MITC Researchers: Leading Interdisciplinary Innovations
MITC researchers at the University of Missouri conduct pioneering interdisciplinary research, leveraging their diverse expertise across scientific fields to foster collaboration both within the university and nationwide. Emphasizing a cutting-edge research environment, MITC's centralized facilities and expert management facilitate innovative partnerships and advancements in fields like radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment, in vivo imaging (including optical and MRI), complex research methodologies, experimental design, and problem-solving. Stay updated on our researchers' latest developments and news.
MITC Research:
Dr. Carolyn Anderson
Simon-Ellebracht Professor in Medicinal Chemistry, Professor of Radiology
Email: carolyn.j.anderson@missouri.edu
Bio: Dr. Carolyn Anderson is the Simón-Ellebracht Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Professor of Radiology at the University of Missouri. Her lab performs the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel radiometal-based radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy of cancer and other diseases.
A current focus of her research lab is the development of imaging agents for up-regulated receptors on immune cells that are involved in inflammation-related primary tumor growth and cancer metastasis, and sickle cell disease.
Dr. Michael Lewis
Professor, Tumor Biology and Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry
Email: LewisMic@missouri.edu
Bio: Dr. Michael Lewis is a Professor in the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the University of Missouri. His research focuses on the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging and targeted radiotherapy of cancer. These agents include radiolabeled antibodies, peptides, and peptide nucleic acids for targeting cell surface receptors and oncogene products in colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer, as well as in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Dr. Barry Edwards
Associate Professor of Biochemistry
Email: wbe59z@missouri.edu
Bio: W. Barry Edwards, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Radiology at the University of Missouri. His lab is actively engaged in the design, synthesis, and investigation of novel molecular imaging agents for preclinical molecular imaging of cancer and other diseases. These agents consist of peptides and proteins that are either radiolabeled with radioisotopes for positron emission tomography (PET) or labeled with a near infrared dye for optical imaging or both to delineate tumor margins during surgery.
As an example of the types of research in which we are engaged, we have recently developed an scFv phage displayed library that has delivered high affinity scFvs for cell surface proteins that are up-regulated as function of disease. These scFvs will be formulated into bivalent antibody fragments for pre-clinical PET of cancer and other diseases.
Dr. Lixin Ma
Associate Professor
Email: mal@health.missouri.edu
Bio: Lixin Ma is an Associate Professor (with tenure) in the Department of Radiology at University of Missouri (MU), Columbia, MO, and a Research Health Scientist at Truman VA Hospital, Columbia, MO. She has trained in medical imaging, biophysics, and medicinal chemistry, with expertise in magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI & MRS) and molecular imaging. Her research lab primarily focuses on two key areas: 1) Developing advanced quantitative MRI methodologies for health and disease markers, including those in neurological, cardiovascular systems, and cancer; and 2) Designing and developing theranostic imaging agents (small molecules, peptides, and nanoparticles) for cell-targeting pharmaceuticals. Her team creates and applies quantitative tools and imaging agents to pursue translational research. One of their current projects involves developing nanomaterials targeted to cardiovascular atherosclerosis for MRI/PET/CT imaging. Additionally, the team provides export support for MRI research projects to collaborators.
Dr. Gregory Biedermann
Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology
Email: biedermanng@health.missouri.edu
Bio: Gregory Biedermann, MD, is a radiation oncologist who has practiced in Columbia since 2009. He is an expert in treating head and neck cancer and brain tumors by using stereotactic radiosurgery, internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) and theranostics. He sees both adults and pediatric patients.
Dr. Biedermann is passionate about improving quality of treatment and quality of life in cancer patients. He is the primary investigator for several research trials that are run through cooperative groups or partnering with industry and strives to bring novel therapies to patients who benefit from new forms of cancer treatment.
Dr. David Bauer
Assistant Professor
Email: dbauer@missouri.edu
Bio: Dr. David Bauer is a passionate biomedical chemist dedicated to advancing radiopharmaceutical cancer research, with a special focus on developing targeted alpha therapies to improve the current standard of care for patients with advanced disease progression. In the Bauer Lab, they evaluate intraperitoneal targeted alpha therapy (IP TAT) preclinically. By advancing IP TAT as a targeted treatment option, their research can potentially transform therapeutic strategies for peritoneal spreading cancers by providing an effective adjuvant therapy, offering new hope to patients who may not fully benefit from the current standard of care.