At the Center for Virtual Imaging Trials (CVIT), every graduating researcher brings a unique story shaped by curiosity, perseverance, and scientific rigor. Dr. Yakun Zhang’s PhD journey is a particularly compelling example—one that bridges clinical practice and research, distance and connection, and technical innovation with patient-centered thinking.
Advancing Image Quality Toward Clinical Relevance
At the heart of Yakun’s research was a fundamental question: how to measure CT image quality in a way that truly reflects clinical performance.
“One of the biggest challenges was trying to measure image quality in a way that truly reflects clinical performance, not just technical settings or radiation dose.”
Rather than focusing solely on technical parameters, Yakun aimed to develop evaluation methods that align more closely with what matters in patient care. Working with large clinical datasets added another layer of complexity. These datasets are often messy and difficult to structure, requiring both technical skill and persistence.
“A big part of the journey was learning how to manage that complexity and turn it into something meaningful, reliable, and useful.”
Through this work, Yakun contributed to a more practical and clinically grounded approach to imaging quality assessment.
A PhD Across Distance
Completing a PhD remotely while maintaining a full-time clinical role is no small feat. For Yakun, this experience fostered independence and discipline.
“It was not always easy, but it taught me how to keep moving forward steadily, even when progress came in small pieces.”
This steady, consistent approach became a defining feature of the journey, shaping Yakun into a highly self-directed researcher. Despite the distance, connection to CVIT remained strong. Regular meetings and mentorship played a key role, particularly the guidance of Ehsan Samei.
“I especially appreciate how my advisor consistently pushed me toward greater rigor and held me to a high standard. That challenged me in the best way.”
Bridging Clinic and Research
A defining aspect of Yakun’s work is the strong link between clinical practice and research. Each informed the other in meaningful ways.
“The clinic gave me real-world questions, and research gave me a deeper way to explore them.”
This interplay not only strengthened the PhD work but also sets the stage for continued impact as a clinical physicist.
Growth Beyond the Research
Beyond the technical achievements, the PhD was also a period of significant personal and professional growth.
“Professionally, I became a more independent researcher and a more confident communicator.”
At the same time, the experience required resilience and patience, especially while balancing multiple responsibilities. Some of the most memorable moments were deeply personal. Yakun recalls long evenings of work, with family close by:
“I remember my kids coming into my office at night and sitting with me while I stared at figures on the screen.”
Another standout moment came just before the defense:
“I was very stressed, but that conversation with Dr. Samei really comforted me and helped calm my nerves.”
The Value of Community
Even from a distance, CVIT remained a strong and supportive environment.
“It gave me an academic home for work that sits at the intersection of imaging science and patient care.”
This sense of belonging played an important role throughout the journey.
Advice for Future Researchers
Looking ahead, Yakun encourages new PhD students—especially those working remotely—to focus on consistency and connection.
“You do not have to do everything at once… what matters most is continuing to move forward.”
And importantly:
“It also saves a great deal of time to ask for help when you need it, rather than trying to figure everything out completely on your own.”
Yakun’s story reflects what CVIT strives to cultivate: research that is rigorous, relevant, and grounded in real-world impact. As Yakun continues a career as a clinical physicist, this work will undoubtedly contribute to advancing medical imaging in ways that directly benefit patient care.
Congratulations again Dr. Zhang!
