Overview of research

Physics and especially nuclear physics has always played a direct and indirect role in medicine as very early on scientists realized the potential of radiation in medicine. My research focuses on two main areas where radiation is implemented:

Proton Therapy dosimetry

TRIUMF operated Canada's only Proton Therapy centre from 1995 until 2019 and is actively persuing Proton Therapy research. Cancer treatment with protons takes full advantage of their superior dose deposition versus the traditional treatment with high energy photons. This allows the healthy tissue around the tumor to be spared from excessive harm while destroying the cancer cells, resulting in a very successful cancer treatment. I am investigating ways to improve Proton Therapy even further by investigating novel detectors for dosimetry, treatment monitoring via novel ways of proton range verification, and the use of proton FLASH.

Novel isotopes for nuclear medicine

Nuclear imaging and Targeted Radioisotope Therapy (TRT) uses radioactive isotopes to diagnose and treat diseases like cancer. We are researching and developing methods to produce existing and novel medical radioisotopes. This work concentrates on the targets used at medical cyclotrons and spans the fields of engineering, physics and chemistry.

Proton Therapy Beam Line

FLASH setup

Beam monitor for medical cyclotron

Solid target for Medical Isotope Production

Group Photo 2021