All Campus/Online

Learning Anatomy Differently: Innovative Approaches to Support Neurodivergent Students

Primary Supervisor: Dr Claudia M. Diaz
Co-Supervisor: Dr Adam Brett
Location: All campuses/Online, Albury
Keywords: innovation, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD,
Tourette’s, dyslexia, cPTSD, OCD
Type of Project: Quantitative and qualitative
Project availability: Until December, 2026

Australian Universities are currently attracting large and extremely diverse student populations, including an increase in neurodivergent students. Neurodivergent individuals have brain functioning and processing styles that are different from what is considered typical or neurotypical. Neurodivergence includes a variety of divergences in the brain which includes, but is not limited to, Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Tourette’s, dyslexia, dyspraxia, auditory processing disorder, cPTSD, OCD and sensory processing disorder. It is estimated that 15-20% of the world’s population is neurodivergent. In Australia it is estimated that 15-20% of students, 11% of Australian employees are neurodivergent. In Australia neurodivergent people are not as likely to attend university compared to neurotypical people and they face many challenges such as sensory overload, social and emotional challenges, academic difficulties and often a lack of appropriate support.

This research project aims to investigate the experiences and perceptions of neurodivergent students using innovative approaches to learn anatomy, including assessment, in several subjects using surveys (quantitative), focus groups and interviews (qualitative). Furthermore, we will explore approaches to enhance the peer interactions between neurodivergent and neurotypical students for better recognition and understanding of neurodivergence to help create a more inclusive learning environment and support systems for these individuals. This project will promote acceptance and understanding of neurological differences that are not necessarily deficits, and that may present as strengths using these different ways of learning.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Claudia M. Diaz

Measuring the utilisation of complementary medicine – A preliminary study

Primary Supervisor: A/Prof Sokcheon Pak
Location: All campuses/Online
Keywords: Complementary medicine; Questionnaire; Validity; Reliability
Project availability: Available currently

Synopsis:

Complementary medicine (CM) refers to a broad range of health practices and therapies that are not part of conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the dominant healthcare system. The use of CM is high in Australia. Evidence suggests that CM usage can influence a patient’s response to subjective symptoms such as anxiety, pain, and fatigue, as well as outcomes related to emotional and physical functioning and quality of life during illness.

Currently, the most widely used questionnaire for measuring CM use is the International Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (I-CAM-Q), which was developed by an international workgroup of CM researchers and practitioners in 2006. A key strength of I-CAM-Q is its suitability for cross-cultural adaptations. However, I-CAM-Q is primarily designed for population-based cross-sectional studies and does not provide a scale or scoring mechanism to quantify individual CAM usage. Additionally, I-CAM-Q has been criticised as unsuitable for non-CM users, as they tend to leave the questionnaire blank or generate high rates of missing data.

To complement I-CAM-Q, the Complementary Medicine Utilisation Scales (CMUS) was developed as a self-administered instrument that provides measurable scales for use in clinical practice and research to assess and quantify CM use and beliefs. CMUS consists of four multi-item scales that measure a respondent’s level of CM utilisation and beliefs: Service (SS), Product (PS), Self-Help (HS), and Belief (BS). These scales assess the frequency of CM use over the past three months, allowing CMUS to track changes in CM usage and beliefs on a quarterly basis. All items use a Likert scale (4-points or 7-points) to gauge the respondent’s level of agreement. A scoring procedure (CMUS Scoring Manual Version 1.0) converts item scores into standardised scale scores, ranging from 0 to 25 for each scale. A higher scale score indicates a greater level of CM utilisation or belief. A global score (GS) for CM utilisation is derived by summing the four scale scores: GS = SS + PS + HS + BS, with a possible range of 0 to 100. Like I-CAM-Q, CMUS is designed with openness for cross-cultural adaptation. Items can be modified or replaced with more culturally relevant therapies or modalities. Optional items allow respondents to specify additional CM therapies or products not covered by the standard items, without affecting the scoring of the scales.

The research question is as follows: Is CMUS a valid and reliable tool for measuring CM use and beliefs? Establishing the validity and reliability of a research instrument is essential for its scientific application. Validity refers to the accuracy of the instrument in measuring what it is intended to measure, whereas reliability indicates the consistency of measurement across repeated trials.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting A/Prof Sokcheon Pak

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

The interplay between hEDS, MCAS, POTS and fibromyalgia

Primary Supervisor: Dr Boris Budiono
Location: All campuses
Keywords: ehlers-danlos syndrome, inflammation, mast cell activation, syndrome, POTS, fibromyalgia
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition where mast cells inappropriately and excessively release chemical mediators, namely histamine, that result in inflammatory responses and symptoms such as hives or flushing, to anaphylaxis. This project aims to determine the linkages between three distinct syndromes (MCAS, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia (POTS), and fibromyalgia) that are commonly found in certain individuals with connective tissue disorder, hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). We will investigate the literature to find current evidence of linkage, and to determine future directions in research in an evidence-based manner.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Boris Budiono

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

A qualitative study to explore the lived experience of people with hEDS and HSD on tertiary education and the impacts on career advancement.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Boris Budiono
Location: All campuses/Online
Keywords: ehlers-danlos syndrome, qualitative resesarch, disability research, focus groups, tertiary education

People with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) experience barriers to full participation in society due to the significant emotional and physical sequalae of their condition. To date, no studies have examined people with hEDS/HSD’s participation in university education. However, investigations into the lived experience of hEDS/HSD and the academic adjustments needed by people with disability in a university education setting suggest that the university education environment may present unique challenges for people with hEDS/HSD such as lack of professional understanding, social stigma, and the experience of physical and mental restrictions.

This qualitative research project will investigate the perspectives and experiences when accessing and engaging in university education experienced by people with hEDS/HSD. Focus groups will be used to obtain rich data about interactions between the individual, social, physical, and organisational factors that influence the person with hEDS/HSD experience of university education. Reflexive thematic analysis of focus group data will seek to identify the dominant perspectives and experiences of people with hEDS/HDS as the move through the university education system from enrolment to graduation.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Boris Budiono

The development of rapid diagnostic testing for disease management using CRISPR

Primary Supervisor: Dr Martin Pal
Location: Wagga Wagga, All campuses
Keywords: point-of-care diagnostic assays, CRISPR, agriculture, disease management

Rapid and reliable testing for pathogens is paramount for disease management or agricultural applications in the context of biosecurity. In this regard, field-based or point-of-care diagnostic assays circumvent the need for skilled personnel and specialised laboratory equipment. Honours research opportunities are available to exploit the use of CRISPR-associated nucleases (Cas proteins) for rapid and precise detection of nucleic acids of potential pathogens.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Martin Pal

Early detection and intervention of neurodegenerative disorders

Primary Supervisor: Dr Shaoyu (Shaun) Wang
Location: Orange/Flexible
Keywords: neuroscience, neurodegenerative disorders, early detection, intervention
Research Group: Ageing Well Research Group

Synopsis:
A major interest of my research group is to detect the earliest possible changes from normal ageing processes towards the neurodegenerative diseases. My group developed a precursor hypothesis: In the progression of the (brain) ageing to neurodegenerative disorders, there exists a precursor state/window. The pathological changes occurring in this window is reversible, thus providing an opportunity to intervene or stop this pathological progression. The diminishing cognitive reserve is seen as a basic property of the precursor state.

Aims: to assess the cognitive reserves of rural populations residing in regional and rural NSW. We hypothesise that there is a wide range of cognitive reserves across different age groups and between individuals of the same age group. We will use tools/instruments to measure cognitive reserves in a cross-sectional design. We anticipate that the findings of the project will shed light on how the modifiable factors and demographic characteristics of the population are associated with cognitive reserves.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Shaoyu (Shaun) Wang

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