Stories from Japan: An Iranian Woman’s Journey of Self-Discovery from PhD at Osaka University, Japan, to Proton Medical Physicist in VA, USA

In 2003 I embarked on a transformative journey to Osaka University’s Graduate School of Engineering Science. As an Iranian woman, I immersed myself in Professor Kitagawa’s cutting-edge quantum computing lab. Japan has a rich culture and a rigorous academic environment. I felt welcomed in my first foray beyond the borders of my homeland.

My tenure at Osaka University proved to be more than an academic pursuit. Mine was a journey of self-discovery as I navigated cultural nuances, language barriers and the distance from my family. I initially perceived these as limitations, but they became the crucible in which I forged resilience and determination, discovering an innate power within.

Following the completion of my Ph.D. in 2006, I felt honored to become a JSPS Research Fellow. But my journey took a different trajectory when I returned to Iran as an assistant professor of physics. Academia in Iran stifled my spirit, prompting me to seek intellectual freedom.

The Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, Canada, became my new academic haven. But life had even more changes in store for me. This time, I delved into the realm of medical physics. I earned a Certificate in Medical Physics from the University of Chicago, completed a Medical Physics Residency at the University of Miami, and finalized my training at the UPenn Proton Center. In 2019 I joined Inova, near Washington, D.C., as a Medical Physicist specializing in Proton Therapy. I also became a Diplomat of the American Board of Radiology (DABR), playing a crucial role in the commissioning of the proton beam.

Reflecting on this incredible journey, my experience at Osaka University and with the Kitagawa lab stand out as pivotal. The cultural diversity and scientific rigor of the environment molded me into a strong, independent, and empowered woman. This, with the mentorship of Professor Kitagawa, instilled an ethos of self-discovery and empowerment. This is what propels me to apply science, bringing hope and healing to cancer patients.

Beside my career accomplishments stand my family. I am now the proud mother of two daughters, Anna and Aysa. As I’ve charted my path, I am determined to empower them to be strong women who create their destinies and find success in life. Anna, born in Osaka, has a deep love for Japan and even learns the Japanese language—a skill her mother never quite mastered. We often visit Japan, and this past summer, we celebrated her 15th birthday in the vibrant heart of Tokyo.

From Osaka University to the forefront of medical physics, this journey encapsulates the power of diversity, the strength derived from cultural immersion, and the indomitable spirit nurtured in the Kitagawa lab. As I continue my journey, I am driven by the desire to rekindle and strengthen my connections with Japan, a nation that not only welcomed me during my formative years at Osaka University but also ignited my passion for the limitless potential of quantum computing. My experiences there have instilled in me a profound appreciation for Japan’s rich culture and its unwavering commitment to scientific excellence.

I am eager to harness the quantum computing power that captivated me. Particle therapy has profound implications in the realm of cutting-edge cancer treatment. I aspire to serve as a bridge, fostering robust collaborations and knowledge exchange between Japan’s distinguished expertise in particle therapy and the dynamic landscape of radiation oncology in the United States. Through this endeavor, I hope to contribute to advancements in cancer care, bringing hope and healing to even more patients, both in Japan and across the globe.

Opened cyclotron (clinical proton beam) for semi-annual preventative maintenance.