Yihua Zhu | Radiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yihua Zhu | Radiology | Best Researcher Award

Specialist, University of California San Francisco, United States

A dedicated research specialist at the Bone Quality Research Lab within the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at UCSF, this individual focuses on the innovative application of advanced image processing and analysis techniques. Their expertise lies particularly in high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the comprehensive assessment of bone quality.

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Education 🎓

This individual earned a PhD in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences from the University of California San Francisco in June 2024, following a Master of Science in Medical Physics from the University of Pennsylvania obtained in December 2018. Their foundational education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from the University of Southern California, completed in June 2016.

Experience 🧑‍🔬

Currently serving as a Specialist in Radiology at UCSF, this researcher contributes significantly to the Bone Quality Research Lab. Prior to this role, their doctoral research at UCSF involved pioneering work in optical imaging applications within dentistry. This included the development of a novel dual-wavelength short-wave infrared (SWIR) intraoral camera for the early detection of caries, a technology featured in several NIH-funded clinical studies. Furthermore, their experience extends to the utilization of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for monitoring the remineralization process in dental lesions and the application of machine learning methodologies to enhance the precision of fluorescence-guided intraoperative therapy.

Research Interests 🦴🦷

The primary research interests of this specialist revolve around the application of advanced imaging modalities for the assessment of bone quality and the early detection and monitoring of dental caries. This includes the development and implementation of innovative optical imaging techniques, such as short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT), and the utilization of sophisticated image processing and machine learning algorithms to extract meaningful clinical information from these imaging data. Their research bridges the fields of radiology, biomedical imaging, and dentistry, with a focus on translating advanced technologies into practical diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

Publications Top Note 📚

Optimal Wavelengths for Multispectral Short Wavelength Infrared Transillumination and Reflectance Imaging for Caries Detection. Diagnostics. 2025 Apr 18. Fried D, Zhu Y. This article likely investigates the most effective wavelengths within the short-wave infrared spectrum for detecting dental caries using both transillumination and reflectance imaging techniques.

In vitro Assessment of lesion activity using simultaneous time-resolved reflectance imaging at 1300 and 1950 nm. Lasers Med Sci. 2024 Aug 27;39(1):223. Wycoff S, Zhu Y, Fried D. PMID: 39191998. This study investigated the use of time-resolved reflectance imaging at two specific wavelengths to assess the activity of dental lesions in vitro.

Clinical SWIR and CP-OCT imaging of interproximal lesions. BMC Oral Health. 2024 Aug 17;24(1):959. Zhu Y, Le O, Xue J, Wycoff S, Fried D. PMID: 39153971; PMCID: PMC11330057. This research explored the clinical application of short-wave infrared (SWIR) and cross-polarization optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT) for imaging lesions located between teeth.

Short-Wavelength Infrared Imaging of Infected and Affected Dentin. Diagnostics (Basel). 2024 Mar 30;14(7). Ng M, Ho YC, Wycoff S, Zhu Y, Fried D. PMID: 38611657; PMCID: PMC11012186. This publication focused on the use of short-wavelength infrared imaging to differentiate between infected and affected dentin, a crucial aspect in caries management. Cited by: 1.

Diagnostic Performance of Multispectral SWIR Transillumination and Reflectance Imaging for Caries Detection. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 Aug 31;13(17). Zhu Y, Ng C, Le O, Ho YC, Fried D. PMID: 37685362; PMCID: PMC10487234. This study evaluated the effectiveness of multispectral short-wave infrared transillumination and reflectance imaging techniques for the detection of dental caries. Cited by: 2.

Monitoring lesion activity on primary teeth with CP-OCT and SWIR reflectance imaging. Lasers Surg Med. 2023 Aug;55(6):601-609. Zhu Y, Kim J, Lin B, Fried D. PMID: 37172310. This study explored the use of cross-polarization optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) reflectance imaging for monitoring the activity of lesions on primary teeth. Cited by: 1.

Measurement of the Depth of Lesions on Proximal Surfaces with SWIR Multispectral Transillumination and Reflectance Imaging. Diagnostics (Basel). 2022 Feb 26;12(3). Zhu Y, Fried D. PMID: 35328150; PMCID: PMC8947190. This research focused on using short-wave infrared multispectral transillumination and reflectance imaging to measure the depth of lesions on the surfaces between teeth. Cited by: 3.

Conclusion 🎯

This research specialist has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the field of biomedical imaging, particularly in the areas of bone quality assessment and dental caries detection. Their innovative work in developing and applying advanced optical imaging techniques, coupled with their expertise in image processing and analysis, holds significant potential for improving diagnostic capabilities and ultimately enhancing patient care in both radiology and dentistry.

Prakhar Singh | Radiation Physics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Prakhar Singh | Radiation Physics | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), India

Prakhar Singh is an emerging expert in radiological applications with specialized training as a Radiological Safety Officer under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. With a strong academic foundation in physics and atmospheric sciences, he is driven by a commitment to public safety, radiological research, and environmental health. His extensive field and laboratory experience in radiation mapping, radionuclide analysis, and public health risk assessments across the Indian Himalayas have earned him distinction among early-career radiation professionals. He is recognized for his contributions to radiation dosimetry and radon-thoron exposure studies and continues to champion nuclear safety through both academic and applied research.

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🎓 Education

Prakhar Singh is currently in the final phase of his Ph.D. in Physics at Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar. His thesis focuses on a comprehensive study of radon and thoron attributable radiological parameters and associated health risks in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. This includes the measurement of background radiation levels, radionuclide mapping in the Himalayan foothills, and evaluation of exposure through groundwater, soil, and building materials. He also holds a Master’s degree in Atmospheric Physics from the same university. Complementing his formal education are international training programs, such as the ICTP-IAEA School on Nuclear Security in Italy and specialized courses in remote sensing for agricultural radiation studies.

💼 Experience

Prakhar has served as a Research Fellow at the Uttarakhand Science Education and Research Centre, Dehradun, from 2018 to 2021, where he led nuclear field studies, coordinated lab instrumentation for radiological measurements, and supervised extensive data analysis using GIS, Monte Carlo simulations, and R programming. Before this, he was a Technical Assistant at the Government Post Graduate College, New Tehri. Currently, he serves as a Radiological Safety Officer in the Radiological Applications sector under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. His field experience includes radionuclide sampling and public exposure analysis in the Great Indian Himalayas.

🔬 Research Interests

Prakhar’s primary research interests include indoor and outdoor radon/thoron dynamics, dosimetric risk assessments, natural radioactivity mapping, and radon exhalation from geological and anthropogenic materials. He focuses on understanding the correlation between environmental parameters and radiation exposure, along with modeling radiological hazards. His multidisciplinary approach integrates nuclear physics, geosciences, public health, and environmental engineering, aiming to reduce exposure risks and improve community safety in radiation-prone regions.

🏅 Awards and Honors

  • 🧠 INSPIRE Fellowship by the Government of India (2011), awarded for academic excellence and research potential in the field of natural sciences.

  • 🎓 Selected participant at the Joint ICTP-IAEA International School on Nuclear Security, Trieste, Italy (2024).

  • 🌍 Recognized contributor in multiple international conferences on radiation safety, climate impact, and environmental physics.

📚 Publications Top Note

Annual effective dose assessment of radon concentration in spring and groundwater for the population of Devprayag region in Uttarakhand Garhwal Himalayas
Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2025
➤ This study evaluates the health risks associated with radon exposure through drinking water sources in Devprayag. It provides dose estimations for different demographic groups and suggests public safety interventions.

Correlational Study of Naturally Occurring Radionuclides with Radon and Thoron Exhalation Rates in Pithoragarh District of Central Himalayas
Applied Radiation and Isotopes, April 2025
➤ DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111882
➤ This article explores the complex relationship between naturally occurring radionuclides and the exhalation behavior of radon and thoron. It provides insights into region-specific soil characteristics and their radiological implications.

Measurement of indoor radioactivity and dose derived from ²²²Rn, ²²⁰Rn and EECs by using SSNTD based technique
Radiation Protection Dosimetry, July 2024
➤ DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncad321
➤ This publication presents quantitative indoor radioactivity measurements using solid-state nuclear track detectors. It evaluates exposure to radon and thoron decay products, offering guidance for improving ventilation practices in Himalayan dwellings.

🧾 Conclusion

Prakhar Singh stands out as a dynamic professional at the intersection of radiological physics and public safety. His scholarly and technical contributions to understanding natural radiation exposure—especially in ecologically sensitive and seismically active zones—underscore his commitment to both science and society. His growing research impact, with an h-index of 7 and over 140 citations, reflects not only academic excellence but also a strong orientation toward practical solutions in radiation monitoring and health protection. As he continues to evolve as a leader in radiological safety, his work promises to contribute meaningfully to India’s nuclear safety architecture and global radiation protection initiatives. 🌏