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Exercise research to improve women’s health and wellbeing
LOCAL NEWS  20 Oct 2016

Exercise research to improve women’s health and wellbeing

The search is on to recruit about 100 women for a new Charles Sturt University (CSU) study comparing the effects of four different types of exercise on overall health and wellbeing.PhD student Mr Joshua Cooper from the University's School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health is seeking women aged between 55 and 70 years to participate in three exercise sessions a week for 16 weeks.The free training sessions will be conducted at the University gym in Bathurst to compare four different exercise groups: aerobic endurance exercise training (cycling), whole-body resistance exercise training (weights), and two differing doses of a combination of the endurance and resistance training exercise groups.Mr Cooper said, "I want to see if the women are able to get the same health benefits by doing 50 per cent resistance and 50 per cent endurance programs as by undertaking 100 per cent strength or endurance programs."So basically, do you get the same results for half the amount of work and time put in at the gym?"It is well documented that middle to older aged adults need both resistance training to offset the loss of muscle mass and endurance training for cardiorespiratory health and fitness."I want to promote a combination of both training styles in this age bracket and show via progressive and feasible exercise programs it can be integrated into everyday life and you can receive the associated health benefits from exercise."Women interested in participating in the study will need to undergo initial screenings from their general practitioner and a Bathurst cardiologist. To be eligible, women must have no current cardiovascular or metabolic disease, and currently participate in less than or equal to two exercise sessions per week. For further eligibility details, and anyone interested in the study, should contact Mr Cooper on telephone (02) 6338 6101, mobile 0416 626 300 or email jcooper@csu.edu.au.

Charles Sturt UniversityResearchCSU studentsHealthAllied healthScience

Scientists at CSU mentor local school children
LOCAL NEWS  13 Oct 2016

Scientists at CSU mentor local school children

Scientists from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga and students from a local primary school will showcase their energy projects at a science expo on Friday 14 October as part of a national program to encourage their interest in the subject.  The scientists from the Functional Grains Centre at CSU have been working as mentors with the Mater Dei Primary students in 2016 as part of the national MyScience program.Ten mentors from the Centre have helped the Year 5 students to design and create projects including redesigning wind turbines, investigating water wheels and cooking with solar power.The science expo will be held from 10am to 11am at the Mater Dei Primary School for the students to showcase their projects to parents and fellow students.MyScience is a science and technology program to support primary teachers and their students to think and work scientifically. The students learn in groups under the guidance of their mentors.The Functional Grains Centre is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) to transform the grains industry from a commodity-based industry into a sector producing high quality food and feed products.

Science

CSU Engineering students to head for Cambodia
LOCAL NEWS  26 Sep 2016

CSU Engineering students to head for Cambodia

Charles Sturt University (CSU) engineering students will develop their humanitarian engineering skills by working with Australia's least developed neighbours, Cambodia, thanks to a partnership between the federal government and international charity Engineers Without Borders.With financial support announced earlier this year through the  New Colombo Plan initiative, over $120,000 will be available over three years to support CSU engineering students to travel to and work in Cambodian communities. "This support will enable our students to apply skills and knowledge from their engineering studies to real-world situations in humanitarian engineering contexts," said coordinator of CSU's engineering course, Ms Andrea Goncher."It also reinforces important attributes we want our students to display: to be able to engage with people and communities, and to display social entrepreneurship."In addition, Engineers Without Borders will facilitate the program using their experience in managing volunteers and in-country partnerships in the Indo-Pacific regions."The initiative will be launched during an evening event hosted by CSU Global Manager, Dr Shevahn Telfser, on Wednesday 28 September at CSU in Bathurst.The support is part of $380,000 CSU is due to receive under the New Colombo Plan, which will be administered by CSU Global.In previous years, students from CSU courses such as dental science and oral health, agricultural science, physiotherapy, business studies, occupational therapy, speech pathology, environmental sciences, psychology and creative arts have taken part in overseas studies through CSU Global.

Crowdfunding for research
LOCAL NEWS  22 Sep 2016

Crowdfunding for research

The latest developments in crowdfunding and how it's being used to support research at universities will be addressed during a free public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 28 September.Hosted by the University's School of Information Studies, Crowdfunding Research: Because it Takes a Village to Fund the Answers, will be presented by Professor Deb Verhoeven from Deakin University from 11.30am to 12.30pm at the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre.CSU Professor of Information Studies Lisa Given said, "Professor Verhoeven spearheaded crowdfunding of research in Australia."In 2013, she was named 'Most Innovative Academic in Australia' by Campus Review, so what better person could speak to us about innovative approaches to research funding?"Professor Verhoeven started a cutting edge collaboration between her university and the crowdfunding platform, pozible.com, to pilot the financing of research at the university.Her presentation is free and open to members of the community.Professor Verhoeven, who is Chair of Media and Communication at Deakin University, will also speak on Downunder on Movies Downunder at Nerd Nite at the Union Hotel in Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga from 7.30pm on Thursday 29 September. Read more here.

Charles Sturt UniversityTeaching and Education

CSU students capture the sounds
LOCAL NEWS  21 Sep 2016

CSU students capture the sounds

Students from the School of Communication and Creative Industries at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga have captured the sounds of a live orchestra under the guidance of international sound designer, Dr Damian Candusso.The orchestra, from the Riverina Anglican College (TRAC) in Wagga Wagga under the baton of Ms Clare Brassil, performed a number of pieces in the University's television production studios while CSU students recorded the sounds using the latest technologies.Dr Candusso, a senior lecturer in sound and multimedia at CSU, said, "This live orchestral recording in Charles Sturt University's recording studio had many benefits."It's rare for the Charles Sturt University students to have access to an orchestra, and the TRAC students were able to perform in the state-of-the-art university facilities," Dr Candusso said."I hope this live orchestral recording is one of many new initiatives between the School of Communication and Creative Industries and the wider community."The students were involved in the recording as part of their degrees, the Bachelor of Stage and Screen and the Bachelor of Creative Arts and Design.Dr Candusso is a multi-award winning sound designer. He has extensive industry experience in music, television and numerous feature films including The Lego Movie, The Great Gatsby, Happy Feet 2, Sanctum, The Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ha'Hoole, Daybreakers, Australia and Happy Feet.  In 2017, CSU will offer a Bachelor of Stage and Screen (Sound Design) and a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Design (Sound Design) through its School of Communication and Creative Industries in Wagga Wagga."These new sound design specialisations at Charles Sturt University will allow students to explore all aspects of sound design including, film, television, games, virtual reality, theatre, music technology and more," Dr Candusso said.

Arts and CultureCharles Sturt UniversityCSU students

Annual SPRUNG Festival at CSU in Bathurst
LOCAL NEWS  20 Sep 2016

Annual SPRUNG Festival at CSU in Bathurst

The two-week season of the student-led 2016 SPRUNG Festival at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst opens tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September.The annual SPRUNG Festival is driven by and features the work of final-year theatre/media students in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries.Seven productions will feature over eight nights at two University venues; the Ponton Theatre and the Creative Hub.The Festival kicks off with an opening ceremony parade for the family from 6pm at the Ponton Theatre. The parade includes fire, drumming, characters from the shows and large-scale puppets.Lecturer in theatre/media, Mr Dan Aubin said, "I am amazed at the passion, creativity and effort of the students. The entire Festival is created and organised by them; from the shows to the design and marketing. All the productions are original. We are interested in creating the new."The stories they tell give us insight into their view of the world at this interesting time in history."The first week of the Festival showcases satirical theatre, The Bachelor Wants You!; a modern comedy mystery, The House of Eden; and a comedy play on women on TV, The Glory Days.Shows during the 2nd week include Clara Jane, a view of indigenous women in the 20th century through dance and dialog; a sci-fi comedy on relationships and death in The Glass House; Relax, a short film giving a modern take on perceptions versus reality; and The Shift, a farcical comedy on 'that time of the year'.A special feature of this year's event is the 'Women of theatre/media' forum from 10am on Friday 23 September. Theatre/media women graduates return to CSU in Bathurst for a panel discussion on the current climate and future of the theatre and performance industries.The SPRUNG Festival runs until Saturday 1 October, and online bookings are recommended.Program details and bookings can be made here.

Inspiring the next generation for innovative ag solutions
LOCAL NEWS  14 Sep 2016

Inspiring the next generation for innovative ag solutions

Primary school children will take a fresh look at the scientific and technical aspects of agriculture when they visit Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga as part of AgriHack Grain on Friday 16 September.Agrihack is an initiative of the Regional Grants, Tenders and Corporate Services (RGTC) group, supported by CSU's School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences. The event aims to support regional innovation to enhance agriculture.More than 30 children from small schools in Collingullie, Ladysmith, Tarcutta, Kapooka and Uranquinty will visit CSU to learn about soil structure at the grain trial sites, checking seed viability in the laboratory and will undertake a computer coding session.Professor of Food Engineering at CSU, John Mawson said, "The aim is to encourage the students to think about the technology, research and development that supports our agricultural industries and the role they might play in the future of this exciting industry."Charles Sturt University has a long tradition of agricultural education and of innovative research to support our primary industries. Our support for the Agrihack is an example of how the University shares that expertise with the wider community."CSU's School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences offers a range of degrees in agricultural science, agribusiness management, horticulture, wine and viticulture, wine business and wine science. Read more here.

Agricultural ScienceScience

Volunteers needed for a sleep and appetite study
LOCAL NEWS  13 Sep 2016

Volunteers needed for a sleep and appetite study

The search is on for middle-aged men to take part in a new study at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst investigating the relationship between sleep, exercise and appetite.PhD student Ms Penelope Larsen from the University's School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health is heading up the new sleep and appetite study."Exercise is strongly believed to be a key promoter of sleep quality and quantity and a driver of energy intake and expenditure," said Ms Larsen."I am examining the effects of exercise, both low and high intensity on sleep quality and quantity and how that relates to appetite-related hormones and eating behaviour.The second part of my research will examine the impact of the timing of exercise that is morning or evening and its effect on hormones and eating behaviour."Ms Larsen said all volunteers need a medical clearance from a general practitioner prior to taking part and a pre-exercise medical health questionnaire would also need to be completed."Participants will need to attend the exercise laboratories at CSU in Bathurst for 5x 1.5 hours sessions which includes a baseline testing session and 4 acute exercise trials," said Ms Larsen.They will also be equipped with a take-home polysomnography (PSG) unit to record sleep quality and a diary to record sleep, diet and physical activity.To be eligible to apply, participants need to be:Men aged 35-60 years of ageExercising less than 150 minutes per weekNot been diagnosed with sleep apnoeaNot a current smoker, or a smoker who has quit in the past 12 monthsNot currently being treated for dental diseasesFree from current illnesses such as the fluNot on medication for appetite control or weight lessNo known medical conditions or medications that affect sleep quality and or quantityNot engaged in work or recreational activities that significantly alter sleep patterns such as shift workBe available during October and November 2016Ms Larsen said it is also important that participants know they can withdraw from the study for any reason at any time, without explanation.For further information on being involved in the study, contact Ms Larsen via email: plarsen@csu.edu.au or mobile 0423 911 625.

HealthAllied healthScience

Building resilience to improve mental health
LOCAL NEWS  12 Sep 2016

Building resilience to improve mental health

Mental health and well-being advocate Mr Matthew Johnstone will visit Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga this month to address a free forum to raise awareness about mental health.Mr Johnstone is the author and illustrator of eight books including I had a Black Dog and Living with a Black Dog which aim to help those living with depression, as well as their family and friends.The presentation and panel discussion, TOUGH and UP: How to Build Resilience, will be held from 6.30pm on Monday 19 September at the CSU Convention Centre in Wagga Wagga.Mr Johnstone will be joined by local businesswoman Ms Samantha Brunskill, who lives with the condition, bi polar.CSU Health Promotions Officer Ms Coleen Pearce said, "The presentation by Matthew and Samantha will be followed by a panel discussion involving relevant professionals."This is a free event open to Charles Sturt University staff and students as well as the wider community."We aim to explore questions such as what is resilience and how do we build it."Resilience enables us to better cope with challenging situations, and helps with mental wellbeing. "The evening will also cover the strategies and support Charles Sturt University students can develop and access to maintain with mental health, particularly during stressful periods in their lives."TOUGH and UP is a joint initiative of the University's Office for Students and Riverina Bluebell ahead of Mental Health Month in October.To attend TOUGH and UP, please go to this site here: https://csutoughandup.eventbrite.com

CSU studentsHealthSociety and Community

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