The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at Houston
Department of Radiation Physics

My research program focuses on applications of MRI in radiation oncology, with an emphasis on improving image-guided and adaptive radiotherapy, image registration, and motion-informed treatment planning. A key theme of my work is the use of advanced imaging to improve the accuracy and safety of radiation therapy across thoracic and cardiac-adjacent sites, where cardiopulmonary motion and organ deformation present major challenges. I am also interested in radiation-induced cardiotoxicity assessment, using imaging-based biomarkers to better understand and potentially predict treatment-related cardiac effects.

Another major area of my research is MRI distortion and image quality in presence of implanted cardiac devices (CIEDs), including pacemakers and defibrillators. These devices introduce unique challenges for MRI-based simulation and treatment planning, and my work focuses on quantifying, understanding, and mitigating these distortions to enable safer and more reliable MR-guided workflows.

Students who work with me will have the opportunity to engage in projects spanning MRI distortion analysis, image registration and fusion, motion management strategies in thoracic radiotherapy, and image-based assessment of cardiopulmonary toxicity after radiation therapy. Additional projects include characterization of imaging artifacts from CIED and neurosurgical implants or shunts, MR simulation workflow optimization, AI-driven motion management, cardiotoxicity modeling, and investigating relationships between biologically effective dose and tumor control or toxicity. Students will gain hands-on experience with clinically relevant datasets and learn how imaging and science directly impacts radiation treatment decisions.

Through these experiences, trainees will develop skills in medical imaging physics, quantitative image analysis, image registration, and translational radiation oncology research, with a focus on bridging imaging innovation and clinical implementation. My goal is to mentor students in developing rigorous, clinically meaningful research questions that improve both treatment precision and long-term patient outcomes in radiation oncology.

MDACC Faculty

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Education & Training

PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2022