SU Physics alumnus wins Best Oral Presentation at nat’l nuclear conference
A Silliman University Bachelor of Science in Physics alumnus earned Best Oral Presentation honors at the 4th Philippine Nuclear Research and Development Conference (PNRDC 2025), held on December 10–11, 2025 at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute in Quezon City as part of the country’s 53rd Atomic Energy Week celebration.
John Albert Y. Fuertes (BS Physics, Batch 2025) shared his study titled “Dose Distribution Calculations in Adult Filipino Phantom using Proton Therapy PHITS Simulation,” co-authored with Asst. Prof. Liza Marie Banquerigo of Silliman University. The research explores the application of Monte Carlo simulations in medical physics, particularly in assessing dose distribution in proton beam therapy for cancer treatment.
Fuertes’ paper examined how proton fluence and dose are distributed within a mathematical phantom representing an average adult Filipino male with a brain tumor, using the Particle and Heavy-Ion Transport code System (PHITS). Results showed that the proton dose was largely concentrated in the tumor region, with approximately 99.46% of the total proton dose deposited in the target area, while secondary radiation doses were significantly lower. The findings also underscored the importance of proper radiation shielding in proton therapy facilities.
Organized annually by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), the PNRDC serves as a national platform for researchers, scientists, and stakeholders to exchange research findings, discuss nuclear science and technology applications, and engage in policy-related dialogue relevant to national development. The conference features technical sessions and paper presentations, with selected works often published in Scopus-indexed journals.
Reflecting on his participation, Fuertes said that the conference was “a good introduction … into the different applications and frontiers of nuclear physics,” adding that he was grateful for the opportunity to share his undergraduate research from Silliman University to curious minds.
