Ms Marisol Da Silva
Higher Degree by Research Candidate
School of Humanities
College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
I aim to continue participatory research with communities locally and globally. In particular with women, minorities and indigenous peoples with the intent to contribute to social change. In Februrary 2020 I commenced a PhD at the University of Adelaide researching household experiences of waste and the circular economy. As a researcher and documentary photographer, I have used interdisciplinary research methods, combining sensory and visual ethnography with other qualitative methods to investigate and analyse complex social issues. For example how the social determinants of health and place feel to those living it, and how their stories can contribute to change (via policy or community actions). I had a career break for the last 8 years due to being the primary carer for our child. I am based in Adelaide.
How do you reduce waste in Adelaide? I am conducting a research study about how households refuse and reduce waste. If you are interested in learning more please email Marisol Da Silva.
Supervisor: Dr Michelle Phillipov, University of Adelaide.

| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 - 2013 | Research Assistant | Bond University |
| 2010 - 2011 | Research Assistant - Beaudesert Health Promotion Project | Griffith University |
| 2004 - ongoing | Freelance Photographer | Freelance |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | University of Adelaide | Australia | Phd Candidate |
| 2004 - 2009 | Queensland College of Art Griffith University | Australia | First Class Honours Documentary Photography |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Lombi, E., Doolette, C. L., da Silva, R. C., McKenna, B. A., & Kopittke, P. M. (2025). Unveiling chemical gradients in the fertosphere: a paradigm shift to enhance fertilizer efficiency and decrease the environmental impact of overfertilisation. Environmental Science & Technology, online(29), 1-9. Scopus1 WoS1 |
| 2012 | Sunderland, N., Bristed, H., Gudes, O., Boddy, J., & Da Silva, M. (2012). What does it feel like to live here? Exploring sensory ethnography as a collaborative methodology for investigating social determinants of health in place. Health and Place, 18(5), 1056-1067. Scopus59 WoS46 Europe PMC11 |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Da Silva, M. (2009). Valuing subjectivity in documentary photography and the media. In https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/handle/10072/31889. Brisbane. |