Physics and Astronomy

Physics and Astronomy

Syen Jien Nik

Position

PhD Student - Medical Physics

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) University of Canterbury

Contact Details

Room: 813, Physics and Astronomy
Phone: +64 3 364-2987
Internal Phone: 7587

Email: syen.nik@pg.canterbury.ac.nz

Research Interests

PhD Thesis

Evaluating the benefits of spectroscopic imaging in discriminating biological materials. In collaboration with MARS project.

Supervision

Supervisors: Dr Juergen Meyer; Prof Phil Butler; Dr Richard Watts, (University of Vermont)

Profile


Syen Nik received a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physics from the University of Canterbury and began his doctoral study at the same institution in April 2009.

Syen’s research topic revolves around spectral CT. This novel imaging technique adds a new dimension to conventional CT by allowing the freedom to select the energy range (or ‘colour’) of X-rays that is most effective for a particular diagnosis. The additional, energy-sensitive information available in spectral CT may help improve the recognition of different materials in the human body.

Besides being involved in developing a physical spectral micro-CT scanning system, Syen's research focuses on optimizing the selection of X-ray energy range for different biomedical materials. Syen uses computer simulations to validate his results and will be testing them on the spectral micro-CT scanner. He hopes that his research will lead to improvements in the current X-ray CT imaging techniques as well as creating new opportunities for diagnostic radiology research.