Koala researcher Stephanie Januchowski not only has academic support - a band of volunteers has been selling koala-themed chocolates and \'orphan\' koala soft toys to help fund her stipend.

The Central Queensland Koala Volunteers have pledged $5000 a year for 3 years to support Central Queensland University\'s stipend input of $13,000 a year for 3 years.

Ms Januchowski has loved koalas ever since owning a cuddly toy as a child in the United States.

She attended university at Grand Valley State in Michigan before travelling to Brisbane to undertake a Masters in association with the Australian Koala Foundation.

Now based at CQU Rockhampton, she will extend her research into a PhD examining ecosystem changes and their effects on koalas in 5 national park areas of Central Queensland.

And the koala volunteers will be helping her every step of the way.

Purchases of the macadamia nut fundraising chocolates can be arranged from June-August by calling Shirley Hopkins on 4926 1702. They are also available via the CQU Rockhampton Bookshop or via CQU Press on the ground floor of the former Commonwealth Building (corner of East and Fitzroy streets).

Photos: Stephanie with a cuddly inspiration and pictured with Shirley Hopkins, representing the koala volunteers, and Kerry Hand from the Office of Research.