RIT Student Assists in Groundbreaking Cancer Study

Mike Zelinski has always had a passion for science and a love of traveling. Thanks to RIT’s cooperative education program he is able to pursue both, while quite possibly saving lives in the process.

Zelinski, a fourth year student in the Center for Imaging Sciences (CIS), is spending his summer in Roskilde, Denmark working for Risoe National Laboratory under Denmark’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Working with a team of scientists, Zelinski uses mathematical models and high level imaging equipment to observe and record the properties of cancerous brain tissue. By analyzing the results researches hope to be able to provide faster and more accurate diagnosis of certain types of cancers.

Zelinski recognizes the real world impact he is having, which is one reason he entered the co-op program.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to get amazing work experience in a wonderful environment while making a real difference in so many people’s lives,” Zelinski says. “I am incredibly grateful to RIT for the chance to use the skills and knowledge I gained at imaging science while I am still learning and growing in my field.”

Joe Pow, associate director for CIS, is happy one of his students has been able to have such a positive and educational experience with a prestigious scientific institute.

“We are all very proud of Mike and the work he is doing. I am confident this assignment will assist in making him a better student and ultimately a better scientist,” Pow notes.

RIT’s Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Sciences is nationally recognized for its educational and research opportunities in digital imaging, remote sensing and optics.