On July 15, Saman defended his PhD titled “Improving the Reliability of Lung Densitometry in CT Studies” and stepped into a new role as CT Senior Scientist and Collaborations Manager at Siemens Healthineers. We caught up with him to reflect on his time at CVIT, the challenges he tackled, and the lessons he is taking with him.
Dr. Sotoudeh-Paima, after years of hard work and collaboration, what was one of the biggest challenges in your research?
“One major technical challenge was developing post-processing algorithms that could generalize well across different scanners and imaging settings. Algorithms often perform well in specific configurations but struggle elsewhere—this kind of variability poses a real risk in clinical analyses. Luckily, we had access to virtual imaging data to build a robust and comprehensive test set.”
How do you see your research contributing to the broader field?
“Inconsistent imaging protocols can make clinical measurements unreliable, especially in multi-center studies or longitudinal tracking. My work aimed to enhance measurement consistency—either by optimizing how we acquire CT data or by applying post-processing to standardize data retrospectively.”
Any standout collaborations or projects that shaped your PhD experience?
“Absolutely! Leading a multi-institutional physical phantom study with Duke, the University of Iowa, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and National Jewish Health was a turning point. It gave me hands-on experience with photon-counting CT (PCCT) and introduced me to incredible collaborators in both academia and industry.”
How did you grow personally and professionally during your PhD?
“I learned to lead projects independently, manage expectations, and communicate my science clearly. Publishing and presenting also sharpened my writing and public speaking. But one of the most meaningful parts was learning to trust my own voice in scientific discussions.”
Was there a piece of advice from a mentor that stayed with you?
“Yes—being treated as an equal partner, not ‘just a student,’ gave me the confidence to fully participate. I’m incredibly grateful to my advisor, Dr. Ehsan Abadi, for his mentorship and caring spirit, and to Dr. Ehsan Samei for his inspiring leadership of CVIT. And of course, thank you to Dr. Liesbeth Vancoillie for her joyful energy and for keeping the lab running smoothly!”
What did being part of the CVIT community mean to you?
“CVIT was more than just a research lab—it was a community. The support, the friendships, the laughter… I’ll never forget it. The people here made all the difference.”
Do you have a favorite memory from your PhD?
“Oh, definitely! For my first SPIE Medical Imaging conference, six of us tried to share a 5 a.m. Uber to RDU. It fell apart mid-pickup, two of us (me included) missed our flights, and I had three of our posters in my bag! Stressful at the time—hilarious in hindsight. Moral of the story: don’t all try to travel together at 5 a.m.”
After this unforgettable travel mishap, what advice do you have for incoming PhD students?
“Take your time settling in. Read a lot. Build your foundation early. And keep open, regular communication with your advisor—it makes a world of difference. A PhD is as much about growing as a person as it is about research.”
What’s next for you?
“I’ve started at Siemens Healthineers as a CT Senior Scientist and Collaborations Manager. It’s a fantastic opportunity to apply what I learned during my PhD, continue advancing PCCT, and explore new directions in cardiovascular and oncologic imaging.”
Final thoughts?
“Thank you, CVIT, for being more than just a lab. You shaped who I am today, and I’ll carry this experience with me wherever I go.”
We are incredibly proud of all that Saman has accomplished and wish him the very best as he continues to make an impact in the world of medical imaging. Congratulations, Dr. Sotoudeh-Paima!
