Auriel Willette, M.S., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Food Science and Human Nutrition and Psychology at Iowa State University. Dr. Willette received his B.A. at Oberlin College in 2002, M.S. and Ph.D. in Psychoneuroimmunology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010, and completed post-docs in neuroimaging and clinical trials at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and the National Institute on Aging. Dr. Willette examines how obesity, dysmetabolism, and neuroinflammation affect brain structure, function, and biochemistry in adults across the Alzheimer’s disease spectrum. MR imaging techniques include volumetrics, DTI, MRS, task and resting state fMRI, and ASL. PET techniques include FDG, PIB, AV45, and tau radioligands. Non-imaging techniques include neuropsychological testing, as well as standard assays and mass spectrometry to associate biomarkers with neuroimaging and behavioral outcomes. Dr. Willette serves on the Veteran’s Administration Neurobiology D section. His research has been highlighted by many national and international outlets, including Reuters, National Public Radio, Yahoo, Science Daily, AAAS, WebMD, the Huffington Post, Fox News, and others.

Keywords:  MRI, PET, obesity, insulin resistance, Alzheimer's disease