David W. Dick

David W. Dick, PhD, serves as Clinical Professor at the University of Iowa with dual appointments in the Department of Radiology (Division of Nuclear Medicine) within the Carver College of Medicine and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics within the College of Pharmacy. His research centers on radionuclide production for PET imaging and development of radiosynthetic methods for oncology and neurology applications.

Dr. Dick holds a BS in Physics from Western Washington University and MS/PhD degrees in Medical Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His educational background established the foundation for his specialization in medical physics and radiochemistry.

His primary research focuses on designing equipment for novel radiotracer synthesis, maintaining regulatory approvals for PET radiotracers at the University of Iowa PET Imaging Center, producing nonstandard PET radioisotopes, and implementing single-mode microwave cavities for radiochemical syntheses. This work bridges pharmaceutical sciences, nuclear medicine, and medical physics to advance molecular imaging techniques.

Analysis of his 2018-2023 publications reveals strong emphasis on PET radiopharmaceutical development, neuroendocrine tumor imaging, diabetes research involving electromagnetic fields, and workforce training in radiopharmacy. His co-authored works demonstrate consistent innovation in radiotracer production methods and clinical applications.

Professional recognition includes:

• Sigma Pi Sigma physics honor society membership
• American Physical Society Training Grant Recipient
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Training Grant

Dr. Dick's NIH training grant supported his contributions to medical physics research. As an active member of the American Chemical Society, American Physical Society, and Society of Nuclear Medicine, he collaborates across disciplines to advance radiopharmaceutical science. His work at the University of Iowa PET Imaging Center focuses on regulatory compliance and novel synthesis techniques for clinical radiotracers.

He maintains active involvement with the University of Iowa PET Imaging Center, where he develops regulatory frameworks for radiotracer production and pioneers new synthesis methodologies including microwave-assisted radiochemistry.