Nuclear medicine student to present research at international conference

College of DuPage student Alexander Brock of Glen Ellyn will present his research at the annual international meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine in June in Miami, Fla.

Brock also presented his work, "Technical Aspects Associated With Counting Miniaturized Chromatography Systems," at the annual spring meeting of the Central Chapter Society of Nuclear Medicine in Indianapolis in April. The research involves the quality control process in making pharmaceuticals and stems from a project at Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Radiopharmacy laboratory, where he works with Dr. Michael Zimmer, professor of Radiology at Northwestern.

"I was taking a radiopharmacy class at COD taught by Dr. Zimmer, and he offered me this opportunity," said Brock, who is enrolled in College of DuPage's Diagnostic Medical Imaging – Nuclear Medicine program. "Although it's not mandatory to participate in a research project, I recognized it as a way to expand my knowledge on this aspect of nuclear medicine."

Brock originally enrolled at COD for his general education requirements. He earned an associate's degree in Automotive Technology but quickly realized the field wasn't right for him.

While working in COD's Bookstore and Registration department, Brock discovered he enjoyed helping people. He was then drawn to the health sciences but wasn't sure which program to enter.

"I am inclined toward a health care field that's more technical, and I like how nuclear medicine contains that balance between technology and working with patients," he said.

The Nuclear Medicine certificate program lasts 15 months and involves both didactic and clinical education. Last fall, Brock's clinical rotation was at Edward Hospital in Naperville, and this spring he is at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, with one week spent at Northwestern learning how to make radiopharmaceuticals.

Brock enjoyed his experience in Indianapolis, both presenting his work and networking with nuclear medicine professionals. For his trip to Miami, he has received a $1,000 travel scholarship from the Society of Nuclear Medicine.

After finishing his certificate in August, Brock will sit for his board exams and plans to enroll in COD's Radiation Therapy advanced certificate program, which is for graduates of Radiography and Nuclear Medicine programs. By adding another health care specialty, he feels the additional skills will increase his employment options.

"College of DuPage has been immensely helpful from the beginning," he said. "I found something I have a passion for and can excel in. I'm thankful to the counselors, staff and faculty, especially (Nuclear Medicine Program Coordinator) Joanne Metler, who makes sure someone is always looking out for you. Being at COD is so much more than just taking a class."

For more information about COD's Nuclear Medicine program, email metler@cod.edu or visit www.cod.edu/programs/dmi/nuclear_med.