Civil and Environmental Engineering John and Marcia Price College of Engineering

Cametrius Warren leans over a lab bench, carefully handling biological samples as part of her research at the University of Utah. A first-year Ph.D. student, Warren is not only dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine but also to changing the way the world perceives radiation.

Originally from Northwest Louisiana, Warren’s journey into nuclear science began at Oregon State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Health Physics. While working in radiation treatment, she became fascinated by the power of targeted isotope therapy, particularly in treating breast cancer. What struck her most was the stark contrast between public perception and reality—how the word “radiation” carries a deep-seated stigma, despite its lifesaving applications.

"I hope that, through my work, people will begin to recognize not only the healing potential of radiation but also its role in clean energy and cutting-edge medical research," said Warren.

During her time at OSU, Warren worked closely with a principal investigator who was familiar with Tara Mastren’s groundbreaking work in radiotherapy at the University of Utah. Recognizing a shared passion for pioneering new treatments for diseases once thought incurable, her mentor encouraged her to apply to the University of Utah. Now, under Assistant Professor Dr. Mastren’s guidance in the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP), Warren is focusing on targeted alpha therapy (TAT), a promising radiation treatment with the potential to precisely target and treat conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Her research project, “Targeted Alpha Therapy for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease,” recently earned her a prestigious grant from the Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). SNMMI’s student research grants are designed to build the future workforce in nuclear medicine, a field rapidly expanding with new diagnostics, radiopharmaceutical therapies, and innovative imaging technologies.

Alzheimer’s disease affects over six million Americans, a number expected to double by 2060. Current treatments only slow the disease’s progression or provide palliative care, but there is no known cure. Recent studies suggest that low-dose whole-brain radiation therapy may enhance cognitive function and reduce Alzheimer’s-related plaque buildup. However, traditional whole-brain irradiation affects both healthy and diseased tissue alike. Warren’s research aims to overcome this limitation by investigating TAT as a more precise and effective alternative.

Her project utilizes an astatinated version of Vizamyl™ ([²¹¹At]3’-At-PIB-OH), a radiolabeled compound that has demonstrated stability for over 24 hours. Key aspects of her study include:

• Analyzing the specificity of the compound for amyloid beta.
• Investigating the compound’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and it’s in vivo stability through in vivo biodistribution studies.
• Evaluating the compound’s toxicity to determine the maximum tolerable radioactive dose.

Beyond the lab, Warren is passionate about reshaping the narrative around nuclear medicine. Her journey—from a budding scientist in Oregon to a leading researcher at the University of Utah—exemplifies how curiosity and determination can drive innovation in the fight against some of the world’s most challenging diseases.

by Joe LaFata