Nabeel Nabulsi is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine. He serves as Associate Director of the Yale PET Center, Deputy Director of the PET Center Chemistry Section, and Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Control at the Yale PET Center. His research focuses on developing radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging in CNS disorders and oncology, particularly targeting Alzheimer's disease, pancreatic cancer, and FAAH inhibition. BA in Chemistry (pre-Medicine), University of Texas at Arlington (1980) MS in Organic Chemistry, Texas Tech University (1984) PhD in Organic/Bioorganic Chemistry, Louisiana State University (1991) Dr. Nabulsi specializes in synthetic methodologies for radiopharmaceuticals with short half-life radionuclides (C-11, F-18). His work explores: Synaptic density imaging via SV2A radioligands in Alzheimer's and schizophrenia Neuroimmune mechanisms in PTSD and alcohol use disorder Pancreatic cancer detection through PepT1 transporter-targeted radiotracers Endocannabinoid system analysis in psychiatric disorders HDAC6 imaging for neurodegenerative research Key collaborations include Richard Carson, Jean-Dominique Gallezot, and Yiyun Huang. He contributes to clinical trials on synaptic density in Alzheimer's disease and cortisol metabolism imaging.
Madeleine Lowery is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University College Dublin. She leads the Personal Sensing research group, focusing on engineering approaches to study the human nervous system in health and disease, with applications in therapies for impaired motor function. Her interdisciplinary research integrates neural engineering, electromyography, and biomedical signal processing. Specializes in neuromuscular systems and neural control of movement Develops myoelectric control systems for artificial limbs Designs high-density electrode systems for neural activity recording Investigates deep brain stimulation mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease models Her research spans neurodegenerative disorders (ALS, Huntington’s disease) and rehabilitation technologies , including wearable sensors for gait and sleep analysis. Key methodologies involve computational modeling , adaptive control systems , and biomedical signal analysis .
Dr. Graeme Mason is a Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine. He serves as Director of Metabolic Modeling and Director of Psychiatric MRS at the Magnetic Resonance Research Center, as well as Director of the Neuroimaging Sciences Training Program. Dr. Mason also chairs the Magnetic Resonance Research Center Protocol Review Committee and holds appointments in multiple research centers including the Center for Brain & Mind Health, Center for Nicotine and Tobacco Use Research at Yale (CENTURY), Center for the Translational Neuroscience of Alcohol, Diabetes Research Center, and the Division of Neurocognition, Neurocomputation & Neurogenetics. Dr. Mason received his BS in Nuclear Engineering with a minor in Spanish from The Pennsylvania State University in 1986. He completed Graduate Study and earned his PhD from Yale University in 1991, followed by Postdoctoral Research Associate work at Yale. In 1994, he completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Center for Nuclear Imaging Research. Dr. Mason's research focuses on brain metabolism and neurotransmission, with particular emphasis on the effects of alcohol on the brain. His laboratory develops and applies experimental models and methods for studies of brain metabolism using 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Mass Spectrometry in conjunction with 13C isotopic labeling. His work spans from in vivo human studies to cell preparations and other systems. Key research areas include: Glucose transport kinetics, energetics, and neurotransmitter metabolism in the brain Relationships among GABA, glutamate, and glutamine concentrations and their rates of synthesis and release Effects of acute and chronic alcohol use on brain chemistry and metabolism Detailed kinetic modeling of isotopomers and isotopologues using data from high-resolution NMR and mass spectrometry Investigation of metabolic and neurotransmitter changes in psychiatric, neurological, and metabolic conditions Analysis of Dr. Mason's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced neuroimaging techniques, particularly magnetic resonance spectroscopy at high field strengths (7T). His work combines methodological innovation with clinical applications, examining brain metabolism in conditions including obesity, diabetes, depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorders. A significant thread throughout his research is the application of 13C labeling techniques to measure metabolic fluxes in the living brain, providing insights into neuroenergetics and neurotransmission that were previously inaccessible. Dr. Mason's contributions to the field have been recognized with several prestigious awards: Neuropsychopharmacology Top 10 Reviewers (2022) Editor's Recognition for Reviewing, Biological Psychiatry (2020) Inducted into the Academy Distinguished Investigator Council (2018) Editor's Recognition for Reviewing, Biological Psychiatry (2016) Elected Fellow, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (2015) As Director of the Neuroimaging Sciences Training Program in Substance Abuse, Dr. Mason plays a significant role in mentoring the next generation of researchers. His research is supported by multiple clinical trials examining brain metabolism in various conditions. Current trials he's involved in include studies on mGluR5 and synaptic density in psychiatric disorders, the impact of hypoglycemia on brain ketone and neurotransmitter metabolism in Type 1 DM, examination of glutamate and mGluR5 in psychiatric disorders, and biomarkers of clinical subtype and treatment response in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dr. Mason leads the Magnetic Resonance Research Center's Psychiatric MRS program and is part of the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute. His laboratory, known as the Whisk Cup Streamline, focuses on metabolic modeling and psychiatric applications of magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The lab works closely with other researchers at Yale, including frequent collaborators Kevin Behar, Douglas Rothman, John Krystal, Robin de Graaf, and Janice Jin Hwang, to advance understanding of brain metabolism in health and disease.
Adam Mecca, M.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Director of the Yale Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit at Yale School of Medicine. He specializes in geriatric psychiatry with a focus on memory disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. His research integrates neuroimaging techniques, such as PET and MRI, to study synaptic density and neurobiological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. He leads clinical trials investigating potential therapies and has pioneered novel imaging methods, including a PET technique to measure synaptic loss in Alzheimer’s patients. Dr. Mecca holds academic affiliations with the Dorothy Adler Geriatric Assessment Center, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), and the Center for Brain & Mind Health. Education: B.S. in Chemistry and Microbiology, University of Florida (2005) M.D.-Ph.D. from University of Florida College of Medicine (2012), specializing in Physiology and Pharmacology Residency in Psychiatry and Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry at Yale University Research Focus: Dr. Mecca’s work centers on Alzheimer’s disease, synaptic dysfunction, and translational neuroimaging. Key areas include: Developing SV2A PET tracers ([11C]UCB-J) to quantify synaptic density Linking cognitive decline to neuroimaging biomarkers Evaluating hearing loss’s impact on Alzheimer’s progression Assessing disparities in dementia diagnosis among language groups Publications & Grants: His 60+ peer-reviewed articles emphasize synaptic imaging, biomarker discovery, and clinical trial design. Notable grants include studies on CT1812’s synaptic effects and Alzheimer’s proteomic signatures. Collaborations span Yale’s neuroscience teams and international AD consortia. Labs/Teams: He directs the Yale Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit, leading multidisciplinary teams in imaging, clinical trials, and basic science. The lab actively engages in NIH-funded projects and industry partnerships.
Professor James B. Rowe is a distinguished cognitive neurologist at the University of Cambridge, holding positions at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit and Cambridge Neuroscience. His research program focuses on dementia and neurodegeneration, with four integrated pillars: defining cognitive processes affected by dementia, determining mechanisms of individual differences, predicting brain function trajectories across the lifespan, and developing new drugs to protect or restore brain function. University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit Cambridge Neuroscience Rowe's research spans multiple neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, and progressive supranuclear palsy. He utilizes advanced neuroimaging techniques (MEG, EEG, fMRI, DWI, PET) alongside cognitive modeling, genetics, and neuropathology to understand disease mechanisms. His work emphasizes precision biomarkers for experimental medicine studies in precisely characterized clinical populations. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals strong focus on synaptic loss, neuroinflammation, and noradrenergic dysfunction across neurodegenerative diseases. His team has pioneered the use of [11C]UCB-J PET to measure synaptic density in vivo, demonstrating its relationship to clinical severity in frontotemporal dementia. There's also significant work on blood-based biomarkers of inflammation and their relationship to central pathology and survival outcomes. Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci) Principal investigator for multiple major studies including CamCAN, GENFI, PROSPECT, ICICLE-PD, and PiPPIN Rowe leads an extensive research program with collaborations across Europe and beyond, conducting both observational and interventional studies. His team has established robust methods for harmonizing cognitive data across aging and dementia cohorts, enabling large-scale analyses. Current work focuses on developing the Cambridge Questionnaire for Apathy and Impulsivity Traits (CamQUAIT) and investigating noradrenergic contributions to cognitive processes in Parkinson's disease through pharmacological interventions. His laboratory integrates multiple methodologies including magnetoencephalography, PET imaging, cognitive testing, and blood biomarker analysis to understand the neural basis of cognitive changes in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent work has established important links between locus coeruleus integrity, noradrenergic function, and cognitive symptoms in parkinsonian disorders.
Dr. James C. McPartland is the Harris Professor in the Child Study Center at Yale School of Medicine. He is a licensed clinical psychologist and directs the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic and the McPartland Lab, which focuses on the clinical neuroscience of autism. His research explores brain mechanisms underlying social perception and communication in autism, aiming to develop biomarkers for clinical trials. McPartland leads the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials (ABC-CT) and has contributed over 200 publications. He holds academic appointments in the Department of Psychology and directs undergraduate studies at the Child Study Center. Awards include the APA Sara S. Sparrow Early Career Research Award and the Klerman Prize for Clinical Research. His lab collaborates on studies involving electrophysiology, neuroimaging, and behavioral assessments to improve early detection and intervention strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders. Education & Training: BA, Harvard University, Psychology (1996) PhD, University of Washington, Child Clinical Psychology (2005) Fellowship, Yale Child Study Center (2005–2006) Research Interests: Autism spectrum disorder, neurodevelopmental disorders, clinical neuroscience, biomarkers, social perception, and translational research. Grants & Awards: NIMH, NICHD, NINDS grants Autism Science Foundation, Simons Foundation, and others Named top-funded autism researcher (2010–2019) Labs & Teams: McPartland Lab, Center for Brain and Mind Health, Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials (ABC-CT).
Kelly Cosgrove is the Charles B.G. Murphy Professor of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience and of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine. She serves as Co-Director of the T32 Translational Alcohol Research Program and leads the Cosgrove Lab, which focuses on examining the neurochemical and molecular basis of addiction and psychiatric disorders using PET brain imaging technology. Dr. Cosgrove's educational background includes a PhD in Psychology from the University of Minnesota (2002) and a Psychology Internship at the Medical University of South Carolina (2003). She began her career as a clinical psychologist working with individuals managing alcohol and drug use disorders before transitioning to research to inform better treatments for substance use disorders. Her research program centers on using neuroreceptor imaging techniques to gain insights into the brains of people with substance use and stress-related disorders. Key areas include examining the effects of chronic alcohol consumption on the neuroimmune system, studying mu and kappa opioid receptor systems in alcohol use disorder, investigating stress and neuroimmune systems in PTSD, analyzing sex differences in dopaminergic responses to nicotine, and measuring neuroimmune states in individuals with opioid use disorder during early recovery. Her work particularly emphasizes individual and sex/gender differences in addiction mechanisms. Analysis of her recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on neuroimmune responses in alcohol use disorder with particular attention to sex differences, advanced PET imaging methodologies, and the relationship between neurochemistry and clinical outcomes. Her research spans multiple disciplines including neuroscience, psychiatry, radiology, and women's health. Microglia-mediated neuroimmune suppression in PTSD Sex differences in neuroimmune system deficits in alcohol use disorder Novel PET imaging techniques for studying receptor systems Relationship between neurochemistry and cognitive function in addiction Dr. Cosgrove serves as Principal Investigator for the NIH-funded study 'HPA axis function in the brains of PTSD, Trauma Exposed, or Otherwise Healthy research participants utilizing PET and MRI imaging' (completion date 08/31/2025) and is a Sub Investigator on several other clinical trials examining substance use disorders and neuroimaging. She collaborates extensively with researchers including Nabeel Nabulsi, Sherry McKee, Richard Carson, Ansel Hillmer, and David Matuskey. Her laboratory is part of multiple research initiatives including the Center for Nicotine and Tobacco Use Research at Yale (CENTURY), Women's Health Research at Yale, the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute, and the Translational Brain Imaging Program. The Cosgrove Lab actively recruits volunteers for imaging studies examining addiction and psychiatric disorders.
Richard E. Carson is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Yale University, with additional appointments in Radiology & Biomedical Imaging. He leads the Yale Positron Emission Tomography Center, focusing on advancing PET imaging technologies and their clinical applications. His research integrates quantitative modeling, physics, and biology to measure in vivo physiology, particularly synaptic density, receptor binding, and metabolic processes in neuropsychiatric disorders, diabetes, cardiology, and oncology. Dr. Carson holds a Ph.D. from UCLA and has pioneered methods for tracer kinetic modeling, image reconstruction, and motion correction. His work with the NeuroEXPLORER PET scanner aims to revolutionize brain imaging with 10x higher sensitivity. Notable contributions include developing SV2A PET tracers for synaptic density quantification and establishing standardized nomenclature for PET biomarkers. His research spans from preclinical models to clinical trials, addressing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, mood disorders, and cancer. Awards include the 2024 Image of the Year for groundbreaking brain imaging. Ongoing projects explore synaptic density’s role in depression, drug efficacy in neurodegenerative diseases, and novel radiopharmaceuticals for diabetes and oncology.
Dr. Tina Kroll is a researcher at the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2) at the Research Center Jülich GmbH. Her work focuses on neuroimaging, particularly positron emission tomography (PET), to study neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, adenosine receptor dynamics, and the effects of sleep deprivation on brain function. She investigates synaptic density, molecular pathology quantification, and the interplay between sleep architecture and neurodegenerative processes. Key projects include developing novel PET-derived biomarkers for Alzheimer’s (e.g., spatial extent analysis of pathology), optimizing awake PET methodologies in rodents, and exploring sex differences in synaptic density measurement. Her research integrates genetics, neurophysiology, and advanced imaging techniques to understand brain mechanisms in health and disease. Collaborations span neurology, psychiatry, and computational biology, with a focus on translating findings into clinical staging models (e.g., T-POT cohort for tau propagation). Technical contributions include enhancing PET/MRI image quality with deep learning, improving motion correction in animal PET studies, and validating radiotracer applications for adenosine receptors. Her work bridges preclinical models and clinical applications, addressing challenges in neuroimaging accuracy and translational research.
Emily Sharp, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine and Division Chief of Neuropsychology. She holds appointments in the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC), Movement Disorders, Neurodegenerative Disorders, and Neuropsychology. Her clinical expertise focuses on neuropsychological assessment of memory disorders and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Sharp earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern California and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Neuropsychology at the VA Boston Healthcare System. She joined Yale Medicine in 2014. Her research integrates cognitive neuroscience and gerontology, emphasizing interventions to delay cognitive decline through cognitive engagement. Recent studies examine synaptic density via PET imaging, dementia screening tools, and the impact of hearing loss on cognitive trajectories. Her academic contributions span over 15 peer-reviewed publications, including work on dementia risk prediction, personality’s role in aging, and neuropsychological assessment methodologies. Dr. Sharp leads the clinical core faculty for the Yale ADRC and collaborates with researchers like Adam Mecca and Christopher van Dyck. She is actively involved in a sub-investigator role for the Cognitive Training in Parkinson's Disease clinical trial. Dr. Sharp’s clinical practice emphasizes patient-centered neuropsychological evaluations, combining detailed cognitive assessments with caregiver interviews to guide neurologists and primary care providers. She is board certified in clinical neuropsychology and maintains affiliations with Yale Medicine and the School of Medicine’s Neurology department.
Ryan O’Dell, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, specializing in geriatric psychiatry and Alzheimer’s disease research. He leads the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit (ADRU), focusing on neuroimaging biomarkers and clinical trials. His academic background includes an MD/PhD from SUNY Upstate Medical University and residency training at Yale. Dr. O’Dell’s research emphasizes synaptic density assessment via [11C]UCB-J PET and tau protein dynamics in Alzheimer’s progression. Affiliations: Yale School of Medicine, Dorothy Adler Geriatric Assessment Center Education: SUNY Upstate Medical University (MD/PhD, 2017), University of Rochester (BS/BA, 2007) Research Interests: Molecular neuroimaging, clinical trial design, and translational studies targeting synaptic loss in Alzheimer’s. His work integrates PET, MRI, and clinical data to identify biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. Recent studies explore tau spreading mechanisms and disparities in cognitive impairment diagnosis among language groups. Publications: Over 25 peer-reviewed articles focus on synaptic density, tau imaging, and clinical outcomes. Key themes include biomarker validation (e.g., SUVR metrics), tau connectivity patterns, and CT1812 drug trials. Awards: Paul Kirwin Distinguished Fellow Award (2022), Thomas P. Detre Fellowship (2019) Clinical Work: Provides geriatric psychiatry care with a family-centered approach at the ADRU. Active in Yale’s Alzheimer’s clinical trials and lecanemab programs. Coordinates the ADRU’s caregiver support group.
Ming-Kai Chen, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine. He serves as Co-Medical Director of the Yale University PET Center and specializes in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, particularly in synaptic density assessment for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. His research focuses on advancing PET imaging techniques for early disease detection and biomarker analysis, with a strong emphasis on synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) imaging. Dr. Chen’s educational background includes an MD from National Taiwan University School of Medicine and a PhD from Johns Hopkins University. He completed residency at Yale New Haven Hospital and fellowships in nuclear medicine and radiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital. His research interests span synaptic density imaging, Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, and the application of artificial intelligence in PET image enhancement and analysis. Key projects include validating simplified SUVR measurements for synaptic density assessment and developing motion correction techniques for dynamic PET scans. Dr. Chen collaborates with researchers like Richard Carson, Nabeel Nabulsi, and Jean-Dominique Gallezot on studies involving synaptic loss, tau deposition, and multimodal neuroimaging. His clinical trials include investigations into synaptic density in Alzheimer’s and the impact of nicotine patches on dopamine pathways. He holds board certification in Nuclear Medicine from the American Board of Nuclear Medicine. His work has been featured in journals such as the Journal of Nuclear Medicine , Brain Communications , and Medical Image Analysis .
Mengfei Xiong serves as a Visiting Researcher in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at Uppsala University, specializing in translational PET imaging for neurodegenerative disorders. Their work bridges preclinical research and clinical applications through the development and validation of molecular imaging probes targeting Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease pathologies. Key research interests include: PET radioligand development for synaptic density and protein aggregates Antibody-based therapeutics for brain disorders Pharmacokinetics of biologics across the blood-brain barrier In vivo validation of imaging probes in rodent and human studies Methodological advancements in affinity measurement techniques Analysis of recent publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory focused on overcoming translational challenges in neuroimaging. Xiong's work consistently addresses critical questions about target engagement, radioligand specificity, and the interplay between therapeutic antibodies and imaging probes, with significant contributions to synaptic density quantification and alpha-synuclein pathology assessment. Within Uppsala University's Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiong collaborates with the Translational PET Imaging group to advance preclinical imaging methodologies and support drug development pipelines for neurodegenerative conditions through rigorous in vivo validation studies.
Dr Andrew Robinson serves as the Brain Bank Manager within the Division of Neuroscience at The University of Manchester. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the same institution (2016). His work focuses on the neuropathology of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Key research areas include cognitive changes in aging populations, synaptic density, sleep disturbances, genetic associations like MAPT H2 haplotype studies, and epigenetic regulation in dementia. Education: PhD in Neuroscience from The University of Manchester (2016) Dr Robinson's research interests emphasize identifying early biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases through cognitive assessments and post-mortem brain analysis. He explores how subtle cognitive changes in life correlate with pathological severity at death, aiming to improve early detection and intervention strategies. His work integrates genetic studies (e.g., APOE genotyping), epigenetic analysis (season of birth effects on DNA methylation), and proteinopathy investigations (tau, TDP-43). His scientific contributions are highlighted by the Dr Alex Carmichael Award (2016), recognizing excellence in dementia research. He collaborates internationally through the UK Brain Banks Network and BrainNet Europe, supporting over 1,000 brain samples for studies on neurodegenerative disorders. His research also touches on neuro-oncology through close ties with University of Manchester neuroscience themes. Grants & Advising: Manages the Manchester Brain Bank, a resource critical for dementia research. Supervised his own PhD thesis (2016) but no current advisees listed. Labs/Teams: Oversees the Manchester Brain Bank, a key facility for neuropathology research with 30 years of legacy in frontotemporal dementia studies.
Martin Langeskov Christensen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, located in Viborg. His primary affiliation is within the Neurology section, specializing in clinical neurorehabilitation and exercise physiology. He holds a PhD and focuses on translating research into practical interventions for neurological patients. His research emphasizes the therapeutic role of physical activity and exercise in improving neurological function, particularly in Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Key areas include exercise-induced neuroprotection, symptom management, and functional recovery through tailored interventions. Notable projects include a 2022–2025 study investigating high-intensity aerobic exercise's impact on brain synaptic protein density in Parkinson's patients using PET-MRI technology. This project explores exercise as a neuroprotective strategy. Martin's work bridges clinical practice and research, aiming to enhance quality of life for neurological patients. His contributions span peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, with a focus on evidence-based exercise therapies.
