Gundungurra man Doug Harris is helping First Nations communities shape how government, industry and researchers engage with them while working towards a PhD.

As a Project Officer with CQUniversity's Jawun Research Institute, Mr Harris works alongside communities to ensure research reflects their priorities, aspirations and knowledge.

His work focuses on developing community-led engagement guidelines and protocols which capture communities' expectations, barriers and definitions of effective engagement.

Mr Harris wants organisations to understand those priorities before approaching communities.

"Too often people come into communities believing they already know what is needed," he said.

"Every community is different, with different priorities, aspirations and cultural considerations.

"These resources help organisations understand those things before they even pick up the phone or send an email."

The project is being developed with communities and aligns with the institute's commitment to keeping First Nations voices at the centre of research design, implementation and outcomes.

Supported through the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and CQUniversity First Nations Tertiary Education and Research Partnership, his research is supporting First Nations communities across regional Queensland.

Helping communities direct research and retain ownership of their stories also encouraged Mr Harris to enrol in CQUniversity's Graduate Certificate in Research.

Completing the qualification reinforced his decision to move into research.

"It really reaffirmed that I'm in the right space, with the right people, doing work that matters," Mr Harris said.

Mr Harris spent years working in mining and rail before becoming an Indigenous Student Engagement Officer at CQUniversity.

He later moved into research, finding work that aligned with his values and identity.

The role has allowed him to bring his culture into work that supports communities.

"What I'm doing now allows me to be me," Mr Harris said.

"It's really powerful to be in a space where I can be open about my culture, spirituality and identity, while doing work that benefits community."

Mr Harris' wife, extended family, colleagues, supervisors, BMA representatives and community members celebrated his graduation in person and online.

Those supporting him included Associate Professor Dr Kylie Radel, Senior Research Fellow Dr Vicki Pascoe and supervisors Professor Janya McCalman, Dr Melinda Mann and Dr Adam Rose.

Yuwibara Elders Uncle Phillip Kemp and Auntie Deb Clark were also among those celebrating the milestone.

That support has encouraged Mr Harris to continue his studies.

"The conversations I've had since graduation, the people who've reached out and the Elders who've told me to keep going have only inspired me further," Mr Harris said.

"It's why I'm now looking ahead to a PhD."

Mr Harris hopes to build on his work through doctoral studies and support more communities to develop their own engagement frameworks and research priorities.

His approach places communities in control of the stories they share and the issues they want research to address.

For Mr Harris, this represents a change in communities' role in research.

"We're moving from being the studied to being the studier," Mr Harris said.

"Communities are telling their own stories and deciding what matters to them. That's incredibly powerful."

Mr Harris encourages other First Nations people considering research to involve their families and draw on available support.

"Put your supports in place, talk to your supervisors and use the support services around you," he said.

"Take your family on that walk with you.

"If you find something you love and you're passionate about, go for it."

Information about pursuing community-led research is available through CQUniversity's Graduate Certificate in Research page.