Wagga Wagga

Optimising Resistant Starch Formation in Different Rice Varieties Under Various Processing Conditions

Primary Supervisor: Dr Boris Budiono
Co-Supervisors: Dr Nidhish Francis & Prof. Chris Blanchard
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: functional foods, nutrition, food science, glycaemic index, diabetes
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Synopsis:
Resistant starch (RS) is a form of starch that escapes digestion in the small intestine and reaches the colon, where it is fermented by gut microbiota into beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate. Increased RS intake is associated with improved glycaemic control, enhanced gut health, and potential protection against metabolic disorders. Rice is a staple food globally, including in Australia, but its high glycaemic index makes it less suitable for individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Evidence shows that cooking, cooling, and reheating rice can increase RS content, yet the optimal processing conditions for different rice varieties (e.g., white, brown, basmati, jasmine) remain poorly understood.

Project Aim:This study aims to investigate how different cooking, cooling, and reheating conditions affect the resistant starch content of various rice varieties. The findings could inform dietary strategies to reduce postprandial glycaemic responses and promote healthier carbohydrate choices.

Project Objectives:

Compare the RS content of freshly cooked, cooled, and cooled–reheated rice across multiple rice varieties.
Test different cooling durations (e.g., 4 h, overnight, 24 h) and reheating methods (microwave, stovetop) to identify the most effective strategies for RS enhancement.
Analyse the impact of these conditions on predicted glycaemic index using in vitro starch digestibility assays.

Methods Overview: Students will cook standardised portions of different rice varieties under controlled conditions, then subject them to various cooling and reheating treatments. RS content will be measured using AOAC-approved enzymatic assays. Optionally, samples may also undergo simulated in vitro digestion to assess glucose release rates. Results will be statistically analysed to determine which combinations of rice variety and processing condition yield the highest RS levels.

Expected Outcomes: This project will generate practical recommendations for preparing rice with improved nutritional profiles. The results could support future public health messaging or functional food development aimed at lowering dietary glycaemic load and improving metabolic health

URL link to relevant journal articles or website: https://www.csu.edu.au/research/fgc

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Boris Budiono

The impact of sorghum phenolic compounds on risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Primary Supervisor: Dr Boris Budiono & A/Prof Abishek Santhakumar
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: cardiovascular disease, ischaemia reperfusion injury, mitochondrial dynamics, antioxidants, polyphenols
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global mortality, largely driven by modifiable factors such as diet and exercise. Integrating bioactive-rich cereal grains into the diet is an emerging strategy to support cardiovascular health.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a climate-resilient staple in Africa and Asia that promotes food security. While its general health benefits are well documented, its role in reducing CVD risk—especially in protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury, preserving cardiac mitochondrial function, and maintaining endothelial integrity—remains underexplored. Moreover, the influence of sorghum on neutrophil extracellular traps, key mediators in CVD progression, is not yet fully understood.

This study will fill these gaps by examining how sorghum-derived phenolic compounds impact CVD risk factors. Polyphenols will be extracted from whole grain sorghum and identified using UHPLC-Online ABTS and LC-MS/QTOF. In vitro models will assess their effects on molecular pathways linked to cardiovascular health using transcriptomic and proteomic techniques.

Findings will support the therapeutic potential of sorghum, expand its agricultural value, and drive innovation in heart-protective functional foods.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Boris Budiono

Development of Synthetic Carbohydrate Biomimetics as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Prophylactics

Primary Supervisor: Dr David Leaver
Co-supervisors: Dr. Doaa Hanafy
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: UTI, carbohydrates, biomimetics
Study Availability: Available until December 2027
Research Group: Medical Sciences

Synopsis:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by gram-negative uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) and present a significant health burden for women with approximately 20 million cases reported annually. Approximately 20-40% of women treated with antibiotics will have at least one recurrence within 6 months of initial diagnosis which results in a loss of 2 billion dollars per year in the US alone. The main goal of this project is to develop novel antagonists of the mannose-binding type I pilus adhesin FimH, which is required to colonize the bladder epithelium during UTIs.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr David Leaver

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

Design of Cholesterol Biosynthesis Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents

Primary Supervisor: Dr David Leaver
Co-supervisors: Dr Boris Budiono and Dr Ken Chinkwo
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: cancer, cholesterol, enzymes
Study Availability: Available until December 2027
Research Group: Medical Sciences

Synopsis:
Much research over the last several decades has been focused on finding novel anticancer agents that inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis, however, there has been little to no success in this endeavor and the pharmaceutical industry is reluctant to pursue sterol biosynthesis inhibitor drug development. Over the last couple of years structural biology advances have enabled the crystal structures of post-squalene cholesterogenesis enzymes to be solved that can be used to design novel cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors. This project will use a structure guided approach to discover new anticancer drugs that selectively inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes.

Crystal structures of enzymes in the post-squalene segment of cholesterogenesis A: Crystal structure of squalene monooxygenase bound with FAD (black) and “Cmpd 4” (blue), PDB 6C6N; B: Crystal structure of lanosterol synthase bound with lanosterol (black), PDB 1W6K; C: Crystal structure of Emopamil-Binding Protein bound with U18666A (red), PDB 6OHT; D: Crystal structure of sterol 14α-methyl demethylase bound with ketoconazole (red), PDB 3LD6. Figure adapted from Biochemical Pharmacology 2022, 196, 114611.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr David Leaver

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Cyclic Peptides

Primary Supervisor: Dr David Leaver
Co-supervisors: Dr. Doaa Hanafy
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: Infectious diseases, peptides, enzymes
Study Availability: Available until December 2027
Research Group: Medical Sciences

Synopsis:
Opportunistic pathogens in humans cause millions of deaths each year and there is an urgent need to find new drugs right now! Macrocyclic peptides were chosen for this project as they bind to their molecular targets with high affinity and selectivity, while exhibiting greater proteolytic stability and membrane permeability in comparison to their linear counterparts. Cyclic peptides designed and synthesized in this project will be screened against enzyme targets in order to discover novel antimicrobial drugs.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr David Leaver

Innovative nutraceutical strategies for the management of diabetes

Primary Supervisor: Dr. Nidhish Francis
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: diabetes, polyphenols, cell culture, oxidative stress
Research Group: Food As Medicine (FAM) research group

Synopsis: This research project focuses on investigating plant-derived bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, as potential therapeutic agents for diabetes management. Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, affects millions worldwide. Current pharmacological treatments primarily manage symptoms but fail to address underlying mechanisms or prevent disease progression. This project aims to explore the potential of plant-derived polyphenols to regulate key pathways involved in diabetes development and progression.

Polyphenols, naturally occurring antioxidants found in plant-based foods, have shown promise in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance—key contributors to diabetes pathology. This study will utilise advanced in vitro cell culture models to evaluate the effects of polyphenols on glucose uptake, insulin signalling, and oxidative stress markers. Molecular techniques such as RT-PCR and Western blot analysis will be employed to investigate the modulation of genes and proteins involved in glucose metabolism and inflammatory pathways. The findings aim to contribute to the development of natural, plant-based strategies for diabetes management, offering a complementary approach to conventional therapies. This project is ideal for candidates passionate about medical science, clinical nutrition, and exploring innovative solutions for diabetes care.

URL link to relevant journal articles or website: https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=o6d7fCMAAAAJ

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr. Nidhish Francis

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 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