Dr Oluwabamise Adeleye graduated with a PhD in Physics after investigating radiation dose and cancer risk estimates from tuberculosis (TB) infections imaging.
Adeleye completed his PhD in three years, and two international examiners passed his work with no corrections. He has published two papers from his study, with additional papers in progress. He presented on this work at the 17th Asia-Oceania Congress of Medical Physics in India in 2017.
His research was concerned with exploring the correlations between cancer risk and radiation exposure in patients with tuberculosis (TB) since patients infected with the disease are assessed using Computed Tomography (CT) and the integrated Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT imaging techniques are generally considered as high-dose modalities. Using different scanners, Adeleye investigated this correlation and recommended that practitioners explore how to reduce exposure through optimised scanner protocols based on individual scanners used.
Adeleye was interested in this line of research after realising the gap in published information about adherence to technical recommendations or guidelines in optimising scanning protocols for individual patients based on individual scanners. In an environment with increasing demand for these diagnostic regimens due to the prevalence of HIV infection and related opportunistic diseases such as TB, Adeleye recognised the need for further research that advocates for careful selection of parameters in imaging protocols to ensure optimised dose prescription and minimum radiation exposure.
Adeleye completed his undergraduate degree in Applied Physics at Ekiti State University, Nigeria, and his Master’s degree in Radiation and Health Physics at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He chose to pursue his PhD at UKZN thanks to the University’s reputation for being a friendly environment conducive to producing excellent research.
His hunger for knowledge is, he says, still not satisfied. He plans to continue with postdoctoral research and then pursue a career in academia or biomedical physics. He is also passionate about working to help other students achieve their potential.
He said his supervisor, Professor Naven Chetty, deserved special thanks for his assistance and mentorship. He also thanked his parents for their continued encouragement, support and prayers.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal
