Academy of Science - St. Louis :: Academy Fellows

Academy Fellows // Michael J. Welch, Ph.D.

Michael J. Welch, Ph.D.

Professor of radiology, chemistry and biomedical engineering, Co-director, Division of Radiological Sciences, Mallinckrodt, Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine

Renowned for applying modern organic chemistry to the preparation of radioactive elements used in medical imaging, Dr. Welch developed rapid methods to synthesize positron-labeled organic chemicals to make positron emission tomography (PET) a useful medical tool. In the late 1980s, Dr. Welch’s laboratory and collaborators at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign demonstrated that PET scans using radio-labeled estrogen could locate human receptors for the hormone. Subsequent PET studies with radio labeled compounds provided a rapid and sensitive way to study biological processes in the nervous system. Welch’s efforts also helped PET gain acceptance for detecting breast and other cancers and for making therapeutic choices. He currently developing new imaging agents. He served as president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine in 1984 and as an associate editor the Journal of Nuclear Medicine for many years.

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The Fellows of the Academy of Science-St. Louis is a prestigious association of St. Louis area scientists and engineers of national reputation. Many Academy Fellows are recipients of the Outstanding St. Louis Scientists Awards, including the Peter H. Raven Lifetime Achievement, Eads, Trustees', and Academy Fellows Awards.