Dr. Dess is a clinical and translational researcher focused on genitourinary malignancy. He has worked with a global network of collaborators to create novel prognostic models to characterize prostate cancer disease aggressiveness, to identify novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers, to analyze racial outcomes differences and settings in which disparities are minimized, and to advance more convenient forms of treatment including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and high-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR). He is interested in maximizing efficacy, minimizing burden, and understanding the long-term toxicity risks of treatment. His work has been published high profile in peer-reviewed journals including the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and JAMA Oncology.

His research focuses on prognostic and predictive biomarker development, racial disparities, high-quality care, patient reported outcomes, and long-term toxicities of radiation therapy. Dr. Dess has been recognized for his research accomplishments through his publications in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, JAMA Oncology and the New England Journal of Medicine. He was the recipient of Radiological Society of North America Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award for his early career achievements