A SILLIMAN University alumnus was recently honored with the Best Oral Presentation award at the 4th Philippine Nuclear Research and Development Conference, held at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute in Quezon City.

John Albert Fuertes received the accolade for his study on dose distribution in proton beam therapy simulations, co-authored with Assistant Professor Liza Marie Banquerigo of Silliman University.

His research employed Monte Carlo simulations to examine how proton doses are distributed within a mathematical model of an average adult Filipino male with a brain tumor, highlighting applications in medical physics and cancer treatment.

The study revealed that nearly all of the proton dose concentrated in the tumor region, underscoring the precision of proton therapy and the importance of adequate radiation shielding in treatment facilities.

Organized by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, the PNRDC provides a national platform for presenting research and discussing the practical applications of nuclear science and technology.

Fuertes noted that the conference offered a valuable introduction “to the broader applications of nuclear physics and an opportunity to share undergraduate research conducted at Silliman University with a wider scientific audience.”