Background and Interests

I have spent most of my career on quantitative analysis of imaging agents used with positron emission tomography (PET), with an emphasis on brain imaging. Tracers I have studied in the past include [18F]6-fluoro-L-DOPA (dopamine synthesis), [11C]carfentanil (mu-opioid receptors), [11C]raclopride (dopamine D2 receptors), [11C]PK11195 (peripheral benzodiazepine receptors - glial activation), and [11C]DASB (serotonin transporters).

My primary research interest is to better extract information from PET and SPECT imaging studies, and to develop methodology to incorporate data from various sources that can supplement imaging data. Currently, I'm involved in projects in small animal imaging, as well as imaging studies in humans and non-human primates. Small animal studies include dynamic whole body quantification of tracer uptake, quantification of FDG uptake, and general tracer validation studies. Human studies include the evaluation of serotonin transporter binding in HIV dementia, and microglial activation in multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.