Students: Layan Suleiman & Ying Wu
Project: Optimizing Treatment Planning for Proton Therapy | View Poster (PDF)
Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Advisor: Tamas Terlaky
Abstract
Cancer treatments have been continuously evolving as scientists work on maximizing effectiveness and minimizing side effects. The Royal College of Radiologists estimates that approximately 40% of cured cancer patients were treated with radiation therapy. There are two methods of administering radiation to cancerous cells: X-ray (photon) and proton. Proton therapy, specifically, is a type of radiation therapy that delivers proton beams to target cancerous tissue. The goal of optimizing this type of treatment is to maximize the dose received in the tumor, minimize exposure to healthy tissue, and reduce side effects for the patient. In order to achieve this effective and efficient treatment plan, real patient data is utilized to develop usable simulations that allow for case-specific optimization.
About Layan Suleiman
Layan Suleiman is pursuing a degree in industrial and systems engineering with minors in business and computer science. At Lehigh, she conducted research as a Campus Sustainability Impact Fellow, pioneering ways to decrease the recycling contamination rate on campus. She is president of the Middle Eastern Student Union where she aims to create a welcoming community for Middle Eastern students on campus, and strives to make connections with the surrounding Lehigh Valley community. Outside Lehigh, she holds an advisory position in which she guides a cohort of 20 international students from Saudi Arabia to ensure their academic, emotional, and social success. In addition, she volunteers for the Philadelphia branch of the Muslim Interscholastic Tournament (MIST). In her free time, Layan focuses on her self-established embroidery business and uses it to amplify topics she is passionate about. Layan plans to pursue a postgraduate degree in an interdisciplinary topic that combines both business and engineering topics.
About Ying Wu
Ying Wu is pursuing an Industrial and Systems Engineering major with a concentration in manufacturing. She is also working towards a business minor. At Lehigh, Ying is the secretary for the academic and professional sorority, Alpha Omega Epsilon. Every spring semester, she plays the flute in the symphonic band. Furthermore, she is involved with the Mentor Collective, advising two freshmen in their transition into university life. She is also a resident assistant through the Gryphon Society in a freshmen S.T.E.M. dorm. Ying is a part of the R.A.R.E. (Rapidly Accelerated Research Experience) Program for under-represented, undergraduate students. She worked with STEM-SI to research how COVID-19 impacted the finances of the Californian hospital system. Additionally, she recently got inducted into the Martindale Center for the Study of Private Enterprise. After graduating from Lehigh, Ying plans to pursue a graduate degree in supply chain and business.