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Student Theses

This is a list of theses by our first MS class of 2007. Thanks to Justin Keener, winner of the 2007 MS student research award, for sharing his thesis as an example.

NameThesis title
Ahmed, SanaGeometric and Dosimetric efficacy of MRI based treatment plan
Brady, SamuelDose Characterization of [Cs-137] and Orthovoltage x-ray irradiators
Cox, JeromeChanges in Lung Perfusion in rat model of radiation-induced lung injury
Cubbage, PhillipExploring the Feasibility of Optical-CT/ECT as an Investigative Tool for the Study of Radiation-induced Effects on Microvasculature
Fuller, JessicaOn-board Imaging Using Digital Tomosynthesis For Treatment Positioning Verification
Goss, MatthewEvaluation of a New Radiochromic Film/Flatbed Scanner System for Planar Clinical Dosimetry
Hanna, GeorgeTime Delay of a Varian Real-Time Position Management System
Keener, JustinImproved Computational Techniques for Modeling Light Scattering by Epithelial Cell Nuclei
Kim, SangrohMonte Carlo Simulations of Varian On-Board Imager
Lyon, MichaelVerification of Delivered Dose Using an Optimally Shifted Dose Subtraction Methodology
Mbibi, OmeQuantifying Skin Effects After Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Using Digital Infrared Imaging
Pursley, JanCharacterization of Buildup Effects and Response of OneDosePlus® MOSFET-based Dosimeters for use in Total Body Irradiation
Roper, JustinOnboard functional imaging in radiation oncology
Swartz, BrianNeutron Beam Characterization for Small Animals
Zhang, LiweiA Phantom study to evaluate the target locatilication accuracy of using cone-beam computed tomography of an on-board imager

Student Profiles

We asked some of our students why they decided to pursue graduate studies in medical physics, or why they chose to come to Duke. Here's what they said...

Jessica Fuller
Valdosta, Georgia
Valdosta State University - BA Mathematics, BS App. Mathematics

Medical Physics is the perfect way to marry my love for mathematics and medicine. I started my freshman year as a biology major with the intention of becoming a radiologist. Realizing that my passion for mathematics was much stronger, I made the switch in majors. I explored Medical Physics because my employer suggested to me that it would fit my interests and personality nicely. He was right.
Lei Ren
He Nan, China
Tsinghua University - BS Physics, Mathematics


Duke has one of the best medical centers in the US; there are some of the world's top researchers here as well as state-of-the-art equipment. Also the courses in the program are well laid out, and the whole program is well organized.
Ome Mbibi
Nigeria
University of Benin - BS Physics


I decided to study Medical physics because of its unique combination of Physics, Medicine and Life Sciences. This is a branch of Physics that would enable me apply my knowledge of physics in the provision of health care.
Justin Keener
Canon City, CO
Colorado School of Mines - BS Engineering Physics


Duke is an excellent place to be to see lots of advances in medicine. I also liked that this is a new program because it demonstrates that there is a lot of enthusiasm among the faculty.
Kristy Perez
Brandon, FL
North Carolina State University - Nuclear Engineering


I decided to come to Duke because the academic environment is ideal. The professors and other students are not only friendly but above that eager to assist incoming students with their studies, research, and other interests. Additionally, the facilities are fantastic and seemed to be accessible for use in project work.
Brian Swartz
Colorado Springs, CO
Grand Canyon University - Physics, Secondary Ed.


I looked for a program that was on the East Coast, had a good medical program/school, and that had a great student body and faculty.
Phillip Cubbage
Granite Falls, NC
Appalachian State University - BS Biology


I found the symbiotic relationship of Duke's medical physics department with both the biomedical engineering program and the medical school intriguing as well. Thus, I felt that Duke would best prepare me for a career as a medical physicist. For these reasons, coupled with the fact that my wife liked the Durham-Chapel Hill area, Duke was simply the best fit for me.
Ashley Manzoor
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Tech - Nuclear and Radiological Engineering


I was fortunate to be exposed to health physics as an undergrad, and then spent a year in a fellowship working for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I was able to interact with some medical physicists, and learned about how exciting the field was, how fast the technology was advancing, and how in-demand the job market was for graduates.