Medical Physics Resident, Nova Scotia Health Authority
Patricia grew up in Moncton, New Brunswick, developing an interest in the sciences during high school. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Honours Physics at Dalhousie University in 2013. During her time at Dalhousie University, she worked in Dr. Ian Hill's organic electronic materials and devices laboratory. Her undergraduate research focused on understanding light propagation within organic thin-film solar cells, and improving solar cell manufacturing techniques.
Patricia began a Master of Science in Physics, with a specialization in Medical Physics at Carleton University in 2013. She transferred to the Ph.D. program inThe goal of her graduate research was to investigate radiation transport and energy deposition within the human body, resulting from radiation therapy or diagnostic radiology procedures. She used Monte Carlo simulations to develop a better understanding of the effects of radiation on the cellular level. Her graduate research led to three publications in Physics in Medicine and Biology and two in Medical Physics. In 2017, Patricia was awarded the O’Brien Foundation Alumni Fellowship, which allowed her to continue her graduate studies at Carleton University.
Patricia has been an exemplary student and the O’Brien Foundation is proud of her achievements.
NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship 2015 - 2018
Awarded to top ranked Canadian students pursuing doctoral studies based on demonstration of scholarly achievement, leadership skills, and research potential.
Various awards from the Dalhousie University physics department 2009-2013
Throughout her undergraduate degree, she received the following departmental awards:
- Highest academic average in the first three years of physics
- Highest academic average in second year physics
- Highest academic average in physics and math in the first two years
- High academic standing in first year physics
- Best female student entering second, third- and fourth-year honours physics
- Best overall student entering second- and third-year honours physics