Xiyuan is happy to supervise doctoral researchers who are interested in:

• Illustration for representation
• Sequential narratives for representation
• Exploratory character design/illustration
• Life-drawing as a means of visual interrogation
• Visual representation of Chinese ethnic minorities 

Xiyuan is currently supervising the following students:

• Jiawen Xie - Exploring opportunities for information dissemination through digital engagement of ‘GEN Z’visitors in the Palace Museum, China – co-supervised with Andrew Selby and Paul Wells
• Shitong Xiao - A Visual Narrative Intervention into the Dual Marginalization of Laopiao in China – co-supervised with Jo Berry-Frith
• Xiang Li - The Non-Aesthetic Design Practice of “Grassroots Vernacular Aesthetics” in Contemporary Chinese Graphic Design – co-supervised with Rob Tovey