Leclair
My research is in the realm of breast cancer. Particular focus is on the analysis of the x-ray scatter signals from breast biopsies. Such signals are captured with a CdTe semiconductor crystal x-ray detector. Pulse-height spectra are acquired and do provide quantitative information. The research tools used are modeling, simulations, and experimental measurements. As a member of Compute Canada, I am able to perform simulations via C++ on SHARCNET (Shared Hierarchical Academic Research Network). MATLAB, a programming and numeric computing platform, is used to analyze x ray data, develop algorithms, and create models. Current focus is on modelling breast tissue in terms of stroma, fat tissue and epithelial cells. A cell model has been devised and improvements will be accomplished via experimental x-ray measurements. X-ray imaging of the biopsies with a digital specimen radiography is also a tool used.