Timothy Sun Hon Mun
Timothy Sun Hon Mun is a PhD student in the Computational Imaging Team at the ICR. He is investigating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and medical imaging in predicting survival outcomes and treatment response for patients with soft tissue sarcomas. His project is part of the Sarcoma Accelerator Consortium.
What is your educational/work background?
I studied Mathematics with Actuarial Science at the University of Southampton for my undergraduate studies, followed by an MSc in Computer Science at the University of Kent. I then worked as a software engineer at a tech startup and as a senior actuarial analyst at an insurance company before starting my PhD at the ICR.
Why did you want to study at the ICR?
I was attracted by the interdisciplinary nature of the project, which straddles different domains such as medical physics, mathematics and biology. The close links between ICR and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust also mean that my research has the potential to be translated into the clinical environment and I will get to see the impact of my research on patients’ lives.
Talk us through your typical day
My typical day involves data collection and analysis, designing and coding up experiments to test a new method, reviewing the results, meetings with supervisors and collaborators, and reading the latest research papers in the field.
What big projects are you working on?
I am currently working on designing a pipeline using AI on imaging and clinical data that will aid clinicians in the diagnosis and/or treatment planning for soft tissue sarcomas.
What’s the best thing about working at the ICR?
Meeting amazing colleagues, researchers and medical professionals who are willing to share their experience and knowledge with you. ICR is always very supportive of the work that I do and provides the support and resources needed to succeed.
Who do you collaborate with at the ICR and elsewhere?
I usually collaborate with members of my research team, clinicians and other colleagues within the ICR. I am currently also doing an Enrichment Placement scheme at the Alan Turing Institute where I am given support and additional funding to work on my PhD research.
What’s your favourite part of life at the ICR?
Working with my supervisors and research team. I get to learn from them and explore my research interests, especially how our work will impact patients and improve their quality of life.
What opportunities has studying at the ICR given you?
Developing new skills in AI and medical imaging, working and building networks with different individuals at ICR and conferences.
Any advice for future students?
Always stay curious and don’t be discouraged if you don’t know everything. Everyone has to start somewhere.
One fun fact about you
I have flown off the cliff on my very first ski trip and needed to be rescued!