This Alumnus Took His Physics Research to the International Stage This Summer
The typical summer for a college student is a time for relaxation, visiting the beach, going on vacation somewhere, and/or hanging out with friends.
However, for recent Queensborough graduate Md Rashedul Islam (Rashid) the summer isn’t the time for such "frivolities” (yet). Instead, he spent an early part of his summer (June 15 – 19) at the Drug Information Association (DIA) 2025 Global Annual Meeting in Washington DC.
“I attended because I had just completed a research project I had been working on for over 18 months.” Rashid said. “I wanted to share my findings, seek publication opportunities, and network with professionals in the medical, pharmaceutical, and regulatory fields. I hoped to learn more about ongoing research in medical physics and explore potential career opportunities within the healthcare innovation space.”
Indeed, if there was ever a place for Rashid to accomplish his goals, then the DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting would be the place.
These annual meetings are the flagship events for the DIA. More than 4,000 attendees — including industry pioneers, regulatory experts, and healthcare professionals — from over 50 countries and seven global regions, come together to shape the future of healthcare, drug development, and regulatory science through workshops, speeches, and more.
Notably, there were over 200 sessions for attendees to visit, and one of them was dedicated exclusively to student research projects. In total, there were 150 student submissions and only 24 were selected to present.
Rashid was one of those students, and he used the opportunity to present his research in medical and radiation physics aimed at improving radiation-based cancer treatments.
“My project focuses on finding affordable, locally available bolus materials — used in radiotherapy to ensure accurate dose delivery to cancer patients. I aim to make cancer treatment more accessible, cost-effective, and safe worldwide.”
This isn’t the first time Rashid has presented his research at a conference/symposium. He’s also presented at:
- QCC Spring Student Symposium 2024
“Exploring Play-Doh as A Potential Bolus Material in Radiotherapy: Assessing Gamma Radiation and Electron Beam Attenuation Characteristics”
- CRSP 2024–2025
“Attenuation of Beta and Gamma Radiation by a Commercial Bolus Material: A Comparative Study with Locally Available Alternatives”
- QCC Undergraduate Research & Creative Works Day 2024
“Comparative Analysis of Play-Doh and Super Flex Bolus as Tissue-Equivalent Materials in Radiation Therapy” - Queens-Wide Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025
“Comparative Analysis of Play-Doh and Super Flex Bolus as Tissue-Equivalent Materials in Radiation Therapy”
That said, it’s one thing to present at a local symposium, but another to do so at an international conference — especially when most of the other selected students are either PhD Candidates or Graduate-level students — something Rashid’s mentor, Associate Physics Professor Rex Taibu was keen to point out as he sang the praises of his protégé.
“Rashid’s participation in the DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting is an extraordinary and well-earned opportunity. Presenting alongside graduate-level researchers at an international conference speaks volumes about both the quality of his work and his ability to communicate complex ideas. It’s a significant accomplishment for an undergraduate, and I believe his contributions will add meaningful value to the conference. This experience will not only broaden his academic and professional horizons but also reflect positively on Queensborough and the kind of talent we are nurturing here.”
However, Rashid’s time at the DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting wasn't marked solely by his research presentation; as he said before, aside from participating in workshops such as:
- “FDA Legislation 2025: How is Congress Preparing to Advance Innovation, Medical Product Safety, and FDA Funding?”
- “Leaders of Tomorrow” (focused on building professional networks and identifying career/publication opportunities)
- “Novel Framework and Case Study to Support Scientific Rigor: A New Community-Focused Model for Sustainable Clinical Trial Participation”
He was also there to network, learn, and explore potential career opportunities.
“I had an incredible time meeting professionals from the FDA, pharmaceutical companies, biotech industries, publishers, and fellow researchers. I even had the opportunity to meet other student presenters—many of whom were PhD candidates from prestigious universities like the University of Oxford.”
“I also gained global insight into healthcare systems in Canada, Japan, Europe, and beyond. The event helped me build strong relationships with people across government, academia, and industry—and I made lasting friendships with students from around the world.”
And now with the event behind him, what’s next for Rashid this summer?
A summer course and even more work on his research.
“I plan to present at the CUNY-Wide Undergraduate Research Symposium at LaGuardia Community College as part of my CRSP cohort. I’m also working with my research mentor to submit my research paper for publication and taking a summer class to continue my academic progress.”
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