R. Scott Brock

• 1. 8801 Michaux Lane
  2. Henrico
  3. VA
  4. 23229-6337
  5. USA
• 18048403254
• brock@rsbrock.com
• vcard

Computational Physicist

My interests are in applying computational methods to problems in physics. In these endeavors, I use cutting-edge and traditional methods to create computational models of physical systems in order to simulate phenomena of interest. Examples of current and prior research include studying visible light interaction with biological cells to determine key morphological properties, visible light interaction with tissues to determine effects of bulk tissue properties, x-ray interaction with tissues for CT reconstruction, and hydrodynamic modeling of blood flow to determine cardiovascular anomalies (stenoses).

Skills

• 2+ years Postdoctoral research, 7+ years graduate research assistant
• Developing, improving, and implementing solutions to complex problems
• Acquiring and analyzing data
• Reporting findings (written and oral): in-house, conferences, and journals
• Searching literature and compiling existing ideas, methods, and solutions
• Simulating optical systems: both particle and wave phenomena
• Programming in C, Fortran, Python, Matlab, MPI, OpenMP, OpenCL
• Implementing shared and distributed memory parallel methods
• Installing and administering Linux research clusters
• Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, XML, RelaxNG
• Methods: Monte-Carlo, Finite-Difference Time Domain, B-splines, marching tetrahedra, non-linear optimization, image processing (morphological and statistical), many more

Experience

1. Independent Researcher, Henrico, VA (08/11-present)

   • Continued collaboration at ECU: modeling scattering related to flow cytometry

2. Visiting Assistant Research Professor, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC (05/11-08/11)

   • Investigated methods for creating 3D models from confocal microscopy images
   • Developed light scattering simulation software

3. Independent Researcher, Henrico, VA (01/11-05/11)

   • Continued collaboration at VCU: acquired/analyzed simulation data related to 4D cone-beam CT treatment
   • New collaboration at ECU: acquired/analyzed simulation data related to a new flow cytometry method
   • Setup research cluster of 19 nodes (60 cores) with Debian Linux OS

4. Postdoctoral Scholar, VCU Health System, Richmond, VA (05/08-12/10)

   • Appointment via NRSA Institutional Research Training Grant (T32)
   • Investigated methods for cone-beam CT reconstruction using a small number (<100) radiographs and a previously acquired fan-beam CT
   • Further education: medical imaging and radiobiology

5. Instructor, East Carolina University (01/08-05/08)

   • Algebra based general physics

6. Independent Researcher, Greenville, NC (01/03-01/05)

   • Investigated methods for detecting stenoses in carotid artery
   • Collaboration with Drs. Pravica and Day resulted in patent award

7. Research/Teaching Assistant, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC (08/00-RA:12/07,TA:12/03)

   • Investigated light scattering by turbid media (soft tissues)
   • Investigated computational modeling of biological cells
   • Investigated light scattering by biological cells
   • Investigated pseudo-random number generators for suitability of use in Monte Carlo simulations
   • Setup and administered two research clusters; one Redhat Linux, one Gentoo Linux
   • Laboratory Instructor for General Physics, Astronomy, and Acoustics

8. Vice-President, Property Management Associates, Inc., Greenville, NC (03/91-07/99)

   • Helped promote PMA, Inc. growth from two employees handling fewer than 100 units to five employees handling more than 1000 units plus two full-time maintenance employees.
   • Computer hardware and software acquisition, installation, administration (MS Windows network, Quickbooks accounting, Landmaster rental, MS Office)
   • Oversight of clerical systems: electronic and paper systems
   • Bookkeeping, account reconciliation, and financial reporting
   • Reviewed tenant applications
   • Handled delinquent accounts, evictions, and other small claims proceedings

Education

1. 1. 2000
   2. BS Physics
   3. East Carolina University
2. 1. 2000
   2. BA Mathematics, conc. Computer Science
   3. East Carolina University
3. 1. 2007
   2. PhD Biomedical Physics
   3. East Carolina University
   4. Dissertation: “Modeling of Light Scattering by Biological Cells Using a Finite-Difference Time Domain Method”
4. Attended Pitt Community College (1989-90): Accounting, Economics, other college transfer

Awards, Honors, and Service

• Patent: “Methods, systems, and computer program products for analyzing cardiovascular sounds using eigenfunctions”, D. W. Pravica, O. W. Day, Jr., R. S. Brock, US patent no. 7621875, issue date November 24, 2009
• Appointed postdoc under an NRSA Institutional Research Training Grant (T32), 2008
• Among 150 students in the Southeastern US chosen for “Lunch with the Laureates” at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, 2005
• Vice-President of the ECU Physics Graduate Student Association, 2003
• Represented ECU at the ACM Mid-Atlantic Regional Programming Contest, 1999, 2000
• Awarded first place in the ECU programming contest, 1999, 2000
• Awarded five ECU Graduate School travel grants, 2003, 2005, 2005, 2006, 2006

Publications

1. 1. D. Staub, A. Docef, R. S. Brock, C. Vaman, and M. J. Murphy
   2. 4D Cone-beam CT reconstruction using a motion model based on principal component analysis
   3. Med Phys
   4. 38
   5. 6697–6709
   6. 2011
   7. DOI
2. 1. K. Dong, Y. Feng, K.M. Jacobs, J.Q. Lu, R.S. Brock, L.V. Yang, F.E. Bertrand, M.A. Farwell, X.H. Hu
   2. Label-free classification of cultured cells through diffraction imaging
   3. Biomed Opt Express
   4. 2
   5. 1717–1726
   6. 2011
   7. DOI
3. 1. R. S. Brock, A. Docef, M. Murphy
   2. Reconstruction of a cone-beam CT image via forward iterative projection matching
   3. Med Phys
   4. 37
   5. 6212–6220
   6. 2010
   7. DOI
4. 1. L. Bi, P. Yang, G.W. Kattawar, B.A. Baum, Y. X. Hu, D.M. Winker, R.S. Brock, J.Q. Lu
   2. Simulation of the color ratio associated with the backscattering of radiation by ice particles at the wavelengths of 0.532 and 1.064μm
   3. J Geophys Res
   4. 114
   5. 1492–1508
   6. 2009
   7. DOI
5. 1. J.Q. Lu, C. Chen, D.W. Pravica, R.S. Brock, X.H. Hu
   2. Validity of a closed-form diffusion solution in P1 approximation for reflectance imaging with an oblique beam of arbitrary profile
   3. Med Phys
   4. 35
   5. 3979–3987
   6. 2008
   7. DOI
6. 1. M.A. Yurkin, A.G. Hoekstra, R.S. Brock, J.Q. Lu
   2. Systematic comparison of the discrete dipole approximation and the finite difference time domain method for large dielectric scatterers
   3. Opt Express
   4. 15
   5. 17902–17911
   6. 2007
   7. DOI
7. 1. C. Chen, J. Q. Lu, K. Li, S. Zhao, R. S. Brock, X. H. Hu
   2. Numerical study of reflectance imaging of turbid media using a fast Monte Carlo method
   3. Med Phys
   4. 34
   5. 2939–2948
   6. 2007
   7. DOI
8. 1. H. Ding, J. Q. Lu, R. S. Brock, T. J. McConnell, J. F. Ojeda, K. M. Jacobs, X. H. Hu
   2. Angle-resolved Mueller matrix study of light scattering by B-cells at three wavelengths of 442, 633 and 850nm
   3. J Biomed Opt
   4. 12
   5. 034032
   6. 2007
   7. DOI
9. 1. J. Q. Lu, R. S. Brock, P. Yang, X. H. Hu
   2. Modeling of light scattering by single red blood cells with the FDTD method
   3. Optics of Biological Particles
   4. A. Hoekstra, G. Videen and V. Maltsev
   5. 213–242
   6. Springer
   7. 2006
   8. DOI
10. 1. R. S. Brock, X. H. Hu, D. A. Weidner, J. R. Mourant, J. Q. Lu
    2. Effect of detailed cell structure on light scattering distribution: FDTD study of a B-cell with 3D structure constructed from confocal images
    3. J Quant Spectrosc & Radiat Transfer
    4. 102
    5. 25–36
    6. 2006
    7. DOI
11. 1. R. S. Brock, X. H. Hu, P. Yang, J. Q. Lu
    2. Evaluation of a parallel FDTD code and application to modeling of light scattering by deformed red blood cells
    3. Opt Express
    4. 13
    5. 5279–5292
    6. 2005
    7. DOI
12. 1. D. W. Pravica, M. Bier, R. S. Brock, O. W. Day
    2. Stable stationary vortices and traveling oscillatory vortices in a stenotic fluid-flow channel
    3. Phys Rev E
    4. 72
    5. 067303
    6. 2005
    7. DOI
13. 1. X. Ma, J. Q. Lu, R. S. Brock, K. M. Jacobs, P. Yang, X. H. Hu
    2. Determination of complex refractive index of polystyrene microspheres from 370 to 1610nm
    3. Phys Med Biol
    4. 48
    5. 4165–4172
    6. 2003
    7. DOI

Proceedings and Presentations

1. 1. R. S. Brock, A. Docef, M. Murphy
   2. Reconstruction of a Cone-Beam CT Image Via Forward Iterative Projection Matching
   3. AAPM Annual Meeting
   4. poster SU-GG-I-46
   5. Philadelphia, PA
   6. 2010
2. 1. M. Moran, R.S. Brock, X.H. Hu, J.Q. Lu
   2. Analytic Modeling of 3D Structure of Biologic Cells Using a Gaussian Random Sphere Method
   3. OSA Biomedical Optics Topical Meeting
   4. paper BSuD64
   5. Miami, FL
   6. 2010
3. 1. A.E. Ekpenyong, J. Ding, L.V. Yang, N.R. Leffler, J.Q. Lu, R.S. Brock, X.H. Hu
   2. Study of 3-D Cell Morphology and Effect on Light Scattering Distribution
   3. European Conferences on Biomedical Optics (ECBO)
   4. Paper MJ58
   5. Munich, Germany
   6. 2009
4. 1. R.S. Brock, X.H. Hu, D.A. Weidner, J.R. Mourant, J.Q. Lu
   2. Simulations of Light Scattering from B-cells with Inhomogeneous Nuclei Using an Improved FDTD Program
   3. OSA Biomedical Optics Topical Meeting
   4. paper BTuF13
   5. St. Petersburg , Florida
   6. 2008
5. 1. H. Ding; J.Q. Lu, R.S. Brock, L.B. Burke, D.A. Weidner, T.J. McConnell, X.H. Hu
   2. Experimental Study of Angle-Resolved Mueller Matrix of B-cells and HL60 cells at 442, 633 and 850nm
   3. International Conference on Laser Applications in Life Sciences 2007
   4. Paper # 163
   5. Moscow, Russia
   6. 2007
6. 1. H. Ding, J.Q. Lu, R.S. Brock, L. P. Burke, D. A. Weidner, T. J. McConnell, X.H. Hu
   2. Angle-resolved Measurement and Simulations of Mueller Matrix of B-cells and HL60 cells
   3. Progress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium
   4. Beijing, China
   5. 2007
7. 1. R. S. Brock, H. Ding, D. A. Weidner, T. J. McConnell, X. H. Hu, J. R. Mourant, J. Q. Lu
   2. Modeling of the internal optical structure of the nuclei of B-cells
   3. OSA Annual Meeting
   4. presentation FTuE2
   5. Rochester, NY
   6. 2006
8. 1. H. Ding, J. Q. Lu, R. S. Brock, L. P. Burke, D. A. Weidner, T. J. McConnell, X. H. Hu
   2. Determination of intracellular distributions of refractive index of B-cells and HL60 cells at 442, 633 and 850nm
   3. OSA Annual Meeting
   4. presentation FTuQ1
   5. Rochester, NY
   6. 2006
9. 1. C. Chen, R. S. Brock, D. W. Pravica, X. H. Hu, J. Q. Lu
   2. Fast modeling of reflectance image of turbid medium with full-field illumination
   3. Progress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium (PIERS)
   4. invited presentation
   5. Cambridge, MA
   6. 2006
10. 1. R. S. Brock, X. H. Hu, D. A. Weidner, J. R. Mourant, J. Q. Lu
    2. 3D Reconstruction of B-lymphocytes with confocal images and parallel FDTD simulations of light scattering
    3. OSA Biomedical Optics Conference
    4. presentation MC8
    5. Miami, FL
    6. 2006
11. 1. H. Ding, J. Q. Lu, R. S. Brock, D. A. Weidner, T. J. McConnell, L. P. Burke, X. H. Hu
    2. Angle-resolved Mueller matrix study of light scattering by B-cells and HL-60 cells at three wavelengths of 442, 633 and 850nm
    3. OSA Biomedical Optics Conference
    4. presentation ME73
    5. Miami, FL
    6. 2006
12. 1. J. Q. Lu, R. S. Brock, X. H. Hu, P. Yang, D. A. Weidner
    2. Numerical simulations of light scattering from blood cells using FDTD method
    3. NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Optics of Biological Particles
    4. Novosibirsk, Russia
    5. 2005
13. 1. R. S. Brock, X. H. Hu, H. Ding, J. Q. Lu, D. A. Weidner
    2. Parallel FDTD simulation of light scattering by three-dimensional B-cells at different phases of cell cycle
    3. OSA Annual Meeting
    4. presentation JWA45
    5. Tuscon, AZ
    6. 2005
14. 1. R. S. Brock, X. H. Hu, P. Yang, J. Q. Lu
    2. Simulation of light scattering by a pressure deformed red blood cell with a parallel FDTD method
    3. SPIE Proceedings
    4. 5702
    5. 69–75
    6. 2005
15. 1. K. Li, J. Q. Lu, R. S. Brock, B. Yang, X. H. Hu
    2. Quantitative modeling of skin images using parallel Monte Carlo methods
    3. SPIE Proceedings
    4. 5693
    5. 82–87
    6. 2005
16. 1. R. S. Brock, X. H. Hu, D. Weidner, Y. Feng
    2. Modeling of light scattering by B-cells using a parallel FDTD method
    3. OSA Annual Meeting
    4. presentation FTuG49
    5. Rochester, NY
    6. 2004
17. 1. J. Q. Lu, C. H. Sibata, R. S. Brock, R. R. Allison, G. H. Downie, R. E. Cuenca, X. H. Hu
    2. Optimization of PDT treatment with multiple laser beams using a parallel Monte Carlo code
    3. AAPM Annual Meeting
    4. poster PO-T-247
    5. San Diego, CA
    6. 2003