Medical Radiation Science

Burnout and Resilience in Radiography Professionals and Students: A Systematic Review of Psychological Well-being and Coping Strategies

Primary Supervisor: Mr Shayne Chau
Location: All campuses/Online
Keywords: Burnout, Resilience, Radiography, Coping Strategies, Psychological Well-being
Type of Project: Systematic Review
Study Availability: Available until December 2026

Synopsis:
This systematic review aims to synthesize existing literature on burnout, resilience, and coping strategies among radiography professionals and students. The review will explore the prevalence of burnout, identify contributing factors, and evaluate the effectiveness of resilience-building interventions. It will focus on psychological well-being, the impact of clinical environments, and the role of education and institutional support in promoting coping strategies. The findings will offer evidence-based recommendation for improving mental health and well-being in radiography education and practice.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Mr Shayne Chau

Radiological imaging techniques and protocols

Primary Supervisor: Dr Xiaoming Zheng
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: X-ray CT; Radiographic imaging; Imaging techniques; Image quality; Radiation dose.

Synopsis:

This project is aimed at development of imaging techniques and optimization of clinical imaging protocols in X-ray CT and radiographic imaging. Current work includes optimal selection of imaging parameters such as kVp and mAs considering body sizes, best patient positioning, and radiation dose and image quality optimizations. Experimental measurements and theoretical analysis are employed in radiation dose and image quality optimization to reduce radiation dose to patients whilst maintaining diagnostic image quality in clinical X-ray imaging including MDCT/CBCT, DR/CR, dental imaging and mammography.

URL link to relevant journal articles or website:

1. Zheng, X., Gutsche, L., Al-Hayek, Y., Stanton, J., Elshami, W., Jensen, K. (2021). Impacts of phantom off-centre positioning on CT numbers and dose index CTDIv: An evaluation of two CT scanners from GE. Journal of Imaging, 7(11), 235.

2. Zheng, X., Al-Hayek, Y., Cummins, C., Li, X., Nardi, L., Albari, K., Evans, J., Roworth, E., Seaton, T. (2020). Body size and tube voltage dependent corrections for Hounsfield Unit in medical X-ray computed tomography: Theory and experiments. Scientific Reports, 10, 15696.

3. Zheng, X., Chiang, H-W., Lee, J-H., Chiang, H-J., Lin, L-H. (2018). Personal exposure prescription method reduce dose in radiography. Radiologic Technology, 89 (5), 435-440.

4. Zheng, X. (2018). Patient size and tube voltage dependent guiding equations for optimal selection of image acquisition parameters in clinical X-ray imaging. Radiological Physics and Technology, 11(2), 212-218.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Xiaoming Zheng

MRI neural imaging: From early neural-development to late neural-degeneration

Primary Supervisor: Dr Xiaoming Zheng
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: MRI Neuroimaging; Neural development; Alzheimer’s disease; Early AD detection; AD diagnosis.

Synopsis:

This project consists of two parts: Part 1 is focused on early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease employing MRI structural images. FreeSurfer software is used for image processing and segmentation. Clinical evidence is used for feature selection. Signal detection theory, artificial neural network and Bayesian network are all being employed for network training and disease causal prediction. An imaging biomarker is currently being on clinical trial for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. Part 2 is on early neural development upon nutritional intervention in collaboration with Prof Bing Wang of Gulbali Institute using animal model. Study focus is on changes of brain’s morphology, metabolites and neural transmitters concentrations using T1, T2, DTI images and MR spectroscopy.

URL link to relevant journal articles or website:

1. Zheng, X. (2024). Detection of Alzheimer’s disease using hybrid meta-ROI of MRI structural images. Diagnostics, 14, 2203.

2. Zheng, X., Cawood, J., Hayre, C., Wang, S. (2023). Computer assisted diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease using statistical likelihood-ratio test. PLOS ONE, 18(2), e0279574.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Xiaoming Zheng

The Psychology of AI in Diagnostic Imaging

Primary Supervisor: Mr Shayne Chau
Location: All campuses/Online
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Diagnostic Imaging, Patient Perception
Type of Project: Mixed-Methods Research (Quantitative and Qualitative)
Study Availability: Available until December 2026

Synopsis:
This project explores how both patients and radiography practitioners perceive and adapt to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostic imaging. It investigates psychological factors such as trust, acceptance, and concerns related to AI-assisted interpretations. The study will use surveys to assess attitudes and trust levels and conduct interviews to gain deeper insights into personal experiences and adaptation strategies.

URL link to relevant journal articles or website:10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101733

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Mr Shayne Chau

Cultural and Psychological Aspects of Consent in Medical Imaging

Primary Supervisor: Mr Shayne Chau
Location: All campuses/Online
Keywords: Cultural Psychology, Informed Consent, Medical Imaging, Patient Experience, Health Communication
Type of Project: Mixed-Methods Research (Quantitative and Qualitative)
Study Availability: Available until December 2026

Synopsis:
This mixed-methods project explores how cultural and psychological factors shape patient experiences and decision-making during the informed consent process in medical imaging. It investigates the influence of cultural beliefs, health literacy, trust in healthcare providers, and psychological responses such as anxiety (“scanxiety”) on patient understanding and participation. By identifying barriers and facilitators in the consent process, the study aims to develop recommendations for culturally sensitive and patient-centered consent practices in radiography.
URL link to relevant journal articles or website: 10.1016/j.soncn.2023.151502

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Mr Shayne Chau

Burnout and Resilience in Radiography Professionals and Students: A Systematic Review of Psychological Well-being and Coping Strategies

Primary Supervisor: Mr Shayne Chau
Location: All campuses/Online
Keywords: systematic review, Burnout, Resilience, Radiography, Coping Strategies, Psychological Well-being
Study Availability: Available until December 2026

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Mr Shayne Chau