In January 1994, Dr. Harry Chugani established the translational imaging laboratory (TIL). Initially, the TIL was situated within the PET center of Children's Hospital of Michigan (CHM), becoming the first PET center in the United States exclusively devoted to providing services to sick children. 

This PET center at CHM has been pivotal in offering a wide range of scans, both clinical and research-based, to patients of all ages, not only from Michigan but also from other regions. The substantial resources of CHM, Wayne State University, and other members of the Detroit Medical Center are shared with the community to perform various crucial tasks. 

These include the detection of seizure epileptic foci, determination of serotonin synthesis capacity in autism and tuberous sclerosis, evaluation of heart disorders and cardiac viability in infants with congenital heart disease, and identification of malignant diseases or tumors, as well as monitoring their therapy. 

Some of the specific PET studies conducted at the facility are:

 Detection of epileptic foci in children with seizures using [F-18]Deoxyglucose or [C-11]Flumazenil. 

Determination of serotonin synthesis capacity in autism using [C-11]alpha-methyl-tryptophan. 

Evaluation of heart disorders in infants with congenital heart disease using [N-13]Ammonia, [C-11]Acetate, and [C-11] Hydroxyephedrine. 

As of February 2023, the Translational Imaging Laboratory (TIL) has emerged anew within the University Health Center (UHC) following a profound transformation. The purpose of this metamorphosis was to embrace cutting-edge neuroimaging projects that encompass PET, MRI, and intracranial EEG (iEEG), catering to diverse medical conditions like pediatric epilepsy, Sturge-Weber Syndrome, developmental delay, and brain tumors.

Operating as a pulsating hub at Wayne State University, the TIL is ardently committed to multidisciplinary research for ailing children. This mission involves conducting NIH-funded clinical trials and translational research, delving deep into the mysteries of diseases, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for families and patients. The TIL serves as a beacon for scientific discovery and theoretical breakthroughs in pediatric neurology, neuroscience, and oncology, providing unfettered access to state-of-the-art imaging modalities, resources, and scientific training.

Our research spans a vast horizon, encompassing brain MRI-PET-iEEG and whole-body PET imaging, traversing diverse life stages and engaging both clinical and nonclinical populations. Moreover, the TIL assumes the role of an enriched platform for educational and research opportunities, catering to graduate and undergraduate students alike. It plays an indispensable part in disseminating scientific knowledge, enriching not just the academic fraternity but also resonating across pertinent professional communities and the wider public. The mission of the TIL is dedicated to fulfilling the following aspirations:

• Paving the way for scientific discovery and pioneering theoretical and methodological advancements in drug-resistant epilepsy, Sturge-Weber Syndrome, developmental Delay, and brain tumor.

• Serving as a nurturing intellectual hub for interdisciplinary basic and clinical research.

• Nurturing and preparing graduate students and post-doctoral fellows for flourishing careers in academia and related fields.

• Equipping international students and trainees with invaluable research experiences and a plethora of educational avenues.

• Sharing the wealth of scientific knowledge with the extended university community, pertinent professional circles, and the general public.