Meet Our Team
The BIRTLab is part of the Department of Radiation Oncology and Division of Physics & Engineering, and collaborates with various departments at UT Southwestern, as well as outside facilities.
Meet the Principal Investigator
Ken Kang-Hsin Wang, Ph.D., DABR
Ken grew up in Taipei, a bustling metropolis located in northern Taiwan. He received his B.Sc. in physics from the National Central University in Taiwan. His early research focused on theoretical condensed matter physics. He later pursued his Ph.D. in physics at the University of Rochester, NY. He devoted himself to the field of photodynamic therapy for his Ph.D. studies and postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania. After his postdoctoral training, he continued his medical physics residency at the University of Pennsylvania.
In 2012, Ken joined Johns Hopkins Hospital as a senior medical physicist and assistant professor. During his time at Hopkins, he made significant advances in optical tomography-guided radiation therapy for pre-clinical research. In 2020, Ken was recruited to UT Southwestern Medical Center as CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research and faculty in the Department of Radiation Oncology.
Ken enjoys scientific discussions with group members and colleagues. Sometimes, he can throw out many random ideas (be prepared).
Outside of research activities, he likes to hang out with his wife, Jen, and two little boys Caden and Aidan.
Current Lab Members
Xiangkun Xu, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Xiangkun received his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Science and Technology of China. His Ph.D. study is in the field of quantum control and quantum information processing based on nitrogen-vacancy color centers in diamonds.
In 2017, Xiangkun joined the Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiation Molecular Sciences at Johns Hopkins University as a postdoctoral fellow, where he received professional training in small animal optical imaging and radiation therapy. His research includes developing bioluminescence tomography (BLT) to achieve target volume reconstruction for conformal radiation guidance in vivo. In October 2020, Xiangkun moved with Dr. Ken Wang’s group to the Department of Radiation Oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. His current work focuses on optical system calibration, reconstruction algorithm development, and in vivo experiments to assess the BLT-guided system in preclinical radiation research.
Zhishen Tong, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Zhishen received his Ph.D. in optics from Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2021. His Ph.D. study focused on ghost imaging and sparse signal recovery under the supervision of Dr. Shensheng Han. Later, as a visiting scholar, he worked with Dr. Xin Yuan in the field of snapshot compressive imaging at Westlake University.
In 2021, Zhishen joined the BIRTLab, and his research is focused on developing a computational hyperspectral imaging system and solving ill-posed inverse problems for the quantitatively bioluminescence tomography (QBLT) and cell tracking in vivo. His research interests include computational imaging, biomedical imaging, super-resolution imaging, compressive sensing, and machine learning. In his free time, he likes swimming, hiking, and exercising at the gym.
Beichuan Deng, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Beichuan received his Ph.D. degree in mathematics from Wayne State University in 2018, and his research study focused on numerical methods and deep learning methods for solving partial differential equations. He worked as postdoctoral scholar at Purdue University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Beichuan joined BIRTLab in 2023, and his current research is mainly about developing accurate reconstruction algorithm for the quantitative bioluminescence tomography (QBLT) and the applications of deep learning methods in radiation oncology. In his leisure time, he likes staying with his family and playing soccer.
Banghao Zhou, M.S.
Graduate Student, Biomedical Engineering Program
Banghao received his bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering from Xi'an Jiaotong University and his master's degree in medical physics from Duke Kunshan University. His previous research focused on Monte Carlo simulation and related dosimetric analysis.
In 2021, Banghao enrolled in UTSW's Biomedical Engineering Program - Medical Physics Track and joined the BIRTLab. His current research interests include developing the treatment planning system for ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) radiotherapy and building a small animal mobile CBCT system for pre-clinical study.
Banghao comes from Xi'an, China. He enjoys playing soccer, riding mountain bikes, and doing outdoor activities.
Lixiang Guo, M.S.
Graduate Student, Biomedical Engineering Program
Lixiang came from Henan, China. He received his bachelor’s degree from Lanzhou University and master’s degree from Tsinghua University—both in the field of radiation protection. His previous research focused on ionizing radiation exposure of the Beijing population.
In 2021, Lixiang joined Biomedical Engineering Program – Medical Physics Track and BIRTLab of UT Southwestern. His current research focuses on the mechanism of ultra-high-dose rate (FLASH) radiotherapy and modification of a LINAC into FLASH mode.
During his spare time, he enjoys cooking delicious cuisine and sports, such as swimming.
Yi-Chun Tsai
Research Associate
Yi-Chun earned her bachelor's degree in medical radiation technology from Kaohsiung Medical University and her master's degree in medical imaging and radiological sciences from Chang Gung University, both in Taiwan.
In 2008, Yi-Chun began her career as a medical physicist in the Department of Oncology at National Taiwan University Hospital where she received professional training in radiation therapy and became a certified medical physicist. From 2021 to 2023, she supported the newly established National Taiwan University Cancer Center where she helped establish the Department of Radiation Oncology. Her research during that time was focused on dosimetry and solving clinical problems.
In May 2024, Yi-Chun joined the BIRTLab. Her current work focuses on coordinating the installation, commissioning, and quality assurance program for the X-ray kV FLASH irradiator.
In her free time, Yi-Chun enjoys spending time in nature and watching TV series.
Ciara Newman
Research Technician
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Ciara earned her B.S. in biochemistry from Illinois State University in 2020. In 2021, she joined the BIRTLab to gain experience in cancer research before pursuing graduate studies. Ciara's current research focuses on in vivo experiments to track the spread of lung cancer. In her free time, she enjoys reading, creating art, and nature.
Lab Alumni
| Name | BIRTLab Role |
| Laurel Bael | Summer intern |
| Zijian Deng, Ph.D. | Instructor |
| Luke Hardy, Ph.D. | Postdoc researcher |
| Daniel Sforza, Ph.D. | Postdoc researcher |
| Yu-Pei Tseng, Ph.D. | Postdoc researcher |
| Yidong Yang, Ph.D. | Physics resident |
| Jingjing Yu, Ph.D. | Visiting scholar |
| Bin Zhang, Ph.D. | Postdoc researcher |