CLIP is dedicated to advancing the standard of care in both veterinary and human medicine through high-quality clinical trials and translational research. With Dr. Zinn at the helm, the program will continue to drive innovation and expand MSU’s impact on patient care across species.

“I am thrilled to lead the Clinical Innovations Program, which provides an incredible opportunity to bridge veterinary and human medicine,” says Zinn. “CLIP will enhance our ability to develop and test new diagnostics and therapies, accelerating translational research at MSU. By integrating clinical trials across species, we can create innovative, real-world solutions that improve outcomes for both animals and people.”

Dr. Zinn is also the Hickman Family Endowed Chair in Oncology, a position established in 2022 through a $6 million endowment from the Hickman family. This prestigious role was created to harness the synergy between veterinary and human medicine in developing advanced diagnostic tools and treatment strategies to combat cancer in both people and animals.

A professor in Radiology (College of Human Medicine), Biomedical Engineering (College of Engineering), and Small Animal Clinical Sciences (College of Veterinary Medicine), Dr. Zinn joined MSU in 2017 as part of the Global Impact Initiative. Since arrival at MSU, he has played a pivotal role in establishing a radiopharmacy to manufacture research drugs and radiopharmaceuticals for clinical trials. His work is at the forefront of developing novel radiotherapies that aim to provide safer, more effective, and potentially more affordable treatment options for certain cancers.

His research includes molecular imaging, neuroimaging for drug delivery to the brain, and targeted radiation therapy using alpha-particle emitting radionuclides, including those available from FRIB. With experience in over 12 Phase 1 clinical trials, he now leads clinical studies in both human and veterinary medicine.

“Dr. Zinn’s vision and groundbreaking research make him the ideal choice to direct the Clinical Innovations Program,” says Kim Dodd, Dean, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. “His unique expertise across veterinary and human medicine aligns perfectly with MSU’s One Health mission. Under his guidance, I am confident CLIP will set new standards of care and improve health outcomes for both human and animal patients.”

Dr. Zinn’s contributions to the field have been widely recognized, including the Distinguished Investigator Award from the Academy of Radiology Research in 2015. He holds multiple degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia, including a BA in chemistry, a DVM, an MS in chemistry, and a PhD in biochemistry.

His leadership of CLIP, combined with his groundbreaking work in oncology and nuclear medicine, will further MSU’s mission to pioneer breakthroughs in medical treatments that benefit both human and animal health.

For more information on CLiP and Dr. Zinn’s work, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cvm.msu.edu