Sharks Skates and Rays in Polynesian Prehistory PhD scholarship

Pacific Island societies depended on the sea to obtain most of their protein. The cartilaginous elements and teeth of sharks, skates, and rays (elasmobranch) are ubiquitous in archaeological faunal assemblages, yet their potential for contributing to a more complete understanding of prehistoric subsistence practices has never been assessed. Using assemblages of elasmobranch remains from throughout Polynesia, elements will be identified to lowest taxon using innovative analytical techniques. A contrasting analysis of island types and their elasmobranch assemblages will be used to understand the importance of sharks, skates, and rays in Polynesian prehistory.

Eligibility Criteria/ Scholarship Guidelines

To meet the Graduate School admissions requirements for a PhD, applicants must provide evidence of the following:

A bachelor’s degree with at least honors class IIA or equivalent from approved universities, which includes a relevant research component; or

A research master’s degree; or

A coursework master’s degree and an overall GPA (grade point average) equivalent to 5.65 on the 7-point UQ scale, which includes a relevant research component; or

A postgraduate degree of at least one year full-time equivalent with an overall GPA (grade point average) equivalent to 5.0 on the 7-point UQ scale, together with demonstrated research experience equivalent to honors IIA will be considered for Ph.D. entry on a case by case basis; or

A bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of documented relevant research experience, including research publications.