New insights into the way that theropod dinosaurs walked the earth are providing another piece of the puzzle regarding our understanding of extinct animals and how they are portrayed in popular culture.
The Griffith University-led research, published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface this week, has revealed that theropod dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex), were more similar to birds than to humans in the way that they moved, a finding that goes against what was previously believed.
The work will be just one of the topics featured at next week’s XXVI Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics 2017. Jointly hosted and sponsored by Griffith University, the event is at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 23-27 July.
Dr Peter Bishop from Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland used simple step width measurements of fossil footprints of extinct theropod dinosaurs from more than 210 million years ago and compare them with
Category: Griffith University Feed
Sea World educator shares Griffith vision
Combining Griffith University’s marine research efforts with Sea World’s is the perfect fit for alumna Erin Wyatt.
The Marine Education Supervisor, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine Biology (Honours) in 2006, oversees all aspects of the marine-park’s educational initiatives and programs.
The exciting new Sea Jellies Illuminated exhibit is one of those initiatives, taking guests on a journey that will inform them on important sea jelly information, wider environmental issues and research projects being undertaken in a first-of-its-kind laboratory.
“I’m so excited about this partnership because Sea World absolutely has lots to do and see but if you ask anyone who works here our driving passion is to care for animals and create awareness so that everyone can contribute to preserving natural habitats and marine areas,” Erin said.
“The partnership between Sea World and Griffith University will open that up so much more because people can see the research we’re
Griffith Graduate Architects Off-Grid in Lismore
Completing a Griffith University degree in architecture has created the catalyst for 21 year-old Masters student, Courtney Villegas to conceptualise a totally off-the-grid, 120-acre property, just outside of Lismore, in northern New South Wales.
The initiative has evolved through necessity, with entrepreneurial vigour and creativity a hallmark of the project. This complete undertaking is seeing a significant overhaul of the off-grid house typology and Queenslander style, utilising cutting edge techniques acquired through the Griffith university architectural degree to create a home that subsumes both aesthetic appeal and ecologically sound application.
“Where my parents live it’s hard to get any power or water resources so what we’ve been doing is gradually designing a totally off-the-grid house,” confirmed Courtney.
“With the sustainability techniques I’ve learned at Griffith Uni, we’ve started implementing an underground water spring reserve, water tanks, solar panels and working on our own sewerage system, so it’ll be a completely 100 percent off-the-grid
Big Data and Griffith analyses improve passenger picture
Over the last 40 years, global air travel has increased almost eight-fold and is set to rise further. This rapid growth is putting infrastructure strain on capital cities, but also putting pressure on airports to validate their future investment in terms of regional return on investment, not just increased capacity.
Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) recently contracted researchers from Griffith University to record and analyse passenger travel patterns and behaviour to provide a clearer picture of the contribution travellers make to the whole state’s economy.
Improved infrastructure
The Brisbane Airport is one of the few airports in Australia that is ahead of the growth curve. Already boasting train access, improved road access, the airport also has a third runway scheduled to open in 2020. When upgrades have finished, Brisbane’s airport will have the same level of capacity as Hong Kong and Singapore while Melbourne and Sydney are still debating improvements.
But Governments don’t pour money
Griffith University collaborations with the Healthy China project
Griffith’s Centre for Environment and Population Health (CEPH) hosted a noteworthy visit by the Chinese Center for Health Education (CCHE) on 28-30 June 2017. The visit, hosted by Professor Cordia Chu AM, Director CEPH, was an important step for Griffith University to become involved in Healthy China, a nationwide Chinese project central to the Chinese Government’s agenda for health and development.
Chinese President, Xi Jinping, has put health at the centre of the country’s entire policy-making machinery. In August 2016, China held its Global and National Health Conference, which was the most important national meeting on health in twenty years. A key component of Healthy China is
population-based health promotion. This includes building healthy environments, and promotion of healthy lifestyles, to ensure a comprehensive approach to health and well-being. One of the national key priorities is the development of Healthy Cities with a focus on urban development, which integrates city, social-economic and
The reality of Trump’s approval ratings
Prof John Kane
Trump’s Lament (Nobody Told Me)
A Washington Post – ABC News poll has given American president Donald Trump the lowest approval rating of any president in the past 70 years.
Professor John Kane, of Griffith Business School, said 36 per cent was even lower than that of Gerald Ford when he sacked Richard Nixon.
“But Trump seems to be alright with it – he says it’s approaching 40 per cent, and ‘what’s wrong with that?’” said Professor Kane, an expert in political leadership.
“Maybe his bar is rather lower than most other people’s.”
The ABC/Washington Post Poll, even though almost 40% is not bad at this time, was just about the most inaccurate poll around election time!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2017
As for the constant speculation about the viability of his presidency, Professor Kane said any seasoned observer will tell you they’ve never seen anything like this before.
“What has he actually achieved? The answer
5 characteristics of Australia’s next #girlboss
By Holly Johnson, Griffith University marketing student
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A MOVE?
This year’s empowering Netflix series Girlboss tells the story of a young woman’s journey towards her multimillion dollar business success. The comedy series is inspired by Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso’s autobiography, and begins with a 23 year old Sophia living broke in San Francisco when she unexpectedly finds her niche in the online fashion business world.
So what does this have to do with Australia?— and what does it have to do with YOU?
Brisbane entrepreneurs Yiota and Thessy Kouzoukas are two remarkable graduatesfrom one of Australia’s leading business educators, Griffith Business School. These two young women have created their online store and clothing brand, Sabo Skirt, which has gained a following of 1.6 million on Instagram.
“The Sabo Skirt brand has resulted in two runway shows at New York Fashion Week, gaining them international acclaim from celebrities like Bella and Gigi Hadid, Ariana Grande and Kylie Jenner,” — Griffith University.
Yiota and Thessy Kouzoukas may be Brisbane’s very own #GIRLBOSS duo, and
Alumni Advisory Group donate own money for GBS scholarship
Members of the Griffith Business School Alumni Advisory Group (AAG) have come together to donate funds from their own pockets to create a brand new $3500 scholarship for a GBS student.
In a first for the University, members from the group have each donated $500 of their personal funds to provide this remarkable opportunity.
Chair of the AAG Paul Hodgson says there was a very important reason he wanted to contribute his own money to the fund.
“As a first in family university student, my Griffith University education set the foundations for a successful career,” he says. “Education is the springboard for personal and professional success, and knowing that my donation goes towards making a quality education possible for another student is richly rewarding.”
Fellow committee member Caroline Bennison agrees. “I believe education can change lives. It can teach a person to think deeply and critically, enabling a greater contribution to
Researchers showcase sea jelly research in Sea World partnership
Griffith University has partnered with Sea World to expand its research calibre and increase public awareness on marine conservation issues.
Bringing the beauty and wonder of sea jellies to life with the announcement of the Sea Jellies Illuminated exhibit opening at the marine-park in April 2018, the exciting partnership will include a first-of-its-kind working research laboratory.
The mesmerising Sea Jellies Illuminated will feature an array of sea jelly displays and educational elements to take Sea World guests on an illuminating journey as they delve into the fascinating underwater world of these aquatic animals.
Guests will get a first-hand look at Griffith University students undertaking research in the lab and learn about the vital efforts marine researchers are making to protect not just sea jellies but the wider marine environment.
Griffith University Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Ned Pankhurst said not only would the partnership encourage students into marine science and biology degrees, it would enhance
Griffith announces squad for Women’s Aon Uni 7s Series
Wallaroos captain and Olympic rugby sevens gold medallist Shannon Parry will team up with students of popular music, dentistry and sport management in the Griffith University team to contest the inaugural Women’s Aon Uni 7s Series.
The 26-strong Griffith University squad was announced at the Gold Coast campus today (Monday) and features 12 current students lining up alongside 14 players based with clubs outside the Griffith ranks. The squad has been developed in partnership with Griffith Uni Colleges Knights Rugby Club and Sunnybank Rugby Union Club.
Each of the eight universities competing in the national competition is strengthened by two elite players from the Australian Women’s Sevens set up, with Shannon Parry and Demi Hayes donning the Griffith jersey.
Both have notable incentives to guide Griffith to success. Shannon (below) graduated from Griffith with an education degree, while Demi is currently on leave of absence from her business studies at Griffith to fulfil