Reflection Blog

This project felt more like a research project than a school project. I learned various skills during my coding and refinement. I first learned how to code using Terminal. Before, I had never known Terminal was even a thing. Python had been my go-to coding method. In essence, Terminal is a way for you to code with direct access to your files. I was also introduced to various tools that could aid me, like Jupyter Notebook (thanks Luke :P). I learned to work with a complex Monte Carlo simulation framework – Geant4. This was made by CERN so a lot of the code involved was way above my prior level of expertise. Setting this up with TOPAS was definitely a unique experience. I had never thought setting up code would be harder than actually coding something!  

While doing the project, I picked up various techniques. I learned how to create files in Terminal, make directories, cd, ls, and more. I also was able to incorporate python into Terminal. With python, I discovered how to generate heatmaps and also line graphs, transforming a pure data set into a new one with dimensions of my choice, which I could then alter and graph. I have also learned a lot of things relating to the topic itself. I looked into the physics behind Inverse Compton Scattering, and realized the potential for Inverse Compton Sources in today’s world, in areas like material science and industry, but more importantly in medical imaging.

I enjoyed the mentorship process in this project. I was able to meet the wonderful Dr. Balsa Terzic, who shared his expertise in the field of accelerator physics. He helped guide my first steps into this project, and worked alongside me throughout. While I was building my own setups, he was also on his own computer, running Geant4 and TOPAS, building a different setup. We were able to exchange code and ideas, and troubleshoot together. Mr. Adams was also a great help. He was always there to check in with me, to make sure things were going smoothly. He gave me the most useful advice, and the best questions that made me realize what steps I could take to improve my research, or what gaps I had to fill in. 

Looking forward, I expect to continue doing work on this topic in college. There is plenty left to explore, more advancements to be made, and a lot of promise in this area of medical physics.