Dr. Julianne Pollard-Larkin addresses the UCLA doctoral class of 2024.

Professor, Medical Physicist, and UCLA alum Julianne Pollard-Larkin delivered the keynote address at the UCLA doctoral hooding ceremony on Thursday, June 13, at 3 pm in Royce Hall.

“Being selected as the keynote speaker for the 2024 UCLA Doctoral Hooding has been some of the best news I have received since earning my doctorate.  I am grateful for this opportunity…”

Dr. Pollard-Larkin is a trailblazer, the first Black woman faculty member in MD Anderson’s Radiation Physics department. She is an associate professor and the Service Chief medical physicist at MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Thoracic Radiation Oncology Clinic, where she handles clinical, administrative, and educational duties, conducts research, and mentors faculty and students.

Her research interests include Flash ultra-high dose radiotherapy, pacemaker radiotherapy dose measurements, and enhancing thoracic treatment efficacy. She also serves as a Fellow and committee Chair in the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and was recently elected president of AAPM’s Southwest Chapter. In 2022, she was honored as Woman of the Year by 100 Black Men of Houston.

Dr. Pollard-Larkin holds a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Miami and a PhD in Biomedical Physics from UCLA, where she was the first Black student to earn this degree. She completed her residency at MD Anderson and was subsequently hired as faculty.

Passionate about outreach and increasing diversity in science, Julianne is dedicated to supporting underrepresented students and women in science, exemplified by scholarships established in her parents’ honor. She is also featured in the American Institute of Physics’ “We Are Scientists” campaign, promoting interest in physics among students and trainees.

Dr. Pollard-Larkin delivered an inspiring speech about resilience and owning one’s narrative. She shared two key lessons with UCLA’s newest Doctors of Philosophy:

Self-perception matters most: “How you view yourself is paramount! Don’t waste time looking for the offense.”

Purpose triumphs over pain: “So don’t leave here with a chip on your shoulder. Your future is waiting on you.”

Dr. Pollard-Larkin’s powerful message resonated with the doctoral class, as expressed by a standing ovation at its conclusion. Her emphasis on the significance of self-perception and the triumph of purpose over pain provides a guiding light for the new graduates. As they embark on their professional journeys, they are encouraged to embrace their unique stories and let go of negativity. With her inspiring words in mind, we look forward to seeing the incredible impact these graduates will have in their respective fields. Here’s to a future filled with success, fulfillment, and the courage to break new ground.

Read Dr. Larkin-Pollard’s Entire Speech.

Webcast

View the 2024 Livestream on the Division of Graduate Education’s YouTube Channel.