Study and work with us
Students can complete a master's degree or a PhD in the area of physical activity and nutrition. Many of our projects have existing data that can be analysed and presented as part of a thesis.
To become involved in any of the projects below contact the project supervisor for more details.
Topic and supervisors
Exploring the impact of major urban regeneration on behavioural health (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep) and wellbeing
Development of a smartphone app to deliver customised intervention content promoting active living and wellbeing
Exploring the impact of physical activity, play and exercise on brain structure and function using fMRI
Promoting outdoor, unstructured, ‘risky’ play in children and youth
Transport
Especially sustainable and active transport and their relationship to health (especially physical activity and weight status). This is a wide programme for research so there's a range of projects to become involved in).
Projects related to the measurement of physical behaviour, including physical activity and sleep
Projects related to the application of data science methods to health, behaviour, or performance outcomes
Using an AI-powered app to determine food quality
Carbohydrate reduction and health and chronic disease
Physical activity and urban health: Developing and Evaluating Spatial and Policy Indicators for Healthy and Sustainable Cities in Aotearoa New Zealand
Climate Change and physical activity: A System Dynamics Model of Physical Activity and Carbon Emissions Reduction in New Zealand Cities
Community Science and Participatory Research: Community Voices for Healthy Cities
Systems thinking and policy
- Systems Mapping of Local Physical Activity Environments: Understanding Barriers and Enablers in diverse Communities
- Evaluating Policy Impact: Local Government Initiatives to Promote Walking and Cycling
Internships for international students
The Human Potential Centre offers a number of opportunities for international undergraduate and postgraduate students to work in the research centre and gain experience working in an applied research environment with a strong connection to community health promotion.
While these placements are usually unpaid there's an amount of work that students can be paid to do depending on visa requirements and the student's ability to undertake part-time employment in New Zealand.
Contact us to apply
Contact Professor Scott Duncan or Professor Caryn Zinn