Dr. Willette's laboratory examines the impact of obesity on the structure and function of the human brain. His main foci are metabolic dysfunction, such as insulin resistance, and chronic neuroinflammation. Archival and directly acquired primary data are used. Imaging techniques include volumetrics, FLAIR, DTI microstructure and tractography, MRS, task and resting state fMRI, ASL, FDG-PET, PiB-PET, AV45-PET. Non-imaging techniques include neuropsychological tests and questionnaires of cognition and affect/emotion, and body composition imaging, as well as ELISA, RIA, and mass spectrometry to associate biomarkers with neuroimaging and behavioral outcomes. Collaborations on animal models include diabetic dogs and rodents.