Dr. Saree Alnaghy is an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Wollongong's Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, affiliated with the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics. She holds a Bachelor of Medical and Radiation Physics (Honours) and a PhD in Physics from the University of Wollongong (2009–2017). Her research focuses on advanced medical imaging and radiation therapy technologies, including photon counting detectors, dosimetry systems, and robotic motion phantoms for quality assurance. Key research areas include: Development of novel X-ray detectors for radiotherapy guidance High-resolution dosimetry techniques using silicon and polymer-based systems Integration of real-time imaging in radiation therapy Robotic systems for motion management in oncology Her work has been supported by grants such as 'Sharper Targeting, Brighter Future' (2024) and 'Bringing Colour to Radiotherapy' (2021–2025). She currently supervises PhD and MRes students on projects involving photon counting CT scanners and radiotherapy imaging. Alnaghy also serves as a Radiation Oncology Medical Physics Registrar at the Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
Dr. Liam Mannion is a Senior Lecturer in Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology at City St George’s, University of London, where he leads key modules in radiotherapy techniques, oncology, and radiobiology. He is an HCPC-registered Therapeutic Radiographer with clinical experience in both NHS and private sectors. He also serves as the Practice Education Lead for Therapeutic Radiography and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. PhD, King's College London MSc, London South Bank University PGCert, City, University of London BSc (Hons), University College Dublin His research focuses on optimizing treatments for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, patient-centered care, and radiobiology. He employs methodologies such as discrete choice experiments to understand patient preferences in treatment decisions. His educational interests include gamification, debriefing, and student well-being in radiography training. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in patient-centered oncology research, particularly in bladder cancer decision-making, alongside innovations in radiotherapy education. He frequently collaborates with institutions like King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Dr. Mannion is actively involved in peer review for the Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice and served as an External Examiner at Cardiff University. He has also held leadership roles such as Joint Programme Director at City, University of London. He has contributed to research on compassion fatigue among students, leadership in radiography during the pandemic, and functional imaging in glioblastoma. His work bridges clinical practice, education, and patient-centered outcomes. Dr. Mannion is affiliated with professional organizations including the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Society of Radiographers. He teaches across undergraduate modules in radiotherapy and oncology, with a focus on practical and theoretical integration.
Carmen Bergom, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine (WashU Medicine), where she joined the faculty in 2020. She holds secondary appointments in the Division of Cancer Biology and the Siteman Cancer Center. Her research focuses on leveraging genetic models to improve radiation therapy efficacy while mitigating radiation-induced cardiotoxicity , particularly in breast cancer patients. Key areas include radiation biology , tumor microenvironment , and cardio-oncology . Recent publications highlight her work in genetic mapping of radiation sensitivity (e.g., rat chromosome 3 variants), innovative imaging techniques (e.g., integrin-targeted PET), and clinical trial design for cardiovascular risk stratification. Her laboratory has pioneered the first genetic studies of radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction. Scientific awards include the Michael Fry Research Award (2021) and recognition as a Top Doctor in America (2018, 2019). She serves as Chair of the ASTRO Science Council Scientific Review Panel and co-chair of the Clinical and Experimental Research in Radiation Oncology meeting at ESTRO. Dr. Bergom treats breast cancer patients clinically and mentors students across all levels (undergraduate to postdoctoral). Her work bridges basic research with clinical applications , aiming to develop biomarkers and therapeutic targets for radiation oncology.
Zion Zibly, MD, MBA is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Yale School of Medicine . He holds multiple leadership roles including Director of the Center of Neuromodulation , Director of the Center of Neurosurgical Cancer Pain , and Head of Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery and the Focused Ultrasound Institute . Previously served as Chair of Neurosurgery at Sheba Medical Center after graduating from Technion’s Faculty of Medicine (MD) and Coller School of Management (MBA). Research Interests: Specializes in Neuromodulation for movement disorders (Parkinson’s, tremors, dystonia), Deep Brain Stimulation , Gene Therapy for pediatric neurodegenerative conditions, Oncological Neurosurgery , and Neurological Pain Management . Combines Functional Neurosurgery with Focused Ultrasound technology. Scientific Contributions: Participated in pioneering Alzheimer’s brain stimulator procedures and Gene Therapy applications. Active member of the North American Association of Functional Neurosurgery and Israeli Neurosurgical Society . Clinical Expertise: Implantation of electrostimulators for Parkinson’s and essential tremor, treatment of Benign/Malignant CNS Tumors , and management of Neurological Pain Conditions . Affiliated with Yale Cancer Center and Center for Brain & Mind Health .
Dr. Mark Gardner is a Research Fellow in Clinical Imaging at the ACRF Image X Institute, part of the University of Sydney's Sydney School of Health Sciences and Faculty of Medicine and Health. His work focuses on advancing radiation therapy and medical imaging technologies, with particular emphasis on improving treatment accuracy and patient comfort. Gardner holds a PhD from Flinders University, completed in collaboration with the Medical Device Research Institute, and has held research roles at the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Research Group (CFARG). His current projects include the Nano-X radiation therapy device and the Remove the Mask initiative , which aims to eliminate immobilization masks in head and neck cancer treatments. Gardner is affiliated with organizations like the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. Research interests span radiation oncology, translational research in medical imaging, and device innovation. His work integrates advanced imaging techniques (e.g., synchrotron X-rays, cone-beam CT) with machine learning and wearable sensors to address challenges in respiratory therapy and tumor targeting. Notable contributions include developing real-time motion tracking for radiation therapy and improving mucociliary transport measurements. Awards: FameLab 2020 State Finalist, 2018 Medtech e-Challenge Winner, 2017 3MT Runner-Up Grants/Projects: Nano-X radiation therapy development, Remove-the-Mask surface-guided system Collaborations: Industry partnerships, multi-institutional research networks Gardner advises Chen Cheng on real-time head/neck motion monitoring during radiation therapy. His lab contributes to open-source tools and preclinical imaging advancements, bridging engineering and clinical oncology.
Pedro A Hermida de Viveiros, MD serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. His clinical practice focuses on solid tumor oncology with specialized expertise in sarcomas and precision medicine approaches. His research interests center on clinical development of novel therapeutic strategies for sarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), emphasizing biomarker-driven treatments and molecularly targeted therapies. Key areas include IDH1-mutant chondrosarcoma management, neoadjuvant response assessment in sarcomas, and immunotherapy-radiotherapy combinations for metastatic disease. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on translating molecular targets into clinical applications, particularly through phase 1-3 trials of targeted agents like ivosidenib and IDRX-42. His work bridges radiological assessment, pathological response, and precision oncology frameworks for rare solid tumors. Professional engagements include active membership in major oncology societies: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) Sociedade Brasileira de Oncologia Clínica (SBOC) European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) He currently leads four active clinical trials through the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, including the CHONQUER phase 3 study of ivosidenib for IDH1-mutant chondrosarcoma and first-in-human trials of novel agents for advanced solid tumors and GIST. His work integrates translational research with clinical trial design to advance personalized treatment paradigms.
Professor Ananya Choudhury serves as Chair and Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology at the University of Manchester, where she is also Co-Group Leader of the Translational Radiobiology Group within the Division of Cancer Sciences. She joined The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in 2008, specializing in urology and sarcoma, and has since focused on radiotherapy-related research in prostate and bladder cancers. Professor Choudhury is clinical lead for advanced radiotherapy, including the groundbreaking MRLinac project, and plays a key role in national radiotherapy research initiatives. Professor Choudhury earned her BA (Hons) in 1993, MB. BChir (Cantab) in 1995, and MA (Cantab) in 1997 from Trinity College, Cambridge. She completed her Clinical Oncology training at the Yorkshire Deanery from 2000-2008, during which she earned her MRCP in 2000 and F.R.C.R in 2004. She completed her PhD in 2008 through the University of Leeds and Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Canada, where she studied the molecular epidemiology of DNA double strand break repair in bladder cancer. Professor Choudhury's research program focuses on optimizing and personalizing radiotherapy using advanced imaging technology to deliver high doses while minimizing side effects. Her work centers on prostate and bladder cancers, with particular interest in predictive biomarkers, hypoxia, and the integration of magnetic resonance imaging to improve treatment precision. She has pioneered research in radiotherapy dose optimization, biomarker development, and the identification of patients who would benefit most from different treatment approaches. Her extensive publication record demonstrates a strong focus on radiation therapy, particularly in genitourinary cancers. Recent work explores MRI-guided radiotherapy, hypoxia biomarkers, and personalized treatment approaches across multiple cancer types. She has made significant contributions to understanding how imaging technology can improve radiotherapy precision and effectiveness while reducing side effects, with several publications appearing in top journals through 2025. Professor Choudhury has received multiple prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to the field: Cancer Research-UK/Royal College of Radiologists Clinical Training Fellowship (2005) Fellowship for the 10th ECCO-AACR-ASCO Workshop on Methods in Clinical Cancer Research (2007) Outstanding Contribution, Greater Manchester Clinical Research Awards (2017) RCR Research Fellowship (2005) Research Fellowship, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto (2004) Professor Choudhury has supervised numerous doctoral and master's students across multiple cancer types, with current students expected to complete through 2024. She is Principal Investigator on multiple research grants, including 'Measuring tumour radioresistance to improve radiotherapy outcomes' and the 'MAESTRO Programme' as part of CRUK RadNet. Her research program is supported by significant funding from NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and other major funding bodies. As Co-Group Leader of the Translational Radiobiology Group, Professor Choudhury collaborates extensively with leading researchers including Peter Hoskin, Catharine West, Corinne Faivre-Finn, and Marcel van Herk. Her team is at the forefront of integrating advanced imaging with radiotherapy to improve cancer treatment outcomes, with active projects spanning from basic radiobiology to clinical implementation of novel radiotherapy techniques.
Yading Yuan, PhD is an Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology (Physics) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and a member of the Data Science Institute. He holds a PhD in medical physics from the University of Chicago (2010) and completed clinical residency at Harvard Medical Physics Program (2013). His research focuses on AI-driven innovations in radiation oncology, including automated medical image analysis systems, federated learning frameworks for tumor segmentation, and data-driven approaches to personalized cancer treatment. He is certified by the American Board of Radiology and licensed in New York State. Education: PhD in Medical Physics (University of Chicago, 2010); Clinical Residency (Harvard Medical Physics Program, 2013). Research interests include: automated knowledge-based treatment planning, large-scale clinical AI systems, medical image reconstruction algorithms, and panomics integration for precision oncology. His work emphasizes translating data science advancements into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. Key trends in his publications include federated learning for privacy-preserving medical AI, tumor segmentation in multi-modal imaging (PET/CT, MRI), and AI-driven prediction of treatment outcomes and recurrence risks. Recent work emphasizes decentralized learning architectures and cross-institutional collaboration systems. Scientific Awards: Distinguished Reviewers 2013 (selected by peer review committees) Advising/grants: No specific student names or grant details listed in provided text. His work is supported through institutional and collaborative research initiatives. Labs/teams: Active member of Columbia's Data Science Institute and Radiation Oncology department, contributing to interdisciplinary medical AI research groups.
Prof. Dr. med. Franz Lennard Ricklefs is a Senior Physician and Head of the Working Group at the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Hamburg Faculty of Medicine. He is a Medical Specialist in Neurosurgery with cross-disciplinary expertise in neuro-oncology, molecular pathology, and extracellular vesicle research. Affiliations: University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), International Consortium on Meningiomas (ICOM) Research Interests: His work focuses on neurosurgical oncology, particularly glioblastoma and meningioma pathobiology. He investigates DNA methylation patterns, extracellular vesicle biomarkers, and liquid biopsy implementation in clinical neuro-oncology. Additional interests include surgical outcomes for epilepsy and aneurysm management. Article Trends: Over the last decade, Dr. Ricklefs has published extensively on: Extracellular vesicle applications as liquid biopsy markers DNA methylation subclasses for glioblastoma and meningioma Multicenter surgical outcome benchmarking Immune evasion mechanisms in neuro-oncology Technological innovations in neurosurgical visualization Molecular characterization of rare CNS tumors Professional Contributions: He co-authored the MISEV2023 guidelines for extracellular vesicle studies and participates in international consensus reviews for meningioma classification. His collaborations span institutions across Europe and North America.
Dr Emily Hewson is a Cancer Institute NSW Early Career Fellow and member of the Sydney School of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health. Her research focuses on advancing real-time radiation therapy techniques, particularly in managing intrafraction motion for prostate and other cancers. She leads projects involving multileaf collimator (MLC) tracking, dose optimization, and deep learning integration in radiation oncology. Research interests include adaptive radiotherapy systems, kilovoltage intrafraction monitoring (KIM), and clinical trial implementation (e.g., TROG 15.01 SPARK trial). Her work emphasizes improving treatment accuracy through real-time dose-guided approaches and multitarget tracking for tumors with complex motion patterns. Developed experimental validations for MRI-linac integration and MLC tracking systems Authored a textbook chapter on Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) Recipient of Cancer Institute NSW Early Career Fellowship (2023) Recent grants include an AI platform for targeted radiotherapy (2024) and national critical infrastructure funding for lung cancer applications (2023). Her lab collaborates on real-time dose calculation algorithms and clinical trial implementation across multiple institutions.
Prof. Robbert Jan Kok is a Professor of Drug Delivery Technology at Utrecht University's Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) and Programme Director for the Bachelor of Pharmacy. He obtained his Pharmacy degree (1993) and PhD in renal drug targeting (1998) from the University of Groningen, followed by postdoctoral research on endothelial-targeted drug delivery. His work spans curriculum development for pharmacy programs and interdisciplinary research in drug innovation. Research Focus: Kok specializes in advanced drug delivery systems, including nanomedicines for kinase inhibitors, 3D-printed formulations, and stimuli-responsive carriers. Key areas include: Targeted delivery to tumors, kidneys, and inflamed tissues Polymeric micelles, liposomes, and microspheres for sustained release Biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetic optimization Publication Trends: His recent work emphasizes nanotechnology-enabled therapies (e.g., curcumin nanodelivery, photodynamic micelles) and device-integrated drug release (3D-printed implants, macroencapsulation). Studies frequently combine material science with preclinical validation in cancer, renal diseases, and inflammatory disorders. Academic Leadership: Kok oversees student advising, laboratory operations, and international collaborations at UIPS. His team explores translational applications of drug delivery platforms, including partnerships for vascularized tissue engineering and combination therapies.
Hyun-soon Chong is a Professor of Chemistry at the Lewis College of Science and Letters , Illinois Institute of Technology. The Chong group focuses on interdisciplinary research spanning organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and nuclear medicine to develop targeted therapeutics for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Education : B.S. from Kyung Hee University, Ph.D. from the University of North Texas Research interests include: Organic synthesis using aziridinium ions Development of bifunctional chelators for radiotherapy/imaging Bioconjugate chemistry for antibody-drug conjugates Targeted cancer therapies and diagnostics Nuclear medicine applications with isotopes like Cu-64, Y-90, and Lu-177 Key publication trends show expertise in chelation chemistry, bioconjugation, and radiopharmaceutical development. The group has advanced aziridinium ion-based methodologies and created novel agents with preclinical efficacy. Labs/teams: The Chong group specializes in synthetic strategies for enantiomerically enriched molecules and biomedical chelators. Contact: chong@illinoistech.edu
Brian Kavanagh, MD, MPH is a Professor and Department Chair of Radiation Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine. He serves as Department Chair and maintains clinical practice at multiple UCHealth locations including the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Cherry Creek Medical Center, Longs Peak Medical Center, and the Rocky Mountain Gamma Knife Center. His leadership extends to serving as Chair of the American Society for Radiation Oncology since 2017. MD, Tulane University School of Medicine (1988) MPH, Tulane University (1988) BSE, Tulane University (LA) (1984) Internship: Tulane University Program (1989) Residency: Duke University Hospital Program, Radiation Oncology (1993) Dr. Kavanagh's research primarily focuses on stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), functional lung avoidance radiation therapy using 4DCT-ventilation imaging, and treatment of brain metastases from oncogene-driven lung cancers. His work bridges clinical practice, medical physics innovation, and outcomes research, with particular emphasis on optimizing radiation therapy techniques while minimizing toxicity. Recent publications demonstrate his leadership in developing novel approaches to image-guided radiation therapy, including antiscatter grid technology for CBCT imaging and functional avoidance techniques for lung cancer treatment. Analysis of Dr. Kavanagh's recent publications (2019-2024) reveals a strong focus on precision radiation therapy for lung cancer and brain metastases. His research spans technical innovations in medical physics (such as 2D antiscatter grid development), clinical trials evaluating functional avoidance radiation therapy, and studies examining outcomes for patients with oncogene-driven cancers. A significant portion of his work addresses the integration of radiation therapy with targeted therapies for lung cancer with brain metastases, reflecting the evolving treatment paradigms in this field. Top Doctor, 5280 Magazine (2023) Dr. Kavanagh has been instrumental in developing national radiation oncology curriculum frameworks through stakeholder consensus processes. His leadership in the American Society for Radiation Oncology has positioned him to influence practice guidelines and educational standards in the field. His research has been supported through multi-institutional clinical trials and collaborations with major cancer centers across the United States. Dr. Kavanagh leads research efforts in the Rocky Mountain Gamma Knife Center and contributes to the University of Colorado Cancer Center's radiation oncology program. His work with 4DCT-ventilation imaging has established a clinical research program focused on functional avoidance radiation therapy, which aims to preserve lung function while effectively treating tumors.
Kelli Connolly is an Associate Research Scientist at the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. Her research focuses on cancer immunology, with a particular emphasis on tumor immunity, T cell biology, and neoantigen-driven immune responses. She develops and utilizes mouse models to investigate mechanisms underlying anti-tumor immunity, including T cell exhaustion, tertiary lymphoid structures in cancer, and the role of stem-like T cells in sustaining immune responses. Her work bridges basic immunology and translational cancer research, aiming to improve immunotherapy strategies. Key Collaborations: Works closely with researchers like Nikhil Joshi, Gena Gora Foster, and Julie F. Cheung. Research Themes: Neoantigen expression, tumor-draining lymph node dynamics, and combination therapies targeting the immune microenvironment. Her studies highlight the importance of lineage fidelity in CD8 T cells and the role of transcription factors like KLF2 in suppressing exhaustion. She also explores how modulating chemokine axes (e.g., CCR2/CCR5) enhances radiotherapy efficacy. Connolly’s contributions span preclinical models for lung and pancreatic cancers, emphasizing the interplay between tumor biology and immunological mechanisms. Publications span journals like Science , Cell , and Nature Biotechnology , reflecting her impact in cancer immunology and translational research.
Professor Susan Brooks is a faculty member at Oxford Brookes University in the School of Biological and Medical Sciences . Her research focuses on glycobiology , cancer progression , and the role of extracellular vesicles in metastasis. Professor of Cell Biology Director of Researcher Development Focus on breast and ovarian cancer Specialized in glycosylation mechanisms Research Interests : Dr. Brooks' work explores how aberrant glycosylation of proteins and glycans influences cancer cell behavior, including metastasis and drug resistance . Her recent studies examine extracellular vesicles as diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets. Article Trends : Over 25 years, Dr. Brooks has published 15+ articles on glycosylation patterns in breast and ovarian cancer. Key areas include lectin binding , miRNA regulation , and radiation-induced metastatic changes . Her work bridges cell biology and clinical applications .
