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Driving towards a PhD

6 May 2009

 

The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) is offering a postgraduate scholarship to encourage research in the area of in-vehicle technologies.

The successful student will work with the human factors team, conducting research into the safety benefits associated with the implementation of semi-autonomous advanced driver assistance systems.

A stipend of $28,000 a year for three years is offered as part of the scholarship.

Eve Mitsopoulos-Rubens is currently undertaking a PhD at MUARC after completing an honours degree in psychology. She will submit her thesis on young novice drivers this year.

"Pursuing a PhD at MUARC gives you the opportunity to explore every inch of a topic -- a luxury we don't often have when working on commercial projects," Ms Mitsopoulos-Rubens said.

"The experience has also been an opportunity for me to broaden my understanding of the human factors discipline and to be part of a research environment that so often sees research translated into practice.

"As I also work as a research fellow at MUARC I can apply what I learnt as part of my PhD into other projects.

"I hope to continue working as a researcher in this field and develop my skills and knowledge further."

Senior research fellow Dr Christina (Missy) Rudin-Brown said road safety and driver behaviour were exciting and interesting research areas.

"The scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to learn while conducting informative and leading-edge research that could lead to improved road safety in Australia and internationally," Dr Rudin-Brown said.

"Being an industry-funded scholarship, the student will have the opportunity to interact with engineers, designers and marketing professionals, which may potentially lead to postgraduate employment opportunities."

Applicants should hold a degree in psychology, ergonomics, human factors, or a related discipline, preferably at first class honours level or equivalent.

Applications close Friday 29 May, 2009. For more information, including the application process, visit the MUARC website.