Featured Research Grantees

The Impact of Case-based eLearning on Student Knowledge and Critical Thinking in the Imaging Sciences Curriculum

Tanya Custer, M.S., R.T.(R)(T), of the University of Nebraska, along with co-investigator Kim Michael, M.A., R.T.(R), RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, received grant funds totaling $9,980 for this two-year project. Their research will evaluate the role of e-modules in imaging science curricula at three academic medical centers. The study seeks to determine whether students who use case-based e-modules see improved exam outcomes compared to students who participate in standard education methods.

Assessing Emotional Well-being in Radiologic Technology

Timmerie Cohen, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(T), of Virginia Commonwealth University, along with co-investigator Jeffrey Legg, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT)(QM), FASRT, received grant funds totaling $4,650 in July 2017. Their research will provide baseline information regarding student emotional well-being that could be used to develop programs and strategies that enhance student success.

The Success of African American Students in Medical Imaging: A Transformative Mixed Methods Study

Tracy Herrmann, M.Ed., R.T.(R), of the University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College, received first-year grant funds totaling $856 in October 2016. Her research focuses on determining how colleges and universities in the greater Cincinnati area can develop institutional structures and resources to support the success and improve the educational experiences of undergraduate African-American students in medical imaging programs.

Optimization of Workload Levels for High Risk Radiotherapy Procedures

Roman Rodriguez, B.S., R.T.(T), of Baylor Scott & White Health-Waxahachie Medical Center, along with co-investigator Tomile Rostockyj, B.S., R.T.(T), received grant funds totaling $10,000 in October 2016. Their research focuses on determining workload, assessing trends, correlations and implications of workload, knowledge base, culture of safety, and human-machine interfaces as they impact the more demanding radiotherapy procedures performed by radiation therapists.

Evaluating Secondary Thyroid Dose in Total Breast Irradiation

Melanie Dempsey, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(T), CMD, FAAMD, of Virginia Commonwealth University, along with co-investigator Timmerie Cohen, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(T), CMD, received first-year grant funds totaling $9,983.40 in October 2016. Their research focuses on examining indirect thyroid dose during total breast irradiation for the treatment of breast cancer.

Barriers to Patient Shielding in Medical Imaging

Megan Housenick-Lee, Ph.D.P.H., R.T.(R)(CT)(MR), of East Tennessee State University, along with co-investigators Dr. Katie Baker, Dr. Kesheng Wang, and Ester Verhovsek, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), received first-year grant funds totaling $3,705.82 in May 2016. Their research focuses on determining what factors technologists perceive as barriers to patient shielding during examinations and at which level on the social-ecological model an intervention might increase shield use.

A Video Intervention for Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study

Jana Koth, M.P.H., R.T.(R)(T), of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, along with co-investigators Lisa Bartenhagen, M.S., R.T.(R)(T), Dr. Weining Zhen, Dr. Nathan Bennion and Cindy Arneson, R.N., B.S.N., received first-year grant funds totaling $6,768 in October 2015. Their research focuses on if viewing an educational video using VERT images reduces anxiety in persons undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer compared with standard written materials.

Educating Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy — Assessing If Using Simulated Treatment Software During Education Session Can Improve the Delivery of Information and Reduce Anxiety

Jenny Soo, M.Ed.,R.T.(T), AC(T), radiation clinical educator at the British Columbia Cancer Agency - Vancouver Cancer Centre, along with co-investigators Dr. Paris-Ann Ingledew and Dr. Christina Parsons, received a grant of $10,000 in October 2015. Their research focuses on whether the use of a simulated program during patient education delivery would lead to changes in patient anxiety, patient satisfaction and patient knowledge.

Targeted US Contrast To Perform Molecular Imaging Within the Injured Spinal Cord

Kevin Evans, Ph.D. R.T.(R), RDMS, RVS, FSDMS, of The Ohio State University, along with co-investigator Kevin Volz, M.S., RVT, received a grant of $10,000 in May 2015. Their research focuses on the development of a more effective and less painful method of neural tissue imaging, allowing for an earlier neural inflammation diagnosis that could have profound benefits clinically. The goal of this research is to increase the level of evidence of the utilization of targeted ultrasound contrast, which ultimately could advance its use to clinical practice.

Understanding the Microbial Community and Dynamics Within Radiation Therapy Treatment Centers

Elva Dawson, Ed.D., R.T.(T), of the University of St. Francis, along with co-investigators Leia Levy, M.Ad.Ed., R.T.(T), and Ben Whitlock, Ph.D., received first-year grant funds totaling $3,260 in May 2015. Their research focuses on informing radiation therapists about microorganisms in the work environment so as to empower the therapists to make better choices about infection control procedures, both in terms of the type of control measures used and how these measures should be focused. This will serve to improve awareness among the treatment staff so that more attention can be placed on personal control procedures in order to provide a safer working environment for both patients and therapists.

Compression Device for Medical Imaging

James N. Johnston, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CV), of Midwestern State University, along with co-investigators Dr. Dale McDonald, Dr. Salim Azzouz, Ryian Williams, engineering student, and Rachel Whatley, radiography student, received a grant of $9,874.30 in May 2015. Their research focuses on developing a functioning clinical version of a radiolucent (invisible to x-ray imaging) device that will apply uniform compression across an obese or morbidly obese person’s abdomen. Such a compression of tissues, in general, would reduce the quantity of radiation necessary to produce the image and improve the overall quality of the radiographic examination.

Exploring Affordable Innovation To Stimulate Higher-Order Learning in Radiation Therapy

Ronnie G. Lozano, Ph.D., R.T.(T), of Texas State University, along with co-investigators Megan Trad, Ph.D., R.T.(T), and Kenneth Scott Smith, Ph.D., LCSW, received a grant for $9,900 in May 2014. Their research aims to develop an effective and affordable virtual training system. This system will provide U.S. educators with a tool and teaching strategies that could bring better understanding to students by coaching higher-order thinking, ultimately to increase the overall treatment competency for students graduating with degrees in radiation therapy.

The Role of Computed Tomography in Contributing to Breast Tissue Dose in Patients Undergoing Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation

Timmerie F. Cohen, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(T), CMD, of Virginia Commonwealth University, along with co-investigator Jeffrey Legg, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT)(QM), received a grant for $2,803 in May 2014. Their research focuses on high-dose rate-accelerated partial breast irradiation following lumpectomy, which has afforded many breast cancer patients much shorter courses of radiation therapy compared with total breast irradiation.

Effectiveness of Current Disinfection Practices on Medical Equipment in a Radiology Department

William L. Hubble, M.A., R.T.(R)(N)(CT), CNMT, FSNMTS, of the Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences, along with co-investigators James Austin Turner, B.S., R.T.(MR), CNMT; Rita M. Heuertz, Ph.D., M.T. (ASCP); and Mark Lauridsen, M.B.A., CNMT, received a grant for $10,000 in November 2013. Their research aims to determine whether current infection-control techniques effectively remove potentially harmful infectious agents from surfaces and fomites in the radiology department.

Reducing Occupational Stress in the Radiology Department

Lynn R. Reingold, B.S., R.T. (R)(CT), of Weber State University, along with co-investigator Daniel Bride, B.S., received a grant for $2,966 in November 2013. Their research aims to identify sources of stress among R.T.s and evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based relaxation techniques.

Evaluation of Common Orthopedic Implants at 7 Tesla

David Pennell, M.S., R.T.(MR), CNMT, of Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, along with co-investigators Adrienne N. Dula, Ph.D., Frank Girard Shellock, Ph.D., and Kurt P. Spindler, M.D., received a grant for $5,948 in October 2013. Their research focuses on evaluating and characterizing magnetic field interactions for metallic implants in association with a 7-Tesla MR system. The researchers hope to use the study’s results to establish a database for commonly used metallic medical implants.

Smart Devices and Educator Burnout

In October 2012, the Foundation awarded $4,786.45 to Jeff B. Killion, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(QM), at Midwestern State University, along with James N. Johnston, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CV), FASRT. This research investigates whether allied health educators are experiencing techno-invasion, burnout or adverse health effects in relation to the use of smart devices. The researchers believe the study outcomes could help raise awareness of burnout and the relationship it has to the health of allied health care educators.

Differential Effect of Repetitive Subconcussive Head Trauma in Concussion

In October 2012, the Foundation awarded $9,722 to Brian Johnson, M.S., R.T.(N)(MR), CNMT at the Pennsylvania State University, along with Semyon M. Slobounov, Ph.D., and Kathryn Gloyer, M.D. This research involves the utilization of advanced neuroimaging techniques (e.g., fMR, diffusion tensor imaging and MR spectroscopy) to evaluate subconcussive blows in athletes.

CBCT Image Assessment Between Radiation Oncologists and Radiation Therapists for SBRT Treatment: Is It Comparable?

In October 2012, the Foundation awarded $9,975 to Jenny Soo, M.Ed., R.T.(T), AC(T), at the BC Cancer Agency – Vancouver Centre, along with Ben Lee, M.H.A., R.T.(T), Rosemin Vellani, R.T.(T), and Mitchell Liu, M.D., to evaluate cone-beam computed tomography images for stereotactic body radiation therapy treatments (spine, liver and lung) by radiation therapists and oncologists to determine the level of concordance. Outcomes of the study could potentially reduce oncologist presence at the treatment unit and perhaps even have an impact on the radiation therapist's scope of practice in Canada.

Radiology Leaders: An Evaluation of Self-Reported Leadership Characteristics and Suggested Instructional Design for Development

In October 2012, the Foundation awarded $9,938 to Melissa B. Jackowski, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to evaluate the self-reported leadership characteristics of radiology leaders using Kouzes’ and Posner’s Leadership Practice Inventory, which has been found to identify characteristics statistically significant with improved patient outcomes and quality of care. This information will allow educators and staff training departments to design specific targeted education to improve the transformational leadership characteristics of radiology leaders.

MRI Safety Survey

In October 2012, the Foundation awarded $10,000 to Richard H. Weening, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT)(MR), FAEIRS, at the Thomas Jefferson University, along with Rimmon R. Greenidge, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR), and Peter M. Natale, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR). The researchers plan to gather data about MRI safety practices currently in place at hospitals, as well as the numbers and types of MRI safety incidents that currently occur in the hospital setting. In addition, the outcomes could help identify risk factors for MRI patient safety incidents.

Can the Introduction of Aromatherapy Reduce the Incidence of Anxiety and Claustrophobia During an MRI Scan for Atlantic General Hospital’s Patients?

In April 2012, the Foundation awarded a $3,000 seed grant to lead MRI technologist Patrice Reese, R.T.(R)(MR), of Atlantic General Hospital for a study on the efficacy of aromatherapy for MRI patients experiencing claustrophobia and anxiety during procedures.

The Evaluation of Adult Learning Propositions in Supporting Successful DR System Implementation Training: A Pilot Study

In April 2012, the Foundation awarded a $9,974 professional research grant to Nina K. Kowalczyk, Ph.D., R.T. (R)(CT)(QM) FASRT, of The Ohio State University to conduct pilot research in the evaluation of best DR training practices.

Assessment of Impact of MEDs on Global Radiography Educational Outreach Initiatives: A Pilot Study

In October 2011, the Foundation awarded a $3,000 seed grant to Jonathan R. Mazal, M.S., R.R.A., R.T. (R)(MR), board member of the World Radiography Educational Trust Fund, for a pilot study on evaluating the use of mobile electronic devices (MEDs) in aiding radiology educational outreach initiatives in resource-deprived regions of the world.

The Relationship Between Radiologic Science Student Epistemological Beliefs, Reflective Practice and Their Clinical Performance

In October 2011, the Foundation awarded a $9,833 professional research grant to Duane Akroyd, Ph.D., R.T.(R), of North Carolina State University, to determine whether radiologic students with more refined personal epistemologies perform better in the clinical setting than those with more naïve beliefs about the nature of learning and knowledge.

The Use of a Short Interfering RNA (SiRNA) Molecular Beacon for the Detection and Treatment of Latent TB

In October 2011, the Foundation awarded a $10,000 professional research grant to Remo George, Ph.D., R.T.(R), assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to investigate the hypothesis that pulmonary granulomas characteristic of latent tuberculosis can be detected and treated using a short interfering RNA (SiRNA) molecular beacon.

Contrast-enhanced Perineural Vascular Flow in the Median Nerve

In April 2011, the Foundation awarded a $2,980 seed grant to Kevin D. Evans, Ph.D., R.T.(R), RDMS, associate professor and director of radiologic sciences and therapy at The Ohio State University, to investigate how an ultrasound contrast agent will further the ability to document perineural blood flow within segments of the median nerve.

Using MCE4 Antisense Molecular Beacon for the Detection and Treatment of Latent TB

In October 2010, the Foundation awarded a $3,000 seed grant to Remo George, M.S., CNMT, assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to investigate the hypothesis that pulmonary granulomas characteristic of latent tuberculosis can be detected using antisense molecular beacons against mce4 mRNA.

Assessing Patient Safety Culture in United States Radiation Therapy Departments

In October 2010, the Foundation awarded a $9,603 research grant to Jeffrey S. Legg, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT)(QM) from Virginia Commonwealth University, to survey 2,000 ARRT-registered radiation therapists regarding perceptions of patient safety culture and use the results to establish a baseline for the culture of patient safety as perceived by radiation therapists.

Assessments of Family Physicians’ Knowledge of Palliative Radiation Therapy and Factors Affecting Referral to the BC Cancer Agency in British Columbia, Canada

In October 2010, the Foundation awarded a $9,971 research grant to Jenny Soo, M.Ed., B.Sc., R.T.(T), AC(T), radiation clinical educator at the British Columbia Cancer Agency, to determine whether a lack of knowledge and awareness about palliative radiation therapy contributes to underutilization in British Columbia from geographical remote health service delivery regions in northern British Columbia as compared with urban health service delivery regions such as Richmond and Vancouver.

Investigating the Development of CTS Due to Repetitive Tasks in an Animal Model

In April 2010, the Foundation awarded a $9,660 research grant to Kevin D. Evans, R.T.(R)(M)(BD), RDMS, RVS, of The Ohio State University, to utilize an animal model to investigate the development of carpal tunnel syndrome and attempt to use sonographic imaging to document the physiologic change that can take place in subjects completing repetitive tasks. Given the numerous self-reported work-related injuries among radiographers and sonographers, this research aims to determine whether a hand-carried ultrasound unit can be used to provide surveillance of workers at risk of occupational injury.

A Systematic Review of the Best Practices in Creating a Critical Thinking Educational Environment in Allied Health and Nursing

In April 2010, the Foundation awarded a $3,000 seed grant to Nina K. Kowalczyk, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT)(QM), FASRT, of The Ohio State University, to study critical thinking skills through problem-based learning. The study expands on information obtained from a 2009 survey of radiation science program directors in an effort to transform current educational strategies, and a systematic literature review of problem-solving strategies used in educational programs in nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy will be conducted. The information gained from the systematic review will assist in transforming the current educational strategies for radiation sciences into an environment that encourages problem-based learning conducive to the development of critical thinking skills.

Academic Honesty and Professional Behavior Among Radiologic Science, Nursing Students and Faculty in the U.S.

In October 2009, the Foundation awarded a $5,709 grant to Laura Carwile Aaron, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(M)(QM) of Northwestern State University, to determine if a relationship exists between perceptions of academic honesty and professional behavior among students and faculty in radiologic sciences and nursing programs; and to determine if differences exist between students' and faculty's perceptions of academic honesty and professional behavior. The information will serve to clarify potential values differences between faculty and students regarding what constitutes "cheating" while identifying possible links between academic dishonesty and future professional behavior.

High Kilovoltage Digital Exposure Techniques and Patient Dosimetry

In October 2008, the Foundation awarded a $9,982 grant to Terri L. Fauber, Ed.D, R.T.(R), of Richmond, Virginia, to study high-kilovoltage digital exposure techniques and patient dosimetry. The study will provide specific information about shielding in relation to high-kilovolt digital exposure. It should improve radiation safety in the clinical area, along with improving patient radiation safety practices.

Perspectives from Nuclear Medicine Technologists: Should Parents Be Permitted in the Nuclear Medicine Imaging Suite during Procedures?

In April 2008, the Foundation awarded nearly $6,000 to Donna Lee Mason, M.S., CNMT, R.T.(N), for a pilot study with the goal of learning about pediatric patient compliance in the nuclear imaging suite. The study will investigate pediatric patient compliance from the perspective of nuclear medicine technologists while considering important aspects such as parental emotions, cultural background and the importance of pediatric specialization for nuclear medicine technologists. Ms. Mason hopes to extend the study into additional venues and to develop protocols for parental involvement in the pediatric nuclear imaging process.

The Professional User: Technology Acceptance in a Technology-driven Profession

In November 2007, the Foundation awarded a $7,500 research grant to Rhonda Mayorga, R.T.(R)(M)(CT)(MR)(QM), to study the effects that advanced medical imaging technologies have on front-line professional users (radiologic technologists) and the impact these technological advancements have on patient care and services.

Effect of Seed Loss on Biochemical Disease-free Survival in Patients with Prostate Seed Implants

In April 2007, the Foundation awarded a $9,851.70 research grant to Claire M. Skowronski R.T.(R)(T), CMD, to investigate the effect of seed loss on long-term patient outcomes. The investigators will analyze the records of 233 prostate cancer patients who underwent seed implants and were treated with curative radiation therapy to determine if an increase in the number of dropped seeds resulted in decreased biochemical disease-free survival.

Radiation Exposure and CR Image Quality

In December 2005, the Foundation awarded a $5,764.00 research grant to Terri L. Fauber, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), to investigate the effect of varying radiation exposures on computed radiography (CR) image quality, as an initial step to better understand the new technology and with the ultimate goal of reducing patient radiation exposure while maintaining the image quality required for the exam.

The Ability of Organizational Leadership, Work Role and Demographic Variables to Predict Organizational Commitment in Radiographers

In June 2005, the Foundation awarded $9,888.00 to Duane Akroyd to study the organizational commitment of radiographers.

Responsibilities and Leadership Skills of Radiologic Technology Program Directors

In November 2004, the Foundation awarded a $6,434.50 research grant to Laura Carwile to study what leadership skills are needed to become a radiologic technology program director.

Projected Supply and Demand of Radiography Educational Faculty

In December 2003, the Foundation awarded a $4,000.92 research grant to Julie A. Gill, M.Ed., RT(R)(QM), to study the projected supply and demand of radiography educational facilities.

Design of Instructional Tasks To Promote Critical Thinking

In June 2002, the Foundation awarded a $9,379.20 research grant to Michelle Miller, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(M) to search for educational methods and programs that are most effective in developing critical thinking skills.

Changes in Roles and Technologies for Radiologic Technologists: Implications for Educational Program Reform

In August 2001, the Foundation awarded a $15,000 research grant to Rebecca Ludwig, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(QM), FAERS, to (1) evaluate the changes in roles and duties of radiologic technologists and the technologies used in radiation science for health care, and (2) to recommend and rank the implications for change in the educational program curricula and continuing education courses within academic institutions and professional organizations.

Profile of R.T. Educators

In June 2001, the Foundation awarded a $9,995 research grant to a Virginia research team to create a demographic and professional profile of radiologic technology educators Terri L. Fauber, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M) and Jeffrey S. Legg, M.H., R.T.(R)(CT). The project will also assess the respondents' scholarly activity and perceived barriers to research.

The Psychodynamics of the Clinical Instructor-Student Relationship

In June 2000, the Foundation awarded a research grant of $9,650 to Susan Belinsky, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(QM), and Deborah Merlino-Curtin, M.H.P., R.T.(T), to study the interrelationship of the clinical instructor's experiences when they were students with the behaviors that they currently exhibit toward students.

The Implications of Learning Styles on Student Success in Radiography Education

In June 2000, the Foundation awarded a research grant of $6,500 to Vicki Shaver, Ed.D., R.T.(R), M.S.R.T., program manager of medical imaging at Palm Beach Community College in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The grant was awarded to study the relationship between learning styles and student success in radiography.

Career Burnout Among Radiologic Technologists

In October 1999, the Foundation awarded a grant of $5,675 to two researchers, Duane Akroyd, Ph.D., R.T.(R) and Robert Adams, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(T)(CMD), to study career burnout among radiologic technologists.

Survey of R.T.s with Doctoral Degrees Reveals Low Levels of Scholarly Activity

In June 1999, the Foundation awarded a $9,968 research grant to two researchers, Jeffrey S. Legg, M.H., R.T.(R)(CT) and Terri L. Fauber, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), to study doctorally prepared radiologic technologists.

Radiation Therapy: Profile of a Profession 14 Years Later

In 1996, the Foundation awarded a research grant of $1,000 to Stephanie Eatmon, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(T) and George Ushold, Ed.D. R.T.(T). The objectives of the study were to (1) describe the demographic, socioeconomic and professional status of radiation therapists in the United States and (2) compare this data with studies published by McLees, Thompson and Faulwell in 1984.