Dr. Dylan O'Connell is an accomplished medical physicist specializing in advanced imaging techniques for precision radiation therapy applications at the intersection of physics and clinical oncology. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at UCLA Health, where he contributes to both patient care and cutting-edge research initiatives. Dr. O'Connell earned his bachelor's degree in Physics from Tufts University in 2013, establishing a strong foundation in theoretical and experimental physics before pursuing his doctoral studies. He completed his Ph.D. in Biomedical Physics at UCLA in 2018, followed by a rigorous two-year medical physics residency program at the same institution, culminating in his appointment to the faculty in 2020.
Dr. O'Connell's research program addresses critical challenges in radiation therapy through innovative computational approaches that enhance imaging precision and treatment accuracy. His pioneering work on improving 4DCT reconstruction using respiratory motion models has significantly advanced tumor tracking capabilities during radiotherapy, reducing uncertainties caused by breathing motion in thoracic and abdominal treatments. He has developed sophisticated methods for motion compensated cone-beam CT reconstruction, enabling clearer imaging during treatment delivery and facilitating more precise radiation beam targeting. His research on online adaptive therapy systems represents a paradigm shift in personalized radiation treatment, allowing clinicians to modify therapy plans in real-time based on daily anatomical changes observed during treatment sessions.
Beyond his technical contributions, Dr. O'Connell is actively shaping the future of radiation oncology through his dedicated work on in-house clinical software safety protocols, ensuring that innovative imaging techniques can be safely integrated into routine clinical practice without compromising patient care standards. His interdisciplinary approach bridges medical physics, engineering, and clinical oncology to solve pressing challenges in cancer treatment delivery systems with practical, implementable solutions. As a rising leader in the field, he balances technological innovation with patient safety considerations while advancing the frontier of precision radiation therapy. Dr. O'Connell continues to lead research that promises to further refine the accuracy, safety, and effectiveness of radiation therapy through continued development of imaging solutions that address real-world clinical challenges while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
