Resident Research

Radiation Medicine Resident Research collage

Our program is designed so that residents can engage in research while meeting all ACGME and ABR training requirements. The overall length of the training program remains unchanged, even with research time. Our program offers a broad and flexible approach to research, including health services, outcomes-based, clinical, translational, and basic science research within the OHSU community.

Residents are eligible for up to 12 months of research or elective time starting in their PGY-3 year.

Research focus

Current research

Current publications

Imaging Genomics of Glioma Revisited: Analytic Methods to Understand Spatial and Temporal Heterogeneity. Kersch CN, Kim M, Stoller J, Barajas RF Jr, Park JE.AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2024 May 9;45(5):537-548. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A8148.PMID: 38548303 Review.

Deciphering spatially distinct immune microenvironments in glioblastoma using ferumoxytol and gadolinium-enhanced and FLAIR hyperintense MRI phenotypes. Stoller J, Kersch CN, Muldoon LL, Ambady P, Harrington CA, Fu R, Raslan AM, Dogan A, Neuwelt EA, Barajas RF Jr.Neurooncol Adv. 2023 Nov 8;5(1):vdad148. doi: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad148. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec. PMID: 38077209 

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging discerns glioblastoma immune microenvironmental heterogeneity. Kersch CN, Muldoon LL, Claunch CJ, Fu R, Schwartz D, Cha S, Starkey J, Neuwelt EA, Barajas RF Jr.Neuroradiol J. 2023 Jun 12:19714009231163560. doi: 10.1177/19714009231163560.  PMID: 37306690

Research focus

Dr. Burton's current research interests are centered on patient safety and early cancer detection strategies. He is focused on a number of safety improvement projects looking at repeat early stage lung cancer retreatments, fertility preservation in pediatric patients receiving radiation, and clinical workflow improvements.

Current research

He is working with Dr. Nima Nabavizadeh,  chief medical officer of CEDAR, to present cases of novel cancer diagnosis utilizing multi-cancer early detection liquid biopsies. Many of these diagnoses have been made through the PATHFINDER study prior to any other presentation and bought the patients valuable diagnostic and treatment time.

Factors Associated With Open Access Publishing Costs in Oncology Journals: Cross-sectional Observational Study. Koong A, Gardner UG, Burton J, Stewart C, Thompson P, Fuller CD, Ludmir EB, Rooney MK.JMIR Form Res. 2023 Mar 16;7:e44633. doi: 10.2196/44633.

Research focus

Dr. Kaya is passionate about promoting diversity in the field of radiation oncology, mentorship at all career stages, increasing exposure of radiation oncology through medical education, and advancing radiation therapy applications. 

Current research 

Her current research topics includes breast cancer, proton therapy, eye plaque brachytherapy, radiation oncology education and outreach to medical students, and women in the radiation oncology workforce.

Current publications

Bilateral vision loss as initial presentation of chronic myeloid leukemia in a young adult: A case report and review of the literature. Brown NJ, Kaya EA, Haymore JG, Gioia LV.Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2022 May 9;26:101579. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101579. eCollection 2022 Jun.PMID: 35602313 

Research focus

Dr. Powers' research interest is in early detection of cancer, improving access to cancer care, Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), genitourinary and gynecologic malignancies, and brachytherapy.

Current research

He is currently working with his research and career mentor Dr. Casey Williamson on projects specifically involving advanced imaging including MRI for brachytherapy delivery and prostate cancer staging, optimizing patient experience for brachytherapy treatment, and SBRT utilization in prostate cancer.