| Gurjit Singh Sidhu was awarded the International Science and Engineering Fair Prize 2005 for his project testing equipment to measure the dose of radiation that cancer cells receive during radiotherapy.
The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) CREST science fair held in London, which showcases science and technology projects from students aged 11-18, has given Gurjit the chance to attend the International Science and Engineering Fair to be held in Phoenix, Arizona, in May.
“When patients undergo radiotherapy, there is currently no way of verifying the dose they receive other than relying on the x-ray machine,” explained Gurjit.
“By placing diodes at the surface of the skin above the tumour, it’s possible to calculate the dose the cancer cells receive.”
Diodes are not currently in use in hospitals, and for the NHS to take on new technology it must first be rigorously tested. It was this testing that Gurjit was involved in.
“Diodes were first used about 15 years ago, but were scrapped because they were of such poor quality,” said Gurjit. “As diodes have improved, the team at Ninewells were keen to look into using this method again.”
Gurjit was invited to test the diodes as a research project at Ninewells, by head of the radiotherapy department John Parry, making him the first person to be carrying out this research at the hospital since the first abortive attempts 15 years ago.
Gurjit is currently studying for his Advanced Higher examinations and will go on to study Mechanical Engineering next year at the University of Strathclyde, where he has an unconditional offer. |
