MD, PhD
Associate Professor
School of Medicine
UNC-Chapel Hill
Clinical Research
Area of interest
I am a translational radiologist – combining my clinical training as a radiologist and technical training in medical imaging and medical imaging devices. This relatively unique background allows me to work closely with both clinicians and scientists to directly bring technologies invented in the engineering lab into the clinic. I have been responsible for all of the medical translational studies of the carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source, including both breast and lung cancer imaging devices. I have been involved in the development of CNT x-ray devices since their invention in 2003. Furthermore, I am responsible for the development of multiple imaging translational projects focused on contrast enhanced ultrasound, PET/MRI and neuro-oncology.
My team has also been responsible for the pre-clinical develop of the micro-beam radiotherapy technique, initially developed on the CNT x-ray source devices, but subsequently on conventional cabinet irradiators. This technique has enabled a significantly more robust immune response in radio-immunotherapy, leading to adaptive immune enhancement which has enabled the vaccination of mice against B16-F10 melanoma. We hope to expand our understanding of the microbeam effect while identifying paths for human translation with other LCCC collaborators.
Awards and Honors
- 2012 Lineberger Clinical Fellows Award
- 2010 RSNA Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award
- 2009 Annual Radiology Research Symposium Award – UNC Chapel Hill
- 2008 Annual Radiology Research Symposium Award – UNC Chapel Hill
- 2004 Annual Radiology Research Award – Best Basic Sciences Presentation UNC Chapel Hill
- 2004 International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Educational Stipend Award
- 2004 Academy of Molecular Imaging Top Young Investigator Abstract
- 2003 Radiological Society of North America Physics Trainee Prize
- 2002 Biomedical Engineering Award – Best Presentation UNC Chapel Hill
- 2002 Annual Radiology Research Symposium Award – UNC Chapel Hill
- 2002 International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Educational Stipend Award
- 2001 Annual Radiology Research Symposium Award – UNC Chapel Hill
- 2001 International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Educational Stipend Award