Suzanne Lapi

Suzanne Lapi, PhD, is a Professor of Radiology and Chemistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she serves as Cyclotron Facility Director and Vice Chair of Research in Radiology. Her work focuses on PET radionuclide development and molecular imaging agents for oncology applications, particularly in neuroendocrine tumors, thyroid cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer. She oversees production of isotopes like 64Cu and 89Zr for clinical trials and preclinical research, with over 150 peer-reviewed publications and grants from NIH and DOE.

• Key Research Areas: Somatostatin Receptor Imaging, ImmunoPET, Radiolabeled Antibodies, Theranostic Radionuclides
• Grants: NIH/NCI, DOE, industry partnerships (Curium, Clovis Oncology)
• Awards: Michael J Welch Award (2024), SNMMI Fellow
• Training Advocacy: Mentored 14+ graduate/postdoctoral students; developed UAB Cyclotron Facility into a national resource

Her recent publications demonstrate innovations in 52Mn/89Zr labeling, CD206 macrophage imaging, and obesity-immunotherapy interactions. She leads the Lapi Research Group, which has produced >15 approved Investigational New Drugs (INDs) and supplies isotopes to institutions across the USA and internationally.