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In March 2019, Yueh Z. Lee, MD, PhD, was one of 30 early-career scholars selected by the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research Academic Council (ARRAC) as new Academy Council of Early Career Investigators in Imaging (CECI2) members. Their selection provided brought with it a travel award to attend the 10th Annual Medical Imaging Technology Showcase in April in Washington, DC.

As one of CECI2‘s new members, Lee was introduced to the Council’s work as the advocacy branch of the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research (ARBIR). At the meeting, Dr. Lee introduced  NC Congressional staff to his research in the development of advanced x-ray devices using the novel carbon nanotube x-ray source, and the critical importance of funding for imaging research, especially through the NIBIB and NCI, to peer scientists and NIH leadership. As a high point of the meeting, Lee and other new CECI2 members visited Capitol Hill to meet and discuss the importance of preserving imaging research interests in policymaking and regulation with Congressional representatives.

Dr. Lee relates, “It was a spectacular opportunity to lobby on behalf of the medical imaging research field, introduce various congressional representatives to our work advancing radiology and meet other early career investigators from NC and across the U.S.”

Lee and fellow imaging researchers discussed  the importance of preserving imaging research interests with U.S. Senator Richard Burr (L to R): Drs. Jeong Kim (Wake Forest University), Senator Burr, Yueh Lee, Jay Baker (Duke University). Senator Burr was one of the original sponsors of the legislation that established the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) in December 2000. The NIBIB promotes scientific development in the fields of biotechnology, imaging, and biomedical engineering and advances the application of biomedical technology.