Laura Aaron is a professor and the coordinator for the Master of Science in radiologic sciences program at the Northwestern State University School of Allied Health.
Dr. Aaron has been active in several professional radiologic science organizations, including the ASRT, the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and her state society, the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists. She has more than 20 peer-reviewed publications to her credit as well as numerous presentations at local, state, national and international organizations.
Dr. Aaron loves working with students to help them achieve their career goals, collaborating with the fabulous faculty she works with daily, and tackling new challenges.
The Impact of the Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences Degree
Vesna Balać is an assistant professor and department chair of radiologic science programs at Indiana University Northwest in Gary, Indiana. She earned her radiography education and Bachelor of Science in radiologic sciences at IU Northwest and holds a Master of Science in adult education and a doctorate in instructional systems technology from Indiana University Bloomington. An active member of the ASRT, the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, and the Indiana Society of Radiologic Technologists, she is co-author of Principles of Radiographic Imaging: An Art and a Science and a contributing author to Introduction to Radiography and Patient Care. Dr. Balać is passionate about advancing the radiologic science profession through education, with a particular focus on digital radiography.
Navigating Artificial Intelligence in Professional Writing: Ethics, Guidelines and Best Practices
Jennifer Clark is an assistant professor and program director for the diagnostic medical sonography program at Morehead State University. She is currently enrolled in the Ed.D. program at Morehead State University. She received her Master of Science in radiologic sciences from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. She serves as the president of the Kentucky Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Correlating Placental Thickness and Fetal Kidney Length to Gestational Age
Kevin R. Clark is the founder and CEO of CW Elite, a professional editing and consulting company, and an associate professor with the School of Health Professions at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He currently serves as chair of the ASRT Committee on Fellows and as president of both the Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences.
Teaching as Advanced Practice: Elevating Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Educators
Kerry Dunn is the clinical coordinator and senior lecturer for the radiography program at Georgia Southern University in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Dunn has been an educator for more than a decade and earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Georgia State University in 2022. In 2011, she earned her master’s degree in adult education from the University of Georgia, and in 2006, she graduated from Emory University with an associate degree in medical science. Dr. Dunn is actively involved in her state affiliate, the Georgia Society of Radiologic Technologists, and is passionate about clinical leadership, mentoring and coaching within clinical education.
Teaching Patient-centered Care in Today’s Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Environment
Burnout and Its Connection to Toxic Workplace Cultures
Christine Eckenrod is assistant professor and director of radiography at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Christine graduated from Altoona Hospital School of Radiography in 1987 and has had a career that has spanned radiography and specialized certification in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in medical imaging from Mount Aloysius College and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Bloomsburg University. Christine serves as president of the Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists, and she has served as affiliate delegate to the ASRT House of Delegates three times. She is grateful to have been selected for the ASRT Health Equity Leadership Academy and is excited to present the group’s two years of hard work.
Elizabeth Eslich works as a radiology clinical solutions consultant. Previously she was a practicing radiologist assistant for 18 years at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a 2003 graduate of the Mercy Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology program, received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Indiana in 2004 and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill radiologist assistant program in 2007. Currently Elizabeth serves on ASRT’s Practice Standards Council, as the Practice Standards Council Radiologist Assistant Subcommittee chair, as an advocacy ambassador and as a member of the Committee on Bylaws. She has served on numerous committees with the ASRT and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and was the technologist program director for RAD-AID International.
RA 101
Rodney Fisher is a former president of the Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists and a former chair of the Nuclear Medicine Chapter of the ASRT. He currently serves as the chair of the ASRT Commission (2025-2026). Additionally, he is on the board of directors for the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Dr. Fisher is an assistant professor, institutional review board chair and radiation safety officer at Midwestern State University.
The Current Status of Multimodality Imaging of Pulmonary Emboli
Nan Gesche is an energetic speaker who uses experience, insight and some sturdy research — all sprinkled with a little humor — to get people to see themselves and the world differently. Her passion is to help people play well together. Nan provides audiences a chance to ponder and practice different ways of thinking and acting around change, conflict, decision-making, communication and leadership — all in hopes of providing more positive outcomes.
Nan engages large and small audiences nationally, from Fortune 500 companies to individuals. She is a catalyst who makes change doable! Her 20-plus years of independent and corporate experience allow her to stretch people's thinking to help them focus on the realities of life and business. She works with organizations who want their teams to crack the collaboration code, improving their ability to problem-solve and manage challenging conversations so that they can get back to the business of reaching their goals while strengthening relationships.
Nan also loves a good vintage clothing shop, so talk to her after the session if you know of any in the area.
Cracking the Collaboration Code
Corey Hidalgo has been a practicing radiologic technologist for the past 15 years and recently transitioned full time into education as an assistant professor in the Bachelor of Science in radiologic sciences program at California State University, Northridge. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology and his master’s degree in health administration from CSUN and is currently in the doctoral program in educational leadership for higher education at CSUN as well.
Corey’s passion for learning and his commitment to elevating the radiologic science profession have been the driving force toward advancing patient care, promoting professional development and inspiring excellence among his students. He is grateful to the ASRT for the opportunity to present alongside his Health Equity Leadership Academy colleagues, and to Melissa Culp and Sandra Hayden for their continued dedication to supporting medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals and educating them on meaningfully impactful topics.
Candice Johnstone is a professor and vice chair of radiation oncology at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. She also serves as the medical director of the department of radiation oncology at Froedtert Hospital and Froedtert West Bend. Her clinical focus includes lung, breast and esophageal cancers as well as palliative radiation oncology. She is the co-editor of a leading handbook titled Palliative Radiation Oncology.
Dr. Johnstone serves on the board of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and is its current president. She also serves on the board of the American Association for Women in Radiology and is its immediate past president. She has previously served as the president of the Society for Palliative Radiation Oncology and currently serves on the board of the Wisconsin Radiological Society.
Dr. Johnstone contributes to clinical program development and research and has special expertise in stereotactic body radiation therapy and the primary treatment of inoperable lung cancer. At MCW, she is the co-course director for the community oncology elective. She received her medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine, completed her residency at the Harvard Joint Center for Radiation Therapy and received her Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health.
ARRT 101
Jeff Killion is the dean of the Gunn College of Health Sciences & Human Services and a professor of radiologic sciences at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Dr. Killion completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in radiologic sciences at Midwestern State University, and he received his Ph.D. in health studies education at Texas Woman’s University. He is an active member of the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, the ASRT, the Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Texas Society of Allied Health Professions, and he is a board trustee of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Dr. Killion writes and speaks at the state, national and international levels.
Jenna N. Laquerre is a graduate of the University of North Florida in educational technology, training and development, has a degree in health care management and professional services from Seminole State College, and is an alumna of Palm Beach State College in radiography and diagnostic medical sonography.
Jenna serves as a clinical coordinator for the diagnostic medical sonography program at Palm Beach State College, where she also holds adjunct faculty positions in the radiography and Bachelor of Science in medical imaging programs. She is registered with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography in abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric sonography, breast, and vascular technology, and she is registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in radiography. Jenna is a member of the Lambda Nu National Honor Society for Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, the ASRT and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
In addition to her academic roles, Jenna serves as a manuscript peer reviewer for Radiologic Technology and the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and she is a published author and educational speaker. Her clinical experience includes work at nationally recognized institutions such as Nemours Children’s Hospital and AdventHealth. She recently authored Lange Review: The Fundamentals of Pediatric Sonography: A Registry Review and Protocol Guide.
Pediatric Abdominal Pathologies: Imaging Pearls for Clinical Practice
Jennifer Mashburn is an interventional radiologic technologist at Vascular Surgical Associates, where she specializes in body interventional radiography, endovascular and neurological procedures. She holds an Associate of Science in radiologic sciences from West Georgia Technical College, a Bachelor of Science in animal science from Auburn University and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in health care management from Augusta University. Jennifer brings a diverse educational background and hands-on clinical experience to her work, with a strong commitment to advancing patient care and improving health care workplace culture.
Neurodivergence in Health Care
Bernadette Mele is clinical professor and chair of diagnostic imaging at Quinnipiac University, where she provides oversight of four imaging programs — two undergraduate and two graduate — and directs the Master of Health Science in radiologist assistant program. A practicing radiologic technologist in radiography and magnetic resonance imaging for more than 20 years, she is a passionate advocate for the radiologic science profession, MRI safety, innovative teaching methods and workforce development. Dr. Mele serves as an ASRT Magnetic Resonance Chapter delegate (2025-2026), contributes to the ASRT Practice Standards Council and Committee on R.T. Advocacy Region 9 Subcommittee, and recently was elected president-elect of the Connecticut Society of Radiologic Technologists. She co-chaired the CSRT task force that shaped Connecticut’s Public Act No. 25-162 to address imaging and respiratory care workforce shortages. Her scholarship and presentations center on MRI safety, cross-modality physics education and creative strategies to prepare future technologists. A faculty mentor for the Yale Center for Biomedical Innovation and Technology Healthcare Hackathon, she brings a dynamic, practice-driven perspective to every session and looks forward to engaging ASRT colleagues on the future of medical imaging education and patient care.
Best Practices in Remote MRI: Ergonomics, Safety and the Imaging Assistant
Kimberly Onstott is an assistant professor, advanced modalities coordinator, magnetic resonance safety officer and institutional review board Gunn College representative at the Shimadzu School of Radiologic Sciences at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. She is a former ASRT Magnetic Resonance Chapter chair and currently serves on the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Computed Tomography/Dental CT Board of Directors.
The Ecotoxicity of Medical Imaging Agents: A Comprehensive Review of Environmental Fate, Systemic Risks and Sustainable Solutions
Michele has been a registered radiologic technologist since 1998, specializing in mammography since 2005, and breast sonography since 2011. Michele worked in a small community hospital for over 22 years and has been working at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for over 5 years. Michele has developed presentations in breast imaging for many educational institutions across the nation. Michele is also an instructor at MTMI for the mammography initial training course and breast ultrasound courses. She has her own independent company that offers her specialty services to facilities newly opening a department, facilities needing ACR refresher positioning courses or just looking for continuing education in breast imaging. Michele truly enjoys working with others all across the nation and most recently has joined a team to extend her knowledge in the Caribbean and European countries. Michele is passionate about her field of expertise and hopes to teach something new to everyone she meets.
Bethany Stearns is a clinical assistant professor in the radiologic science program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned her Master of Science degree from Southern Illinois University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in educational studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her research explores the integration of educational technology in the radiologic science classroom and innovative applications of artificial intelligence within health care. Bethany is passionate about preparing future medical imaging professionals through evidence-based teaching, technological innovation and a commitment to learner-centered education.
Kori L. Stewart is director of the radiologic science program and associate professor of diagnostic imaging at Quinnipiac University, and she has been a dedicated educator and technologist since 2009. She holds certifications in radiography, computed tomography and imaging informatics and has a Bachelor of Science in diagnostic imaging and a Master of Health Science in medical laboratory sciences from Quinnipiac, as well as a Ph.D. in biomedical (health) informatics from Rutgers University. Dr. Stewart is the co-author of several textbooks, including Introduction to Radiologic & Imaging Sciences & Patient Care, Imaging Informatics: An Introduction and the upcoming 7th edition of Principles of Radiographic Imaging: An Art and a Science. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and presented internationally, nationally and regionally on imaging informatics and patient-centered care. She has also served on several professional organizations’ boards of directors and has a passion for advancing the profession.
Digital Twinning: The Next Frontier in Medical Imaging
Jessica VanMarter has worked in the health care field for more than 20 years, concentrating for the past 14 years in radiation oncology. She is currently the administrative director for Levine Cancer, with responsibilities over the radiation oncology service line for the northern region of North Carolina’s Greater Charlotte market. Jessica has a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in health services administration and is both a certified professional compliance officer and certified professional coder. She is also certified in radiography and radiation therapy through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Jessica is on the steering committee for the medical physics residency program through Atrium Health. At Atrium Health Cabarrus, Jessica serves as co-chair of the employee recognition and inclusion for all committees. She also represents the hospital on the United Way of Cabarrus advisory council.
Jessica has done considerable work with electronic medical record utilization and standardization. She has an interest in exploring the pooling of resources across departments to break down silos and create cost savings through shared personnel.
Expanding the Professional Role of Radiation Therapists: A Comprehensive Approach
Heather Welker is an accomplished health care leader and radiation oncology expert based in Greensboro, North Carolina. With more than 15 years of clinical and managerial experience, she currently serves as the radiation oncology department manager at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in High Point. In this role, she has led financial oversight, operational strategy and staff development to optimize patient care and drive organizational excellence.
A cum laude graduate of Greensboro College, Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and allied health and certifications in radiography and radiation therapy. She has furthered her expertise through a master’s degree in health science with a management concentration from Western Carolina University.
Her professional accomplishments include developing advanced clinical protocols, implementing cutting-edge equipment and fostering team engagement. Recognized for her leadership, she has earned accolades such as the Exceptional People Award, Impact Award and Leader of the Month honors. She is a certified Lean Six Sigma yellow belt in process improvement, an advocate for diversity through LGBTQIA+ allies and a dedicated mentor in the radiation oncology profession.
As a member of professional organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Society for Radiation Oncology Administrators, Heather remains at the forefront of innovation and collaboration in health care. Driven by a passion for operational excellence, she strives to enhance patient care delivery and advance the radiation oncology profession.
Darren Wells has been a member of the Nebraska Society of Radiologic Technologists and ASRT since August 2016. He has served on the NSRT Board of Directors as a student representative, nominations chairperson, vice president, president-elect, president and chair of the board and is currently an advisory board member. Darren is a 2018 alumnus of the ASRT Student to Leadership Development Program. He has been employed as a technologist since late 2017, when he started working as a temporary medical radiographer at Regional West Medical Center and urgent care clinic in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, while attending radiography school. After passing his American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam in August 2018 and gaining his Nebraska radiographer license, he worked with Regional West Physicians Clinics in Scottsbluff as a staff technologist in orthopedics, family and internal medicine, and urgent care. He also served as a clinical instructor with the RWMC School of Radiologic Technology from 2019-2021. In July 2021, he accepted a position as a full-time didactic instructor with the school and in late 2023 was promoted to the clinical coordinator position.
Besides having an Associate of Applied Science in radiologic technology, Darren also has a Bachelor of Arts in business administration with a management concentration. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Graduate Studies, where he received a master’s degree in health professions teaching and technology in August 2023. He is also a 2023 graduate of the ASRT Leadership Academy.
Darren is a born and raised Husker and has lived in Nebraska for his whole life, except for a four-year stint in Colorado. He has been happily married for 36 years to his wife, Wendy, and he has two sons (Chase, 26, and Keaton, 23). He resides in Scottsbluff in the beautiful western Nebraska panhandle, right on the old Oregon Trail. Darren is also a military veteran, having served in the Nebraska and Colorado Army national guards with an active deployment of one year in support of the Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom campaigns in 2003-2004.
Lisbet Williams is the quality assurance manager at New York Oncology Hematology in Albany, New York. Her interest in all things quality and process improvement started during her long career in radiation oncology, first as a radiation therapist and then a medical dosimetrist.
Lisbet shares her upstate New York home with her boyfriend and the world’s crankiest cat. She enjoys transforming her yard into a pollinator-friendly paradise and shares the spoils of her vegetable garden with several families of rabbits and squirrels. Lisbet is constantly leaving out treats for the local crows in the hopes of accomplishing the No. 1 item on her bucket list: Make friends with a corvid.
Zero Tolerance: Building a Culture of Safety and Respect in Health Care