Yong Long selected as Barbour Scholar

Yong Long, PhD student in the Electrical Engineering: Systems program, has been selected as a Barbour Scholar for the 2010-11 academic year. She is working with Professor Jeffrey Fessler in EECS-ECE Division, as well as Prof. James M. Balter in the Medical School, Department of Radiation Oncology,

Long conducts research in statistical image reconstruction for X-ray CT, medical image registration and their applications to radiotherapy. She describes her research in improving the quality of CT image and radiotherapy:

“3D statistical image reconstruction methods have the potential to significantly improve image quality and reduce patient X-ray dose in medical computed tomography (CT) scans. The primary drawback of statistical methods compared to conventional image reconstruction methods is the increased computation time. We have developed a new algorithm for performing the most computationally expensive portion of statistical methods in a way that requires less computation than traditional methods yet provides improved image quality.

Estimating motion of tumors from a series of projection radiographs acquired during arc therapy using a reference CT volume has become a promising technique for targeting treatment. We have investigated the influence of rotational arc length on accuracy limits of projection-to-volume registration. These information limits will impact not only the complexity and operational parameters of positioning or tracking methodologies, but more importantly may indicate optimal design of radiographic localization technology integrated with linear accelerators.”

About the Award

The Rackham Barbour Scholarship was established in 1914 by Levi L. Barbour to recognize women at the University of Michigan of the highest academic and professional caliber from the area formerly known as the Orient to study modern science, medicine, mathematics and other academic disciplines and professions critical to the development of their native lands.