Quantcast
Channel: News from Baltimore County Public Schools, Maryland
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 2705

Perry Hall High student to present research at International Conference on Medical Physics: Ajay Mahesh to travel to Great Britain symposium this weekend

$
0
0
TOWSON – A Perry Hall senior will join researchers at Johns Hopkins University next week to present their research on reducing radiation and improving the efficiency of CT scanners at the 20th annual International Conference on Medical Physics in Brighton, England. Ajay Mahesh, 16, will be among a team of researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine who last year began studying ways to improve Computed Tomography scanners, which use x-rays to make detailed images of structures inside the human body. He chose the topic as part of a new BCPS independent research course he took at Perry Hall High and borrowed scanners at JHU to do his research.  Ajay, the son of Mahadevappa and Vasantha Mahesh of Perry Hall, used a computer program called "SAFIRE" to discover an algorithm that both produces better images for physicians to examine and reduces radiation absorbed by the body. He presented his work last spring at the BCPS Research Symposium at Eastern Technical High School. The symposium showcased the results of the yearlong independent research projects conducted by 25 students from seven BCPS high schools. The students were among those selected to participate in the school system's inaugural research course, which involved acquiring research mentors, conducting literature reviews, developing research proposals, engaging in the research and developing and presenting conclusions. Detailing his work before an international audience of scientists and physicians is "not something I ever dreamed about," Ajay said. "I never expected to go to another country to present." As a child, Ajay says he admired the work that his father, a medical physicist, and his colleagues did at Hopkins, and he hoped to follow in their footsteps. "I recognize that this is now an opportunity for others to recognize my research," Ajay says. "I used to look up to these people, and now they can look at my work as I have looked at theirs."  Ajay's principal at Perry Hall, George Roberts, already is a fan. "Ajay is a stellar student at Perry Hall High School," Roberts says. "His participation in BCPS' innovative Independent Research Seminar and presentation at the inaugural BCPS Research Symposium this past spring is indicative of his strong work ethic and bright future. We are excited and proud that he will be presenting his research in the United Kingdom as part of the Johns Hopkins research team." Sponsored by the International Organization for Medical Physics, the conference annually explores the contributions that physics and engineering can make to health care. This year's program, titled "New Horizons – Global and Scientific," will showcase current research, educational and professional development and advances in the fields of medical physics and biomedical engineering. It will be held September 1-4 at the Brighton International Centre in the English southern coastal city of Brighton. Ajay plans to become either a physician or a medical physicist. He plans to study biomedical physics after graduation and is considering several colleges, including Hopkins, the University of Maryland - College Park, the University of Maryland – Baltimore County, Penn State or Drexel. 

Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 2705

Trending Articles