Benjamin Rotstein

Dr. Benjamin Rotstein is an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine and a member of the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology. He serves as Director of the Molecular Imaging Probes and Radiochemistry Laboratory at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, where he develops radiochemical methodologies for PET radiotracer discovery in cardiovascular and neurologic diseases.

• BSc from University of King’s College and Dalhousie University
• PhD from University of Toronto under Prof. Andrei Yudin
• NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital

His research bridges radiochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and molecular imaging, focusing on carbon-11 and fluorine-18 radiotracer development for heart failure, atherosclerosis, and neuroimaging targets. Key areas include:

• Radioisotope incorporation techniques for small molecules and biomolecules
• Targeted imaging probes for cardiology, neuroscience, and oncology
• Validation of biomarkers for precision disease profiling and drug development
• Photoredox catalysis and isotope labeling innovations

His recent publications highlight translational PET imaging in cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, with methodological advances in radiochemical synthesis and isotope exchange. Awards include NSERC fellowships, Discovery Grants, and trainee recognition for lab members like Megan and Christina.

Dr. Rotstein supervises a cross-disciplinary team and collaborates with institutions such as the Lundgren Lab, Ardolino Lab, and Vienna researchers. His lab's grants include support from

• NSERC Discovery Grants
• Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem
• Brain-Heart Interconnectome Innovation Pitch Competition

and is based at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute with full radiopharmaceutical infrastructure.