Assoc Prof Roger Bourne
Applications accepted all year round
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
APPLICATION PROCESS
The successful candidate will have a background in physics, engineering, or computer science. Experience of magnetic resonance methods is essential.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: Please study the publications from our research group (some are listed below), then write to Dr Bourne describing how your skills and career interests align with our research. Due to the large number of inquiries we only have time to respond to applicants who demonstrate initiative, energy, research skills, and relevant background. Details of the PhD enrollment process and international scholarships can be found on the University of Sydney website.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Management of cancer is hindered by the absence of imaging methods that can accurately describe the presence, the grade, and the extent of the disease.
Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance microscopy has the potential to improve cancer management by:
1. Increasing the clinical information available from current cancer imaging methods.
2. Defining a biophysical basis for development of new imaging techniques for cancer, and other diseases defined by tissue structure.
3. Development of high spatial resolution imaging methods that will aid laboratory research in tissue and animal models of disease.
In preliminary MR microscopy studies we have characterized the water diffusion properties of prostate tissue at spatial resolution over 2000 times greater than any previous report for glandular tissue. Our studies have provided insight into current uncertainties about the biological basis of tissue contrast observed in clinical MRI methods for detection and staging of prostate and breast cancer.
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine reviewers rated this work 4/5 for Originality, and 4/5 and 4.5/5 for Importance: “This is a nice example of the power of ultra-high field instrumentation to help understand observations made at clinically relevant lower field strength.”
You can read a little about our research group here:
https://sydneyunidiffusionmri.wordpress.com/
We already have one FindAPhD recruit who has completed his PhD and gone to a postdoctoral position at a prestigious institution.
Funding Notes
Scholarships are available for suitably VERY HIGHLY qualified candidates.
See www.jason.edu.au for a listing of Australian scholarship opportunities.
Details of the PhD enrollment process and international scholarships can be found on the University of Sydney website.
Depending on research grant income there may be some funding available from early 2017 for a student stipend (does not cover tuition fees) .
References
Bourne, Roger, and Eleftheria Panagiotaki. "Limitations and Prospects for Diffusion-Weighted MRI of the Prostate." Diagnostics 6.2 (2016): 21. (http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/6/2/21/htm)
Bourne, R., N. Kurniawan, et al. (2012). "Microscopic Diffusion Anisotropy in Formalin Fixed Prostate Tissue. Preliminary Findings." Magnetic Resonance in Medicine: (dx.doi.org/10.1002/mrm.24179).
Bourne, R., N. Kurniawan, et al. (2011). "Microscopic Diffusivity Compartmentation in Formalin Fixed Prostate Tissue." Magnetic Resonance in Medicine: (dx.doi.org/10.1002/mrm.22778)
Bourne, R., N. Kurniawan, et al. (2011). "Biexponential Diffusion Decay in Formalin Fixed Prostate Tissue: Preliminary Findings." Magnetic Resonance in Medicine: (dx.doi.org/10.1002/mrm.22778)
Bourne R, Kurniawan N. et al. (2011). 16T Diffusion Microimaging of Fixed Prostate Tissue. Preliminary findings. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 66, 244-247.
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