Dr Ronan Smith

I am a physicist working as a postdoctoral researcher within the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Research Group (CFARG)/ Respiratory X-ray Imaging Laboratory (REXIL). The majority of my work is focused on X-ray Velocimetry (XV), a novel technique for measuring lung function using X-ray imaging. This project is in collaboration with 4DMedical, who commercialised the technique. My work focusses on understanding the spatial and temporal changes seen in XV imaging in our preclinical and clinical trials. Cystic Fibrosis is the main disease we look at, but we are also investigating uses in emphysema, MPS I and lung cancer.My PhD was in developing methods for dark-field X-ray Imaging, a technique which allows us to see 'texture' in samples through the scattering of X-rays. I am working to apply these methods in respiratory research, as well as other areas such as materials science. I am interested in all methods of imaging, particularly dynamic X-ray imaging and CT, and have a range of projects available to students from undergraduate to PhD. Please get in touch if you are interested in collaborating or looking for a student project.