Synopsis

Within the next 20 years, Sydney’s population is predicted to grow by 30%. Most of this growth is slated for the semi-rural fringes. The resulting urbanisation will adversely impact temperature and air quality in these areas of rapid population growth. Currently, there are few meteorological and air quality observational sites to adequately monitor the effects of this increased urbanisation on local weather and air quality.

The Sydney Schools Weather and Air Quality (SWAQ) network aims to place instruments in Sydney schools to fill these gaps.

Aims

The project: “Assessing Spatial Variability in Urban Climate and Air Quality” will contribute to the development of the SWAQ network and assess the influences of spatial variability in urban climate and air quality.

We’re looking for a student with the following skills:

  • Knowledge of GIS
  • Statistical skills
  • Interest in urban environmental monitoring

Some familiarity, or a willingness to learn in R or Python would be an advantage.

Student benefits

  • Involvement in a large, federally-funded citizen science project
  • Working in a growth area for applied environmental research: smart cities
  • Enhanced understanding of data analysis
  • Opportunity to work with multiple stakeholders
  • Eligibility to apply for ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes honours scholarship

Get involved

To learn more about this project, contact  Dr Melissa Hart. 

T:  +61 2 9385 6263
E:melissa.hart@unsw.edu.au