The Raine Study is dedicated to supporting student research and professional development.
If you are considering Honours, Masters, or PhD research, explore opportunities to leverage Raine Study data. This valuable resource provides students the chance to work on exciting projects that explore human development and well-being, offering a unique opportunity to be part of studies utilising longitudinal data that spans multiple generations.
As data custodians, Raine Study staff do not supervise research projects. Our Special Interest Group (SIG) leaders, who focus on specific research areas, may be well-positioned to supervise projects using Raine Study data. Project ideas from our SIG leaders are listed below for student consideration.
If any of these projects interest you, or if you have your own research idea, please reach out to the Raine Study team or contact our SIG leaders with details of your educational background and research interests.
Intergenerational comparison of food intake and nutritional behaviours and links with health outcomes
This project aims to explore the similarities and differences in food intake and nutrition behaviours (e.g., portions, home cooking, snacking habits) between two generations of the Raine Study. The research will examine how intergenerational influences and changing food environments combine with other factors to potentially impact nutrition-related health outcomes.
Research questions may include:
- How does food intake and nutritional behaviours differ between the two generations?
- How are changes in the food environment (e.g., availability of processed foods) likely to have influenced generational shifts in eating habits?
- What are the potential long-term health implications of these patterns, for both generations?
Findings could be used to help identify trends (like increased reliance on processed foods or changes in degree of home cooking) that may affect public health, and enhance family-centered interventions that encourage healthier food choices within households.
Contact Therese O’Sullivan for more information.
Uncovering a Hidden Culprit of Heart Disease
This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to delve into the Raine Study, a rich dataset following parents (Generation 1, Gen1) and their offspring (Generation 2, Gen2) over three decades. The project focuses on identifying primary aldosteronism, a prevalent and treatable cause of heart disease, within the Raine Study population.
Project Background:
This project will investigate approx. 2,500 Gen1 and 1,500 Gen2 (age 34) for primary aldosteronism, a condition marked by excessive aldosterone production from the adrenal glands.
Primary aldosteronism is a hidden cause of high blood pressure in Australians, affecting approximately 14% of hypertensive adults. It is frequently undiagnosed but treatable.
The project is funded by the Department of Health, Government of Western Australia, Cohort Studies – Research Support Program and involves researchers from the Medical School at the University of WA, Monash University and other institutions and hospitals across Australia.
Project Significance:
This project will be the first to assess:
Prevalence of primary aldosteronism in Western Australia.
Its impact on cardiovascular health in young adults.
The role of genetics in the disease.
PhD Candidate Profile:
A highly motivated student with excellent communication and organizational skills.
Strong background in biomedical science.
Proficient in statistical software (SPSS or STATA preferred).
Overall, this PhD project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to uncovering a significant, underdiagnosed cause of cardiovascular disease.
Contact Professor Trevor Mori for more information.