2026
An Integrated Academic Oncology Ecosystem for Hawaiʻi and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands
Lim SJS, Yamauchi H, Yamauchi T, Sumida K, Shepherd J, et al.
Cancers
University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center
Bridging computational imaging and cancer research
The Shepherd Research Lab develops quantitative imaging, body-composition, and AI-assisted methods for earlier cancer detection and better metabolic-risk prediction — grounded in real studies, serving the community.
Aloha
At SRL, we are a group of research scientists innovating the ways we detect cancer and metabolic risk. Along with how this benefits all areas of health, we are especially proud of the benefits our studies can bring to our local community on Oʻahu.
The lab is led by Dr. John A. Shepherd at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, with studies spanning breast cancer detection through breast density, metabolic risk prediction through body-composition analysis, and deep learning for AI-assisted diagnosis.
Research Areas
Three linked research threads. Imaging grounds the methods, body analysis bridges the biology, and AI lifts the diagnostics.
Cancer
Breast cancer detection and risk assessment through quantitative imaging and breast density analysis.
Body Composition
3D body scans and body-composition analysis to predict metabolic health status and chronic disease risk.
AI for Health
Deep learning for AI-assisted diagnosis, tissue classification, and novel biomarker discovery.
Visit the Lab
Body Composition Lab
The lab operates the Body Composition Lab (BCEPEM) — a core facility at the UH Cancer Center offering DXA, Bod Pod, 3D optical scans, BIA, and muscle dynamometry to researchers and the community.
Latest News
All news →Featured Research
3D convolutional deep learning for nonlinear estimation of body composition from whole body morphology
Tian IY, Liu J, Wong MC, Kelly NN, Liu YE, Garber AK, et al. 3D convolutional deep learning for nonlinear estimation of body composition from whole body morphology. npj Digital Medicine. 2025;8(1):79.
A 3D autoencoder trained on 40,000 body-shape meshes — then fine-tuned on 4,286 individuals — predicts ten body-composition outcomes from optical scans alone. The deep-learning model beats every prior 3D-optical body-comp method on the Shape Up! Adults benchmark, narrowing the gap to DXA without the radiation.
Latest Publications
All publications →2026
Ethnic Mixture and Body Mass Index as Modifiers of Breast Cancer Risk among Native Hawaiian Women: Insights from the Multiethnic Cohort
Valdez D, Abe JV, Bohmann P, Bogumil D, Wilkens LR, et al.
Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention
2025
Paving the way for improved action: how nuclear techniques can advance the assessment of malnutrition
Shertukde SP, Padmanabha R, Chung ST, Gaudichon C, Jones KS, et al.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition