Honoring Our 2025 Master’s Students

This year was a remarkable one for our lab, as we had the privilege of seeing seven master’s students successfully defend their theses. Their dedication, hard work, and innovative research have significantly contributed to our field, and we could not be prouder of their achievements. Each of them tackled unique and complex challenges, pushing the boundaries of imaging science and virtual simulations. Below, we highlight their impressive work:

  • Katie Olivas: Development of an Integrated PET-CT Simulation Pipeline for Virtual Imaging Trials and Biomedical Imaging Research

  • Jainam H. Valand: Truth-Based Physics-Informed Deep Learning Model for Material Composition Estimation in Spectral CT

  • Iyanna M. Lewis: Organ Dose Estimation of Computational Phantoms Using DukeSim Virtual Simulations of Standard CT Protocols

  • George Ibrahim: The Utility of Photon Counting CT Localizer Radiograph in Bone Densitometry

  • David J. Fenwick: Black-Box Optimization of CT Acquisition and Reconstruction Parameters: A Reinforcement Learning Approach

  • Ruoyu Chen: Model Generation of the Extended Coronary Vasculature for More Realistic Simulation of Coronary Artery Disease

  • Ethan Malin: Generation of a Library of Clinically Relevant Virtual Heart Models for Virtual Cardiac Imaging Research

Each of these students has left a lasting impact on our lab, contributing not only through their research but also through their enthusiasm, collaboration, and dedication. Their presence will surely be missed, and the master’s room will feel a little emptier without them. However, we have no doubt that they are ready to take on new challenges beyond our lab and will excel in their future endeavors.

We wish them all the best as they embark on their next journeys. Our lab has been honored to be a part of their academic and professional growth, and we look forward to seeing the great things they will accomplish in the years to come!