Research
The Research Group at the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences was established in 2005 based on the awareness that research and evidence based medicine are increasingly becoming central components of modern medical imaging and radiation therapy practices. This trend comprises diagnostic radiology, radiation therapy and radiation oncology. The department is actively engaged in clinical, professional and health educational research aimed at fostering a research culture among trainee and practicing radiographers, sonographers, radiation therapists and other professionals affiliated with medical imaging and radiation sciences. Our staff collaborate with a large number of clinical and academic sites across Australia, are involved in a wide range of research studies and supervise a number of higher degree research students (Master of Philosophy and PhD).
The Department currently has a multidisciplinary research program that addresses questions relating to the practice and science of medical imaging and radiation sciences.
Research Areas
Some projects that we are currently working on or have recently completed relate to:
Clinical
- Anatomic and functional cancer imaging at diagnosis and during therapy
- The use of ultrasound and MRI in musculo-skeletal imaging
- Neonatal cranial ultrasound in the newborn
- Radiation therapy
- Comparing muscle and tendon injuries between MRI and ultrasound for the evaluation of rehabilitation duration
- Ultrasound elastography of tendons and soft tissues' and 'infra-red thermal imaging
Contact: Dr Paul Lombardo (Paul.lombardo@monash.edu)
Education and Professional Practice
- Fitness to practice and role extension
- Facilitating allied health student's accurate assessment of clients' emotional content by incorporating understanding of context, culture and lived experience
- Occupational burnout in sonographers, radiographers, radiologists and nuclear medicine technologists in Australia
Contact: Prof. Jenny Sim (jenny.sim@monash.edu) or A/Prof Caroline Wright (caroline.wright@monash.edu)
Radiation Therapy/Radiation Oncology/Radiation Oncology Medical Physics
Potential projects are available at several clinical sites. Currently there is an emphasis on research into:
- The use of novel imaging for tracking motion
- Optimisation of treatment plans using novel imaging modalities
- Dose accumulation
- Patient experiences during treatment
- Improving student's readiness for practice using virtual simulated training methods
Projects are currently being carried out at, or in collaboration with staff at the PeterMcCallum Cancer Centre, The Austin Hospital (Olivia Newton John Centre), National Cancer Centre Singapore and Alfred Radiation Oncology.
Contact: A/Prof Caroline Wright (caroline.wright@monash.edu) or Dr Kristie Matthews (Kristie.matthews@monash.edu)
Imaging Physics
System modelling and image processing aspects in the fields of X-ray physics and ultrasound.
- Monte-Carlo modelling of dose distributions in high count rate ionisation chambers
- Investigation into X-ray beam propagation using Gaussian beams
- Understanding the bio heat equation and how it accounts for heat flow under diagnostic and ultrasound conditions
- New techniques for SPECT emission imaging using novel collimator design
Contact: Dr Matthew Dimmock (matthew.dimmock@monash.edu)
Neuroimaging
The use of imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), perfusion-fMRI and positron emission tomography (PET) to examine regional brain responses.
- Investigating brain responses associated with interoception (sensations arising from inside the body), regulatory behaviours and autonomic responses
Contact: Dr Matthew Dimmock (matthew.dimmock@monash.edu)
Doctor of Philosophy
The Doctor of Philosophy course with the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences provides an opportunity for intensive research training across broad priority research areas mentioned above.
During your 3-4 year candidature, you will work individually on your research project under the direction of a supervisor who is a leader in the field. You will use your research to write a thesis that makes a positive impact to knowledge in your chosen field.
Currently available projects are listed in supervisor connect
Entry requirements for enrolment into a PhD program are outlined here: https://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply
Master of Philosophy
Enrolment in a master's by research degree involves the independent investigation of a research problem that has been formulated by you as the student. It is expected that the research you undertake will contribute to the discipline in which you are enrolled by applying, critiquing, analysing or interpreting that knowledge in ways that facilitate pathways for further learning.
You will be supported in your research by a supervisory team.
For further information please see https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/philosophy-3438