Kent A. Gifford, Ph.D. 2004, The University of Texas-Houston, GSBS The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Department of Radiation Physics Contact Information

Research Interests:

• Treatment planning QA and commissioning
• Brachytherapy
• Monte Carlo methods
• Deterministic radiation transport
• Radiation dosimetry

My research focuses on the application of radiation transport methods to radiotherapy calculations. Additionally, I have researched quality assurance aspects of treatment planning and radiation dosimetry. I have applied the Monte Carlo method to ascertain the effect of gynecological applicator shielding on dose to the bladder and rectum. Currently, I am investigating a novel deterministic technique to transport radiation that could prove to be more efficient than Monte Carlo while exhibiting the same level of accuracy. This would provide a significant benefit for treatment planning as well as optimization of radiation dose distributions.

Depending on the student’s interests, a tutorial in my laboratory would provide experience with Monte Carlo modeling and dose calculation, deterministic radiation transport, radiation dosimetry techniques, and/or radiotherapy quality assurance.


Publications