Resume

Education & Professional Experience

B.S., Neuroscience, with Honors, Indiana University, College of Arts and Science 2015
Bloomington, Indiana
B.S., Psychology, Indiana University, College of Arts and Science 2015
Bloomington, Indiana

Research Experience

Graduate Student, Stichts Aging Center, Wake Forest University 2017 - Present
Advisor: Dr. Suzanne Craft

• Extracted and analyzed MRI data including white matter, gray matter, and blood flow
• Collaborated to assist data management and statistical analysis of sleep data
• Learned to analyze and present data using a plethora of statistical programs from SAS to R
• Interpreted clinical intervention using a wide range of metrics such as brain changes (DTI, ASL, GMV), cerebral spinal fluid changes, and peripheral biomarkers

MRI Technician, Imaging Research Facility, Indiana University 2015 - 2017
Supervisors: Drs. Sharlene Newman and Hu Cheng

• Trained undergraduate and graduate students on how to conduct MRI research
• Assisted researchers in developing MRI testable hypotheses
• Resolved programming and software errors, as well as technical issues associated with the MRI compatible system recording subject biometrics such as respiration, eye tracking, and heartrate

Research Associate, Cognitive NeuroImaging Lab, Indiana University 2015 - 2016
Advisor: Dr. Sharlene Newman

• Team leader of undergraduate research assistants for three separate studies
• Executed three studies resulting in the submission of three abstracts, subsequent presentations, and two peer reviewed articles.
• Coordinated the schedules of undergraduate students, research participants, and MRI resources to collect imaging data.
• Mentored three undergraduates in developing hypotheses and performing analyses resulting in conference presentations

Select Publications

Kellar, D., Lockhart SN, Aisen P, Raman R, Rissman RA, Brewer J, Craft S. (2021). Intranasal Insulin Reduces White Matter Hyperintensity Progression in Association with Improvements in Cognition and CSF Biomarker Profiles in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease. The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease., Apr 7:1-9

Kellar, D. and Craft, S. (2020), Brain insulin resistance in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders: Mechanism and therapeutic approaches. Lancet Neurology.

Kellar, D., Newman, S., Pestilli, F., Cheng, H., and Port, N. L. (2018). Comparing fMRI activation during smooth pursuit eye movements among contact sport athletes, non-contact sport athletes, and non-athletes. NeuroImage: Clinical, 18, 413-424.

and Presentations

Kellar, D., Register, T., Dahl, D., and Craft, S. (2020) Cerebrospinal Fluid Insulin Concentration Increases and Correlates With Memory Improvements After Intranasal Insulin Administration. Presented at AAIC virtual event.

Kellar, D., Lockhart, S., Neth, B, Whitlow, C., Jung, Y., and Craft, S. (2019). Diet-Related Alterations in White Matter Microstructure in Participants at risk for AD. Presented at AAIC Los Angeles.

Professional Memberships

Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment 2018 - Present
Society for Neuroscience 2016 - Present
Indiana University Student Organization for Cognitive Sciences 2012 - 2015

Honors & Awards

AAIC Travel Scholarship 2019
Departmental Honors in Neuroscience, Indiana University 2015
G & M Morgan Scholarship, Indiana University 2010 - 2014

derek.kellar92@gmail.com