First-Year PhD Student | Intended Specialization: Medical Physics Research

Sam

Leveraging Foundational Physics for Innovation in Radiation Therapy and Clinical Imaging

Currently focused on mastering core graduate physics to prepare for doctoral research in the **computational and experimental frontiers of Medical Physics**, aiming to improve patient treatment outcomes.

View Core Curriculum View Research Intents

Core Graduate Coursework (Year 1) 📚

The current academic focus is on building a rigorous theoretical and mathematical base essential for advanced physics research.

⚙️ PHYS 939: Classical Mechanics (3 Credits)

In-depth study of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, central forces, rigid body motion, and canonical transformations. Crucial for understanding fundamental physical systems.

Status: Currently In Progress (Fall Semester)

🧮 PHYS 931: Mathematical Physics (3 Credits)

A rigorous review of the mathematical methods essential for theoretical physics, including complex analysis, special functions, Fourier analysis, and solving partial differential equations.

Status: Currently In Progress (Fall Semester)

PhD Degree Requirements Overview

PHYS 939: Classical Mechanics (3 Credits)

PHYS 931: Mathematical Physics (3 Credits)

PHYS 935: Statistical Physics (3 Credits)

PHYS 805: Experimental Physics (or equivalent) (4 Credits)

PHYS 941 & 942: Electromagnetic Theory I and II (6 Credits)

PHYS 943 & 944: Quantum Mechanics I and II (6 Credits)

PHYS 806: Introduction to Physics Research and Teaching (2 Semesters)

Select four additional 3+ credit elective courses (12 Credits)

Medical Physics Research Intents

My primary goal is to transition into a Medical Physics dissertation. These are the core areas I plan to explore through future lab rotations and dedicated study.

Area 1: Advanced Dosimetry and Radiation Transport Modeling

Intended Focus: Monte Carlo Simulation and Optimization for Proton Therapy

Goal: Define my initial PhD research topic and secure a faculty advisor in this field.

**I intend to focus on** the physics of particle beams, using tools like **GEANT4** to model dose deposition with high spatial accuracy. This work will explore methods to **mitigate range uncertainty** and optimize treatment planning systems (TPS) for clinical efficacy and patient safety.

[Future Research Details] Status: Primary Focus Area / Seeking Advisor

Area 2: Novel Detector Systems and Clinical Imaging Physics

Intended Focus: Physics-Based Image Reconstruction and Quality Assurance (QA)

Goal: Complete a research rotation utilizing experimental equipment or clinical image processing.

**I intend to add** experience in the physical principles underlying medical imaging modalities like **MRI or PET**. This area of research will explore detector development, signal processing, and advanced algorithms for quantitative image analysis and clinical quality assurance.

[Future Research Details] Status: Secondary Exploration Area / Rotation Planned

Connect for Collaborations

I'm actively seeking mentors and collaborators in Medical Physics to discuss research ideas, rotation opportunities, and the certification pathway.