He's not a rock star.

But he can be -- with the help of will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas and Joe Perry of Aerosmith. 

Dr. Ron Petersen is one of 11 "Rock Stars of Science" featured in a campaign to highlight the work scientists do to save lives and improve living conditions, and to seek to increase research funding.

As part of that, Petersen made an appearance at a quirky, smile-filled event Thursday at the nation's capital.

"I am in Washington right now and just came from a 'recording session' with Joe Perry of Aerosmith," Petersen, a Rochester Mayo Clinic neurologist and Alzheimer's disease researcher, said in an e-mail. "He (is) the true rock star ... at the Capitol."

Post-Bulletin by Jeff Hansel, 09/25/09

Tags: Neurology, Neurology, rock stars