Carolyn J. Anderson

Carolyn J. Anderson serves as the Simon-Ellebracht Professor in Medicinal Chemistry and Professor of Radiology at the University of Missouri, with dual appointments in Chemistry and Radiology. She additionally holds the position of Associate Director at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and leads the Anderson Lab, pioneering radiopharmaceutical development for cancer theranostics and sickle cell disease applications.

Educational background:

• BS in Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Superior
• PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, Florida State University
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Washington University in St. Louis (laboratory of Professor Michael J. Welch)

Her research specializes in designing radiometal-based agents for diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy, with current emphasis on immune cell receptor targeting in cancer metastasis and inflammation. Key projects optimize albumin-binding strategies using terbium-161 as an alternative to lutetium-177, while expanding into alpha emitters like actinium-225 and lead-212 for metastatic melanoma treatment. The lab validates novel chelators (e.g., Lumiphore's Lumi804) across multiple radionuclides including zirconium-89.

Major honors include:

• Michael J. Welch Award (2012)
• Distinguished Investigator Award (2014)
• Glenn T. Seaborg Award (2022)
• Paul C. Aebersold Award (2020)
• Georg de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award (2024)

Dr. Anderson actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students alongside postdoctoral fellows. Her NIH R01-funded research drives innovation in radiopharmaceutical therapy, supported by industry collaborations with Lumiphore. She co-founded the Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center (MITC), establishing it as a campus-wide hub for radiopharmaceutical development and cross-disciplinary cancer research.

The MITC fosters collaboration across MU's chemistry, radiology, and oncology departments, accelerating translation of novel agents like thorium-227 into clinical applications for cancer theranostics and sickle cell disease diagnostics.