoga mat under your arm around town. “Clean space, good color and choice accessories can bring Zen to any room,” says Gibbs. “Hanging inexpensive paper lanterns creates a meditative feeling and bamboo window blinds are an easy fix. A comfortable Papasan chair with a neutral colored cushion against a painted red wall is very chic -- you always want to look chic when you’re studying world history. Asian pottery and dishes make creative wall décor -- don’t be afraid to step outside the box when decorating.” Accessories with gold accents, charms and beading -- used sparingly -- can also work into an Asian-themed room.

Home Economics: Be Smart with Your Money

“This is the perfect time for students, who are often on a limited budget, to take advantage of the many retailers that offer special incentives to help you find everything you need to make your room your own,” says Gibbs. Pier 1 Imports offers a 15 percent discount with your student ID through Sunday, Sept. 28. “People should also take advantage of the free decorating advice that stores often offer. They can help you achieve the look you want and save you time.”