Buck Rogers

Buck Rogers, PhD, is a tenured Professor of Radiation Oncology and Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He also holds an Adjunct Professor position in the Department of Chemistry and serves as the Associate Director of the Cancer Biology Division. His academic appointments span multiple departments and research centers including the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, and Siteman Cancer Center, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to cancer research and radiopharmaceutical development.

Dr. Rogers earned his BS in Chemistry from Loyola University of Chicago in 1989, followed by an MA in Chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis in 1991. He completed his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis in 1995 and subsequently completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

With over 20 years of experience in radiochemistry and molecular imaging, Dr. Rogers' research focuses on the development of radiolabeled compounds for cancer imaging and therapy. His work centers on creating novel radiopharmaceuticals using isotopes like copper-64, gallium-68, zirconium-89, and others for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and targeted radiation therapy. A significant portion of his research involves developing radiolabeled peptides that target specific receptors overexpressed in cancers, particularly the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) and somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2). His laboratory has made important contributions to the field of copper-64 chemistry, developing new chelators that have enabled clinical translation of copper-64 based imaging agents. Additional research areas include Alzheimer's disease diagnostics through amyloid imaging and development of agents for bacterial infection imaging.

Dr. Rogers' recent publications demonstrate a strong translational focus with emphasis on moving radiopharmaceuticals from preclinical development to clinical applications. His work spans multiple areas including prostate cancer imaging and therapy, Alzheimer's disease diagnostics, bacterial infection imaging, and novel antibody-based imaging agents. The research shows a clear progression from basic radiochemistry to sophisticated in vivo applications, with increasing collaboration across disciplines and institutions.

Among his notable recognitions is the Hope Award from the American Cancer Society (2006), which acknowledges his significant contributions to cancer research. Dr. Rogers has served on study sections for major funding agencies including the NIH, Department of Energy, and American Cancer Society, reflecting his standing in the scientific community.

As an active mentor, Dr. Rogers is willing to guide PhD and MSTP students through the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences. He has co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed papers and serves as an Editor for Nuclear Medicine and Biology and Current Medical Imaging Reviews. His leadership roles include Vice-Chair of the Radiation Safety Committee, membership on the Oncologic Imaging Leadership Committee for the Siteman Cancer Center, and serving as President of the Center for Molecular Imaging, Innovation, and Translation within the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

The Rogers Laboratory operates the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP), providing irradiation services for in vivo testing of tumor and normal tissue response. The lab focuses on developing novel radioactive probes for imaging and therapy with the goal of impacting patient care. Current research directions include radiolabeling of proteins and peptides for PET imaging and therapy, Alzheimer's disease diagnostics, bacterial infection imaging, and single-chain variable antibody development.