Catherine Applegate, PhD, RDN
Catherine Applegate, PhD, RDN, is a Medical Science Liaison at ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE, specializing in radiopharmaceuticals, oncology, and dietetics. A cancer survivor herself, Catherine brings a deeply personal perspective to her work, combining her PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with postdoctoral training in bioengineering. She is passionate about bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and clinical application, ensuring that innovative therapies reach the patients who need them most.
Throughout her career, Catherine has gained hands-on expertise with Lu-177 and Ac-225 radiopharmaceuticals, developing radiotracers, managing NIH-funded projects up to $1.5 million, and leading interdisciplinary teams from bench research to IND-enabling studies. She has authored over 23 peer-reviewed publications and trained numerous researchers, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing the field of oncology while translating complex scientific findings into actionable clinical insights. She credits mentors Rachel Semon and Heather Karmansky for their guidance and support in shaping her professional journey.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Catherine is deeply committed to patient advocacy and education. As a cancer research advocate and DoD grant reviewer, she understands the critical role of patient perspectives in shaping effective treatments. She actively engages with healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders, and research communities to promote the development and adoption of targeted cancer therapeutics, translating her expertise into meaningful impact for patients and the broader medical community.
• Learning R
• Verified Peer Reviewer
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to helping others. By prioritizing the needs of those around me and offering support whenever I can, I’ve been able to build meaningful relationships, foster trust, and create opportunities for growth—not only for myself but also for the people I serve. This focus on helping others has been the driving force behind my personal and professional achievements.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to network. Building genuine connections with others in my field has opened doors, provided valuable insights, and created opportunities that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. By cultivating relationships and staying engaged with a professional community, I’ve been able to grow both personally and professionally.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and at the same time opportunities in my field right now is ensuring that my reach is broad enough to create a truly meaningful impact. Expanding my influence allows me to touch more lives, drive positive change, and maximize the value of my work. Striking the balance between depth and scale is critical, as it enables me to make a significant difference while maintaining the quality and authenticity of my efforts.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are communication, honesty, and dependability. I strive to be transparent and open in all interactions, build trust through integrity, and consistently follow through on my commitments. These principles guide my relationships and decision-making, ensuring that I maintain strong connections and make a positive impact wherever I am.