On this episode, Scott and Sarah are joined by Dr. Suzanne Lapi, Professor of Radiology and Chemistry and Cyclotron Facility Director at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
On this episode, hosts Scott and Sarah sit down with Dr. Suzanne Lapi, Professor of Radiology and Chemistry and Cyclotron Facility Director at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The conversation dives into Dr. Lapi’s multifaceted role in radiopharmaceutical research, isotope production, and academic training. She shares how her team at UAB develops and ships radioisotopes globally, advances novel radiopharmaceuticals through clinical trials, and trains the next generation of radiochemists—from undergrads to postdocs. Dr. Lapi also discusses the critical workforce shortage in the field, emphasizing the need for new training models and stronger partnerships between academia and industry.
Dr. Lapi highlights the importance of early outreach, the evolving academic mindset around careers in industry, and how radiopharmaceuticals are redefining cancer care through theranostics. The episode wraps up with a forward-looking discussion on what the future could hold for the field, the importance of sustained federal research funding, and why she believes we’re just scratching the surface of what radiopharmaceuticals can achieve.
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‘Talk Radioisotopes: Going Nuclear on Cancer’ is brought to you by Nusano, a physics company whose breakthrough technologies are poised to help supply the fight against cancer and enable innovation across multiple industries. Find out more at Nusano.com.
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Links:
Visit UAB’s Department of Radiology
Talkradioisotopes.com
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