Rowan Thomson

Dr. Rowan Thomson is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in the Department of Physics at Carleton University, and serves as Associate Dean (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) in the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on computational techniques for radiation therapy, particularly brachytherapy, using Monte Carlo simulations to improve treatment accuracy. She leads the development of the open-source egs_brachy software for dose calculations and collaborates with institutions globally. Recognized for advancing equity in STEM, she authored influential guides on fostering inclusive academic environments. Thomson holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical High Energy Physics from the University of Waterloo and has held postdoctoral fellowships at Carleton University and the Perimeter Institute.

• Affiliations: Carleton Laboratory for Radiotherapy Physics, Ottawa Medical Physics Institute
• Education: B.Sc. (Double Honours Mathematics & Physics, Carleton University); Ph.D. (Physics, University of Waterloo)

Research Interests: Medical physics applications of computational methods, radiation dosimetry, brachytherapy optimization, and inclusive science education. Her work bridges fundamental physics and clinical applications, emphasizing accuracy in radiation treatment planning and patient outcomes.

Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Medical Physics, Physics in Medicine and Biology, and Physics Today, with a focus on dosimetry, brachytherapy, and equity initiatives.

• Awards: Canada Research Chair (2013–2023), John Charles Polanyi Prize in Physics (2011), Ontario Early Researcher Award (2015), AAPM Fellow (2020)

Teaching: Courses include Medical Radiation Physics and Thermodynamics, integrating equity-focused pedagogy. Supervises graduate and undergraduate students in medical physics research.

Grants & Leadership: Holder of major grants supporting brachytherapy research and equity initiatives. Serves on editorial boards and national task groups for medical physics standards.