About

Overview

Associate Professor Bronson Philippa is an electronics and software engineer with highly interdisciplinary research interests. He works on mathematical and computational modelling, sensor technology, electronics, and embedded systems. Bronson has a theoretical research program in materials science, especially in organic solar cells, photodetectors, and light emitting diodes. He also has applied research programs in agricultural technology, especially in biosecurity, sensors, and near infrared specroscopy.

A/Prof Bronson Philippa has raised over $8.7 million in grant funding from a variety of sources including the Australian Research Council (ARC), federal and state government, and private industry. He is the Deputy Head of Engineering at JCU and the Chair of the Engineering Learning and Teaching Committee. He has a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) / Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) and a PhD in Physics. He has lectured at James Cook University since 2011. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE, a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) with Engineers Australia, and a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ).

Organic semiconductors research

Pictured above: an organic solar cell printed onto a flexible plastic substrate.

Organic semiconductors use carbon-based materials, instead of traditional inorganic semiconductor materials like silicon. They offer low-cost, lightweight, flexible and transparent electronic devices. There is a vast space of possible molecular structures, allowing for tunability of device properties. Organic semiconductors are best known for their commercial success in OLED screens. The technology is also applicable to solar cells, photodetectors, sensors, and more.

Bronson studies organic semiconductors using computational methods. He develops mathematical models and computer software to offer insight into how to improve device performance and more accurately analyse their behaviour. He is a member of the organising committee of the Australasian Community for Advanced Organic Semiconductors.

PhD projects are available in the theory and computational modelling of organic electronics, especially aspects related to charge transport, device performance, exciton behaviour, and morphology.

Biosecurity and agricultural technology research

Australia's unique environment and our agricultural productivity rely upon maintaining a high standard of biosecurity. Bronson works on electronics, sensors, machine learning, and computer models. An important area of interest is the application of near infrared spectroscopy and other methods as part of the JCU Rapid Assessment Unit. He also works on sensor technology, the application of machine learning to computer vision, and the use of computational models to provide decision support.

Bronson is leading JCU's contribution to the $130 million Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA), a national consortium to increase market access for horticultural produce and reduce the impact of insect pests. Within the FASTA consortium, he is the national component lead for Smart Technologies. Bronson is also a Chief Investigator in the ARC Training Centre for Plant Biosecurity.

 

Teaching

Bronson has taught various engineering subjects including EG1002 Computing and Sensors, EG1012 Electric Circuits, EE2201 Circuit Theory, CC2511 Embedded Systems Design, CC3501 Computer Interfacing and Control, EE3901 Sensor Technologies, and EE3300 Electronics 2. His priority in teaching is to deliver active and authentic learning to ensure that students develop practical skills. He has been recognised with several teaching awards including a 2016 JCU citation for outstanding contributions to student learning, a 2018 national level citation from the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, and he led the Cairns engineering teaching team to a 2022 award of a JCU citation for outstanding contributions to student learning. Bronson has also been appointed by Engineers Australia as a Discipline Expert to serve on university accreditation panels.

 

PhD and Masters by research projects

I am available to supervise PhD and Masters projects in the topics below. If you are interested, please reach out by email to bronson.philippa@jcu.edu.au and include a brief CV, a summary of your previous research experience, and a description of the type of research project that you wish to undertake. Scholarships are available for both domestic and international students, but please note that the scholarships are highly competitive.

PhD or Masters project: organic electronics charge transport modelling

Multiple projects are available in the space of organic electronics (e.g. organic light emitting diodes, solar cells, photodetectors, and other types of devices). These projects suit a student with an interest in computational physics or chemistry. We develop software and theory to understand how these devices work on a fundamental level and how to improve them. These are highly collaborative projects and would call for students to work with chemists, physicists and engineers on development of next-generation electronics technology.

PhD or Masters project: machine learning

Machine learning is a vast space and these projects can be adapted to suit your interests. I am particularly seeking students with an interest in developing computer vision for applications in biosecurity and/or agriculture. I am also seeking students interested in more fundamental questions in machine learning such as how to improve robustness, how to improve data efficiency to train effective models with fewer labelled examples, and how to deploy models to edge computing devices. These projects can be customised to suit your individual interests.

PhD or Masters project: technology for biosecurity

Biosecurity is a critical concern to preserve Australia's unique natural resources. I am leading the Smart Technologies component of the national FASTA consortium and have access to a wide network of collaborators who require engineering solutions. I am seeking students interested in developing technology to advance biosecurity, for example, in sensor technologies, machine learning, near infrared spectroscopy, and/or mathematical modelling.

 

 

Teaching
  • CC3501: Computer Interfacing and Control (Level 3; CNS & TSV)
  • EE3300: Electronics 2 (Level 3; CNS & TSV)
  • MA5020: Special Study A (Level 5; CNS & TSV)
Interests
Research
  • Organic semiconductors
  • Charge transport
  • Image processing
  • Sensor technology
  • Biosecurity
  • Embedded systems
  • Near infrared spectroscopy
Experience
  • 2024 to present - Associate Professor, James Cook University (Townsville)
  • 2019 to 2023 - Senior Lecturer, James Cook University (Cairns)
  • 2016 to 2018 - Lecturer, James Cook University (Cairns)
  • 2014 to 2015 - Lecturer, James Cook University (Townsville)
Research Disciplines
Socio-Economic Objectives
Honours
Awards
  • 2022 - JCU Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
  • 2019 - Early Career Advisor of the Year Award
  • 2018 - Australasian Association for Engineering Education Citation for Outstanding Early Career Contribution to Engineering Education
  • 2016 - JCU Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, for enthusing students in electronics engineering with active and authentic learning
  • 2015 - JCU Sessional Staff Teaching Award for outstanding contributions to student learning
  • 2015 - Bev Frangos Graduate Instructor Prize for an outstanding contribution to teaching
  • 2015 - Selected to attend the Lindau Meeting of Nobel Laureates as an Australian representative
Memberships
  • Senior Member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
  • 2022 - Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ)
  • 2022 - Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) of Engineers Australia
  • 2021 to 2023 - Vice Chair of IEEE Northern Australia Section
Publications

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU. Hover over Altmetrics badges to see social impact.

Journal Articles
Conference Papers
More

ResearchOnline@JCU stores 45+ research outputs authored by A/Prof Bronson Philippa from 2011 onwards.

Current Funding

Current and recent Research Funding to JCU is shown by funding source and project.

Horticulture Innovation Australia - Hort Innovation International Markets Frontiers Fund

Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA)

Indicative Funding
$1,158,498 over 7 years
Summary
FASTA is a national research initiative designed to protect and grow Australia's horticultural exports. Within the overall consortium, JCU is developing smart sensor technologies for a variety of pre- and post-harvest applications. We will develop smart traps for real-time monitoring of insect pests in the field and near-infrared spectroscopy methods to identify the species of insects to contribute to management efforts. We will also develop optical scanning methods to remove infested produce from supply chains. Overall, this work contributes towards a large-scale national effort to improve market access, biosecurity and pest management for Australian horticulture.
Investigators
Bronson Philippa and Eric Wang (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Near infrared spectroscopy; Sensor technology; Fruit flies; Machine Learning

Skyrail Rainforest Foundation - Research Funding

Near-infrared spectroscopy to improve detection of the invasive yellow crazy ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes.

Indicative Funding
$4,524 over 1 year
Summary
This project aims to develop a proof-of-concept device capable of distinguishing the invasive yellow crazy ant from native ants in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area using a miniaturised near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic sensor. I will conduct an initial study into the variability of the yellow crazy ant NIR spectra then build a classification model to distinguish yellow crazy ants from common native ants using NIR spectra. These studies will be used to inform the prototype development. Prototype development will consist of the design and manufacture of a printed circuit board containing the NIR sensor and its support electronics. This prototype will be then validated using the same classification experiment of YCA against native ants.
Investigators
Russell Withers, Bronson Philippa, Lori Lach and Eric Wang (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Yellow crazy ant; Anoplolepis gracilipes; Formicidae; Near-infrared spectroscopy; Passive identification

Australian Research Council - Discovery - Projects

Pathways for performance improvements of organic light emitting diodes

Indicative Funding
$94,000 over 4 years (administered by The University of Queensland)
Summary
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) represent the next generation technology for displays and lighting. Despite their rapid uptake, one of the factors limiting their application in lighting is the efficiency roll-off at high brightness. This project aims to work towards solutions for this problem using an innovative combination of simulation studies and experimental work. Expected outcomes include improved theoretical and experimental approaches leading to new design rules for OLEDs. This should provide significant benefits such as a pathway for development of improved efficient, high brightness OLEDs for applications in low energy consumption lighting and long-lasting, bright displays.
Investigators
Ian Gentle, Bronson Philippa and Almantas Pivrikas (The University of Queensland, College of Science & Engineering and Murdoch University)

Great Barrier Reef Foundation - Reef Trust Partnership

GBRF Burdekin Irrigation Project.

Indicative Funding
$990,919 over 4 years
Summary
Increasing Industry Productivity and Profitability Through Transformational, Whole of Systems Sugarcane Approaches that Deliver Water Quality Benefits.
Investigators
Yvette Everingham, Eric Wang and Bronson Philippa (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Water; Agriculture; Precision; Irrigation

Great Barrier Reef Foundation - Reef Trust Partnership

Reducing herbicide usage in the Burdekin and Proserpine reef catchment areas with precise robotic weed control in sugarcane

Indicative Funding
$900,000 over 4 years, in partnership with Autoweed Pty Ltd ($10,000)
Summary
The main objective of this project is to develop and build the world?s first robotic platform for selective weed control in sugarcane. Specifically, we aim to retrofit two 12-metre sugarcane booms for farmers in the Burdekin and Proserpine GBR catchment areas with state-of-the-art deep learning detection and spraying technology. The fundamental aim of this project is to significantly minimise the herbicide usage by selective spot spraying. We have set a target to reduce the knockdown herbicide usage on the chosen farms by 80% compared to the traditional blanket spraying that is performed during various stages of the crop cycle.
Investigators
Mostafa Rahimi Azghadi, Ron White, Bronson Philippa, Brendan Calvert, Alex Olsen, Emilie Fillols, Molly O'Dea, Ross Marchant and jake Woods (College of Science & Engineering, Autoweed Pty Ltd and Sugar Research Australia)
Keywords
precision agriculture; Deep Learning; automatic weed control; Robotic; weed management

QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries - Grant

Sex determination of fruit fly pupa using Near Infrared Spectroscopy.

Indicative Funding
$119,894 over 2 years
Summary
Implementation of an effective sterile insect program for fruit fly species Bactrocera tryoni requires that only sterile male insects be released. Therefore at some stage of the fly production process the females need to be removed. Hand sexing is very labour intensive and current automated systems based on colour and size are not effective in differentiating between male and female pupae for B. tryoni. Hence, a non-destructive, rapid method of sex separation is required that does not impact on the viability of the pupae and which can be incorporated into a mass rearing system. Preliminary research has demonstrated that Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) has great potential as an objective non-invasive method to sex B. tryoni pupae. The aim of this project is to develop and semi-automate a non-invasive rapid assessment technique to rapidly and consistently sort male and female B. tryoni pupae based on NIRS technology.
Investigators
Bronson Philippa and Eric Wang (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
sterile insect program; near infrared spectroscopy; bactrocera tryoni; Automation

Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment - National Landcare Program: Smart Farming Partnerships Grant

Climate Smart Sugarcane Irrigation Partnerships (CSSIP)

Indicative Funding
$1,586,884 over 5 years
Summary
CSSIP will minimise nutrient runoff, improve soil health and increase wetlands water quality by facilitating the adoption of world-class irrigation practices in sugarcane farming systems. Currently, best practice irrigation is assisted by an Irrigation Decision Support Tool (IDST) that provides evidence-based advice. However, IDSTs have not reached their full potential. Firstly, they do not integrate short to medium term weather forecasts (e.g. weekly to multi-weekly forecasts). Secondly, IDSTs do not operate at a spatial scale relevant to farmers. CSSIP will incorporate the Bureau or Meteorology?s new high-resolution climate model into the Irrigation Decision Support Tool. Thirdly, IDSTs require substantial time in manual data entry, which can be alleviated using real-time monitoring via Internet of Things technologies. This will increase irrigation efficiency, reducing excessive runoff into river systems and onto the Reef, and, will help farmers save water and energy costs.
Investigators
Bronson Philippa, Yvette Everingham, Eric Wang, Stephen Attard and Wei Xiang in collaboration with Geoff Inman-Bamber, Marian Davis, Andrew Schepen, Brock Dembowski, Peter Larsen and Andres Jaramillo (College of Science & Engineering, AgriTech Solutions, Burdekin Productivity Services, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, DAF, Wilmar Sugar Australia and Sugar Research Australia)
Keywords
Sugarcane; Internet of Things; Irrigation

QLD Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation - Advance Queensland Innovation Partnerships

Smart Ear Tag for Livestock

Indicative Funding
$1,500,000 over 4 years
Summary
CeresTag is investing in the development of a smart ear tag for livestock to enable near real-time geo-location and health monitoring. The developed ear tag will be compliant with the current NLIS identification system and cost only marginally more than existing tags. This technology will revolutionise the industry through enhanced animal welfare, improved land management practices and increased profitability. It will form the starting point of block chain traceability that will underpin the continued success of this important component of the Australian economy and help maintain the premium status of Australian livestock products.
Investigators
Ian Atkinson, Wei Xiang, Bronson Philippa, Ed Charmley, Greg Bishop-Hurley, Nigel Bajema, Scott Mills, Gordon Foyster and Richard Keaney (Research Infrastructure, College of Science & Engineering, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation and Taggle Systems)
Keywords
Animal tracking; Internet Of Things; Microelectronics; Geo-location; Precision Agriculture; Beef Cattle

WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development - Contract Research

Identification of benthic structure using machine learning

Indicative Funding
$36,200 (administered by Wa Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)
Summary
The Project aims at automating the classification of benthic structure and biota from images using machine learning
Investigators
Marcus Sheaves, Bronson Philippa, Carlo Mattone and Michael Bradley (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Benthic Assessment; Machine Learning

Department of Industry - Innovations Connections

Vibration analysis of mining industry conveyor belt systems: validation of method and pathways to improvement

Indicative Funding
$48,811 over 1 year, in partnership with Rolco Pty Ltd ($48,811)
Summary
Equipment failures in the mining industry can cause serious safety hazards and substantial financial losses. An automated, cost-effective monitoring system that could be retrofitted to existing equipment would provide advance warning to operators and reduce the likelihood of unscheduled outages. This project will test and validate a vibration-based monitoring system for conveyor belts and associated equipment. It will also identify improved methods to analyse the vibration data to increase the sensitivity and/or accuracy of the alerts that are generated.
Investigators
Bronson Philippa, Bruce Belson, Lei Lei and Wei Xiang (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Vibration Analysis; Signal Processing; Mining
Supervision

Advisory Accreditation: I can be on your Advisory Panel as a Primary or Secondary Advisor.

These Higher Degree Research projects are either current or by students who have completed their studies within the past 5 years at JCU. Linked titles show theses available within ResearchOnline@JCU.

Current
  • Understanding the Thin-film switching properties of Photochromic Polymers (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
  • Near-infrared spectroscopy as a tool for the study and management of the invasive yellow crazy ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes. (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM/Adv)
  • Modelling and Numerical simulations of charge transport in organic semiconductor materials (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM/Adv)
  • Development of high-level programming tools to improve the robustness of Internet of Things networks. (PhD , Primary Advisor)
  • Smart Organic Solar Cell Windows using Photochromic Materials: Theory and Experiment (PhD , Primary Advisor)
  • Graphene based supercapacitors from renewable sources (PhD , Primary Advisor)
Completed
Collaboration

The map shows research collaborations by institution from the past 7 years.
Note: Map points are indicative of the countries or states that institutions are associated with.

  • 5+ collaborations
  • 4 collaborations
  • 3 collaborations
  • 2 collaborations
  • 1 collaboration
  • Indicates the Tropics (Torrid Zone)

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Email
Phone
Location
  • 506.305, Engineering & Innovation Place (Townsville campus)
Advisory Accreditation
Primary Advanced Advisor
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