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RRP Special Volunteers

Currently, there are more than 1,300 Special Volunteers and 500 Guest Researchers at the NIH. Equal to the demand for scientists is the need for Special Volunteers who are able to contribute their expertise and talents in support of the NIH’s mission. Approximately 500 Guest Researchers are using NIH’s research facilities to further their research, and by furthering their research, they are indirectly contributing to NIH’s effort to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for our nation.

Scientific Directors/IC Directors or a delegated official at the Institute/Center level determines that:

  1. The volunteer or guest researcher is qualified to do the proposed work.
  2. The applicant has sufficient income to support himself/herself during the period of the assignment.
  3. The Special Volunteer’s proposed project or activity will provide a needed service to NIH.
  4. The Guest Researcher’s proposed project will not interfere with ongoing Federal projects.

The Radiation Research Program currently has several Special Volunteers. They provide expertise and historical perspective from past experiences as NCI Program Directors, Branch Chiefs, and/or have specialized expertise in international health, health disparities issues and global health networking.

Martin Brechbiel, Ph.D.

Professional Background

  • Senior Investigator at NCI with 33 years of experience in bifunctional chelating agents, conjugation chemistry, use of radionuclides for imaging and targeted therapy with a special emphasis on targeted therapy.
  • Employee of the Radiation Oncology Branch, NCI and retired to Emeritus status in 2017.

Current Projects for RRP

  • Provides advice when requested on bifunctional chelating agents, conjugation chemistry, use of radionuclides (α, β-, β+, γ, Auger emitters) for imaging and targeted therapy as requested by RRP.

David Pistenmaa, M.D., Ph.D.

Professional Background

  • Served 9 years in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which included a two year tour of duty in the Army Nuclear Power Program at the Atomic Energy Agency (now Department of Energy) in Germantown, MD.
  • Radiation Oncologist for 45 years with long-term interest in charged particle radiation therapy; retired in March 2015.
  • Employee of NCI when the Radiation Oncology Branch became the Radiation Research Program in the Division of Cancer Treatment (now DCTD) in 1982.

Current Projects for RRP

  • Provides advice when requested on charged particle programs, other radiation therapy, biology and physics activities as assigned by RRP.

Rosemary Wong, Ph.D.

Professional Background

  • Radiation Biologist with over 25 years in vitro/in vivo laboratory experience investigating the combined use of hyperthermia and radiation to improve cancer therapy.
  • Program Director overseeing RRP's Cancer Disparity Research Partnership (CDRP) program to address cancer disparities seen in various racial/ethnic and underserved populations in the Us
  • Health Science Administrator/Program Director in RRP for 17 years; retired in 2016.

Current Projects for RRP

  • Ongoing trainer for RRP staff on use of NIH/NCI databases to carry out job functions.
  • Assist RRP staff on Oncology Outreach projects as needed.
  • Projects as assigned by RRP.

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