What is your research goal?
The overall goal of my research program is to enhance the use of PET imaging in personalized medicine and drug discovery through development of new methods for late-stage radiolabeling of diverse bioactive molecules, and discovery of new radiotracers for diseases such as neurodegeneration. I direct numerous ongoing research projects in these areas that have been externally funded (e.g. NIH), including an active collaboration with Prof. Melanie Sanford developing methodology for the late-stage radiolabeling of challenging bioactive molecules with high Am 18F and 11C. Over 11 years of my independent career, I have published >110 papers in radiochemistry and PET imaging that have been cited >3000 times. It has been gratifying to see reactions developed by my group rapidly adopted by the radiochemistry community and used to prepare >100 radiotracers for (pre)clinical PET imaging in academic and industry labs all over the world.
Briefly, what excites you about your work? What is your favorite aspect of your research?
I was attracted to the field of Nuclear Medicine early in my career for a number of reasons. Firstly, PET radiochemistry is a unique and exciting application of organic chemistry with immediate impact on patient care – I’m still amazed to see “same day” images from inside animals and patients obtained using our molecules, and truly humbled when witnessing first hand the impact such images have on the lives of our patients and their families. Secondly, the translational aspect of the work is appealing (how many chemists ever witness clinical translation of a molecule they’ve invented?) and, lastly, I thoroughly enjoy the diverse and multidisciplinary nature of the work at the interface of the intersection of medicine, biology, chemistry, physics and engineering.
What is your vision of the future of radiochemistry/radiopharmacy/nuclear medicine?
It is an exciting and transformative time in the fields of Nuclear Medicine and the Radiopharmaceutical Sciences! New radiopharmaceuticals continue to be approved for clinical use, including new theranostics for cancer treatment, that are transforming the lives of the patients we diagnose and treat in our clinicals every day. Coupled with lobbying efforts by Professional Societies and others to inform coverage policy, significant efforts by industrial partners to develop the radiochemistry and PET imaging suites of the future, and the expected impact of the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on our discipline, Nuclear Medicine has been invigorated and is transforming from a research technique to a powerful standard of care.
What is your opinion on why young researchers should choose radiochemistry as their research discipline?
I’m thankful every day that I am able work in this field, as mixing cutting edge research, leadership activities in Professional Societies, mentoring young learners, and doing work with daily patient impact make for an extremely rewarding career! Science has also let me see the world and for that I am also extremely grateful. For example, visiting Beijing to talk about my science at last year’s International Symposium on Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, and have the opportunity to visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, was pretty badass!