Dr. Ella Kazerooni Copied on April 2018 Email Requesting Investigation of “Nick B”

In April 2018, Dr. Myria Petrou and Dr. Bradley Foerster sent a detailed escalation email to University of Michigan General Counsel Timothy Lynch regarding communications attributed to “Nick B,” including what Dr. Petrou described as fabricated criminal allegations that had contributed to continuation of the Ann Arbor Police Department investigation, and ongoing concerns involving the University of Michigan Department of Radiology.

The email requested institutional assistance in investigating the identity and University connections of “Nick B,” stating that the University could assist “by facilitating an efficient and thorough investigation into this matter” rather than forcing “legal discovery” through subpoenas and litigation.

Importantly, the April 27, 2018 email copied Dr. Ella Kazerooni, then Interim Chair of Radiology, together with Dr. Ashok Srinivasan, then Division Director of Neuroradiology and direct supervisor of Dr. Petrou and Dr. Foerster, and Dr. Prachi Agarwal, then Division Director of Cardiothoracic Radiology and direct supervisor of Dr. Paul Cronin.

The communication also referenced Office for Institutional Equity (“OIE”) involvement, recordings attributed to “Nick B,” and texts attributed to Dr. Paul Cronin stating that he believed “Nick B” was a colleague within the University of Michigan Department of Radiology.

University General Counsel Timothy Lynch acknowledged receipt of the communication the same day, replying: “Thank you.”

April 27, 2018 email to University of Michigan General Counsel Timothy Lynch concerning “Nick B,” copied to Dr. Ella Kazerooni, Dr. Ashok Srinivasan, and Dr. Prachi Agarwal.

The communication referenced what Dr. Petrou described as fabricated criminal allegations from “Nick B,” continuation of the Ann Arbor Police Department investigation, and requests for investigation into the identity and University connections of “Nick B.”

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The email further stated that communications attributed to “Nick B” and related fabricated criminal allegations had contributed to continuation of the Ann Arbor Police Department investigation and substantial personal and financial damages to Dr. Petrou and Dr. Foerster.

At the same time, contemporaneous “Nick Bee” communications entering University of Michigan Office of General Counsel channels identified Dr. Ella Kazerooni as “our boss” within the Department of Radiology.

No released University of Michigan or Ann Arbor Police Department record reviewed by Dr. Petrou and Dr. Foerster documents investigators or University personnel asking Dr. Ella Kazerooni whether she knew or could identify “Nick Bee.”

The significance of the April 27, 2018 escalation email is underscored by the fact that Dr. Kazerooni was copied directly on communications concerning “Nick B,” including what Dr. Petrou described as fabricated criminal allegations from “Nick B,” together with requests for investigation into his identity and University connections.

In subsequent federal litigation, Dr. Kazerooni formally denied allegations that she had knowledge of “Nick B” or his allegations, despite separately admitting that recordings associated with “Nick B” had been forwarded to her in May 2018.

Kazerooni v. Kazerooni: “She’s Too Important to the Univ. to Allow Me to Take Her to Court”

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Brad Foerster, MD PhD

Brad Foerster is a FOIA advocate documenting requests, transparency disputes, and accountability investigations involving public agencies, universities, police oversight, and Russia-Gate related inquiries. His work compiles original documents, timelines, and analysis of public records and institutional responses. Brad is also a board-certified radiologist, author of Town & Gown, and has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles. Brad lives in Potomac, Maryland with his family and is active in the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Takoma Park U.S. & World History Book Club.