Resident Research
Our program is designed so that residents can engage in research while meeting all ACGME and ABR training requirements. The overall length of the training program remains unchanged, even with research time. Our program offers a broad and flexible approach to research, including health services, outcomes-based, clinical, translational, and basic science research within the OHSU community.
Residents are eligible for up to 12 months of research or elective time starting in their PGY-3 year.
Research focus
Dr. Kersch’s current research interests focus on improving outcomes in central nervous system radiation therapy and advancing quality and safety in treatment delivery. Her work includes investigating long-term effects of treatment, identifying factors that influence patient outcomes, and developing quality measures that can be applied to everyday clinical practice. Through these projects, she aims to strengthen both the evidence base and the safety standards that guide patient care
Current publications
Perioperative Radiation for Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: an Updated Review After the Initial RTOG 0848 Results. Kersch CN, Grossberg AJ.J Gastrointest Cancer. 2025 Feb 22;56(1):70. doi: 10.1007/s12029-025-01185-0.PMID: 39987276 Review.
Imaging Genomics of Glioma Revisited: Analytic Methods to Understand Spatial and Temporal Heterogeneity.Kersch CN, Kim M, Stoller J, Barajas RF Jr, Park JE.AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2024 May 9;45(5):537-548. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A8148.PMID: 38548303
Deciphering spatially distinct immune microenvironments in glioblastoma using ferumoxytol and gadolinium-enhanced and FLAIR hyperintense MRI phenotypes. Stoller J, Kersch CN, Muldoon LL, Ambady P, Harrington CA, Fu R, Raslan AM, Dogan A, Neuwelt EA, Barajas RF Jr.Neurooncol Adv. 2023 Nov 8;5(1):vdad148. doi: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad148. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec. PMID: 38077209
Research focus
Dr. Burton's current research interests are centered on patient safety and early cancer detection strategies. He is focused on a number of safety improvement projects looking at repeat early stage lung cancer retreatments, fertility preservation in pediatric patients receiving radiation, and clinical workflow improvements.
Current publications
Factors Associated With Open Access Publishing Costs in Oncology Journals: Cross-sectional Observational Study. Koong A, Gardner UG, Burton J, Stewart C, Thompson P, Fuller CD, Ludmir EB, Rooney MK.JMIR Form Res. 2023 Mar 16;7:e44633. doi: 10.2196/44633.
Research focus
Dr. Kaya is passionate about promoting diversity in radiation oncology, supporting mentorship across all career stages, and increasing exposure to the specialty through medical education. She is also committed to advancing clinical applications of radiation therapy and strengthening the role of women in the workforce. Her current research interests include breast cancer, proton therapy, eye plaque brachytherapy, radiation oncology education and outreach.
Current publications
The current state of proton radiotherapy. Powers C, Kaya E, Bertinetti A, Hung A.Curr Probl Cancer. 2024 Dec;53:101153. doi: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2024.101153. Epub 2024 Oct 16.PMID: 39413574 Review.
Assessment of Approaches Promoting Virtual Radiation Oncology Educational Content to Medical StudentsMattes MD, Kaya EA, Thomas RJ, Chaurasia AR, Ponce SEB, Vidal G, Franco I, Longo JM, Pardo DAD, Vega RBM, Mohindra P, Diaz R, Patel S, Deville C Jr.Adv Radiat Oncol. 2025 Feb 2;10(4):101734. doi: 10.1016/j.adro.2025.101734. eCollection 2025 Apr. PMID: 40092575
The Society for Women in Radiation Oncology 5 Years Later: Connection, Representation, and Inclusivity Matter.Krc R, Baniel CC, Lichter K, Jatar S, Peters GW, Taswell CS, Ponce SB, MacDuffie E, LeCompte MC, Chen JJ, Wang K, LoTemplio A, Saripalli A, Kaya E, Barry P, Masters AH, Jagsi R, Kahn JM.Pract Radiat Oncol. 2025 May 26:S1879-8500(25)00148-1. doi: 10.1016/j.prro.2025.05.005.
Research focus
Dr. Powers’ research interests focus on improving cancer detection and access to care, as well as advancing radiation therapy techniques for genitourinary and gynecologic malignancies. He is involved in projects with his mentor, Dr. Casey Williamson, that include using advanced imaging such as MRI for brachytherapy delivery and prostate cancer staging, optimizing the patient experience during brachytherapy, and studying the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy in prostate cancer.
Current publications
The current state of proton radiotherapy. Powers C, Kaya E, Bertinetti A, Hung A.Curr Probl Cancer. 2024 Dec;53:101153. doi: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2024.101153. Epub 2024 Oct 16.PMID: 39413574 Review.
Evidence Based Strategies in the Management of Localized Prostate Cancer and the Role of Brachytherapy.Petereit DG, Powers C, Frank SJ, Rossi P, Keyes M.S D Med. 2023 Jan;76(1):16-23.PMID: 36897785