Justin Yang - Dissertation du lauréat, 2025
From a young age, I was fascinated by how the natural world worked. I conducted a science fair project to prevent banana decay using batteries. This curiosity led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Medical Biophysics at Western University, where I graduated with the highest cumulative average (97.4/100) and received six academic merit-based scholarships.
During my studies, I earned three national research awards. One project measured x-ray image quality using detective quantum efficiency. I devised a correction formula by adapting an audio signaling theorem to improve accuracy. I also collaborated with researchers from Mbarara University (Uganda) on an accessible malaria diagnostic device. I led the prototyping of a low-cost digital microscope based on Fourier ptychography, a physics principle that allowed reconstruction of high-quality images comparable to laboratory-grade microscopes (~$20,000) using only $200. I presented this work at numerous conferences, earning awards for best oral and poster presentations. The device will be tested on-site in Uganda in 2025.
My desire to make a meaningful impact on human health led me to pursue an MD at Western University. Now in my second year, I have developed an interest in oncology and the role of technology in patient care. Currently, I am working on an AI-assisted organ contouring project for gynecological brachytherapy to improve treatment precision. I also initiated a community project educating newcomers about cancer care pathways in Canada. As a future physician, I aspire to bridge research and clinical practice, bringing cutting-edge innovations into oncology to improve patient outcomes.