Schueler Laboratory
Emil Schueler, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Areas of Research
- Radiation Physics
- Radiation Therapy
Welcome to the Schueler lab at MD Anderson Cancer Center! In our lab we are studying novel radiation therapies, specifically ultra-high-dose-rate (FLASH) RT.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and radiation therapy (RT) contributes to cancer cure for more patients than any single treatment modality. Yet, a key barrier undermining the potential for cure is short-term and long-term toxicity to normal tissues. FLASH RT (dose rates > 40 Gy/s) has recently been shown to have increased normal tissue sparing compared to the same dose delivered with conventionally used dose rates (~0.1 Gy/s), without reducing the tumor cure probability.
The overall goal of our group is to develop the methodologies, tools and techniques needed for the successful transfer of FLASH RT into the clinical setting. We have a multi-disciplinary research approach where we use the skills of our group members and collaborators within the fields of engineering, medical physics, medicine, molecular biology, and immunology to maximizing the therapeutic window when utilizing FLASH RT while ensuring a high accuracy and precision of the entire treatment.
About Emil Schueler, Ph.D.
Dr. Schueler is an assistant professor in the radiation physics department at MD Anderson Cancer Center, specializing in the development of novel treatment modalities and techniques to improve and expand the arsenal of cancer therapies. With a present focus on ultra-high-dose-rate (FLASH) RT. This technique requires dose rates >100 times faster than conventional RT and has been shown to produce less normal tissue toxicity while maintaining tumor control compared to conventional irradiation (named the FLASH effect), potentially representing a new paradigm in radiation oncology.
Life in the Lab
Selected Publications
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International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics
Experimental Platform for Ultra-high Dose Rate FLASH Irradiation of Small Animals Using a Clinical Linear Accelerator
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Medical Physics
Ultra‐high dose rate electron beams and the FLASH effect: From preclinical evidence to a new radiotherapy paradigm
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International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics
Experimental Platform for Ultra-high Dose Rate FLASH Irradiation of Small Animals Using a Clinical Linear Accelerator
Join the Schueler Lab
Postdoctoral Scholars
We are always looking for talented and driven postdoctoral scholars interested in our research. Please contact Dr. Schueler with inquiries. Please be prepared to provide your cover letter, CV, publications list and contact information for three references. In addition, please include a few sentences highlighting what you would like to learn and what you think you can contribute to the group.
Graduate Students
We are always interested in recruiting highly-motivated graduate students who are passionate about radiation physics and radiobiology. Students interested in rotations are encouraged to email Dr. Schueler (ESchueler@mdanderson.org), to discuss current projects in the laboratory.
A rotation in our laboratory will help a student define if our laboratory is a good match for you, understand what projects are available, and learn the basics of FLASH RT.
If you are not a current student at MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, please submit your application to appropriate graduate programs. You may also contact Dr. Schueler for help with selecting a program.
Undergraduate Students
We are always interested in undergraduate students who are committed to research. All undergraduates are encouraged to start in the summer after freshman year. In your inquiry to Dr. Schueler, please attach your transcript (unofficial is fine), a description of your research interests and any applicable experience.