BRF receives federal appropriation for most technologically advanced PET/CT scanner in Louisiana
BRF’s Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) has received $2 million in federal funding for a new PET/CT scanner. U.S. Senator Dr. Bill Cassidy sponsored the request. The new, extended field of view digital PET/CT scanner with artificial intelligence capabilities will be the most technologically advanced in the state.
The addition of the new scanner will double scanning capacity by allowing CMIT to conduct its clinical and research activities simultaneously. The PET/CT scanner will be used in positron emission tomography (PET), a diagnostic imaging technology that can increase early detection of serious diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and heart disease.
“We thank Senator Cassidy for his support,” said BRF President and CEO John F. George Jr., M.D. “This new scanner will help expand CMIT’s research capabilities, and with its cutting-edge cyclotron and upgraded equipment, will allow for preclinical research projects, the development of new radiopharmaceuticals, and access to advanced clinical trials for local patients.”
CMIT, formerly the PET Imaging Center, has been a national pioneer and area leader in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and PET diagnostic technology. In June 2022, BRF opened the new, 23,000 sq. ft. CMIT in Shreveport. The new CMIT is one of only a handful of privately operated facilities in the nation with similar capabilities and suite of services.
CIC partnership, program leads to expected $10M in savings for Air Force
Cyber Innovation Center’s partnership with Air Force Global Strike Command added to its $250 Million-plus return on investment with a recent effort saving $10 Million for the Air Force.
The Global Strike National Security Fellowship Program, administered by the CIC through its partnership intermediary agreement with AFGSC, utilized the Dante software that resulted in the preliminary savings.
Jonathan McBride, a Louisiana Tech University graduate student and a fellow in the program, served as the lead for Dante modeling and simulation of nuclear security physical features, manpower and systems supporting the multi-billion dollar Weapon Generation Facility military construction project.
“The cost-savings were generated when the program faced cancellation due to cost overruns and McBride’s inputs not only saved money but help save the program,” said Dr. Paul Hausgen, Deputy Chief Scientist at AFGSC. “His performance-oriented inputs directly drove efficiency improvements in the physical design features and future manpower support required to provide security for the facilities.”
CIC collaborated with Sandia National Laboratories and the Command’s Operations and Communications Directorate to incorporate and support training for the Dante software in advanced force protection modeling, simulation, and analysis.
“Jonathan provided performance-oriented security design inputs that directly led to efficiency improvements in the physical design features and future manpower support,” said Hausgen.
Now in its third year, the Fellowship program brings together university junior, senior, and graduate students and AFGSC project champions to foster collaboration and innovation while also exposing members in academia to Department of Defense careers.
Due to his performance and efforts, McBride has been hired by the Air Force as a civil service employee to continue his work in Dante.
“There is no better illustration of the fellows program creating innovation and demonstrates how our partnership is providing a robust return on investment to the command,” said Kevin Nolten, CIC vice president.
18 BPCC students win at SkillsUSA
Eighteen Bossier Parish Community College students will be competing at the national SkillsUSA competition this summer after winning gold medals at the state level.
Gold Medal winners:
Aiyana Dupree – Audio/Radio Production
Emmanuel Tice – Audio/Radio Production
Timothy Carter – Digital Cinema Production
Matthew Fultz – Digital Cinema Production
Kevin Aguilar – Engineering Technology/Design
Rezq Alawdi – Engineering Technology/Design
Hoang Le – Engineering Technology Design
Aiyana Dupree – Job Interview
Naomi Harris – Photography
Ryan Staggs – Principles of Engineering
Chris James – Promotional Bulletin Board
Abigail Johnson – Promotional Bulletin Board
Kendall Reynolds – Promotional Bulletin Board
Ryan Staggs – Related Technical Math
Aaron Calhoun – Video News Production
Sarah Foster – Video News Production
De’Franklin Pratt – Video News Production
Kendall Reynolds – Video News Production
Silver Medal winners:
Kimberly Conley – Advertising Design
Imani Caddell – Digital Cinema Production
Cidney LaCour – Digital Cinema Production
Bryce Rogers – Engineering Technology/Design
Ryan Staggs – Engineering Technology/Design
Kaitlyn Ross – Photography
Eliot Power – Principles of Engineering
Bronze Medal winners:
Lerone Nash – Digital Cinema Production
Haley Roundtree – Digital Cinema Production
Matthew Maggio – Engineering Technology/Design
Ethan Morris – Engineering Technology/Design
Eliot Power– Engineering Technology/Design
Bryce Rogers – Principles of Engineering
Bryce Rogers – Related Technical Math
Stephanie Daniels – State Pin Design
Trevor Holmes – TV/Video Production
Gregory Hicks – TV/Video Production
