Where curiosity meets clinical excellence

One of the most powerful aspects of our profession is that it never stands still. Technology evolves. Patient needs shift. Clinical environments grow more complex. And in response, so do we. This issue of our newsletter reflects that momentum.

Radiation Sciences students practicing using an machineRadiation Sciences students practicing using an machine

Radiography study abroad programs offer global perspective on medical imaging

Students in the Radiography program will soon have two distinct opportunities to expand their education beyond the classroom through immersive, short-term study abroad experiences.

Roman Coliseum at nightRoman Coliseum at night

Radiography program welcomes largest cohort yet

The Radiography concentration within VCU’s Department of Radiation Sciences recently welcomed its largest cohort to date, signaling both rising student interest and a critical workforce need across the industry.

Radiography students demonstrating x ray techniques on a mannequinRadiography students demonstrating x ray techniques on a mannequin

Radiography Program Updates: Winter 2026

With a new clinic coordinator on board and the largest cohort in program history preparing to enter clinical rotations, the Radiography Program is building momentum through hands-on lab learning, a strong culture of mentorship and a continued commitment to excellence in patient-centered care.

Student lining up mannequin for X rayStudent lining up mannequin for X ray

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Updates: Winter 2026

With expanded lab space and new vascular imaging technology, national engagement at the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography conference, full poster acceptance for the Class of 2026 and a 100% first-time pass rate on the registry exam, the program builds momentum in achievement and hands-on learning.

Student performing ultrasound on another studentStudent performing ultrasound on another student

Radiation Therapy Program Updates: Winter 2026

From graduating 12 new radiation therapists and upgrading cutting-edge VERT labs to faculty leadership at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists conference and vibrant student-alum engagement, Radiation Therapy continues to strengthen hands-on training, professional impact and community connection.

VERT LabVERT Lab

Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Updates: Winter 2026

With five new hospital and cardiology affiliates, expanded mentorship from alums and national engagement at industry meetings, the program is deepening clinical access and energizing the next generation of imaging professionals.

Faculty member showing students how to use SIEMANS machineFaculty member showing students how to use SIEMANS machine

CGM in the scan room? Radiation Sciences grad’s research details what’s safe

A casual comment from a patient before an X-ray led Brittany Gunersen to take a deep-dive into a largely unexplored issue in radiologic science.

X rays and glucose monitorX rays and glucose monitor

Radiation Sciences celebrates Class of 2025

In advancement of Commencement this spring, Radiation Sciences hosted a luncheon for students graduating from its programs. During the event, the department presented outstanding senior awards to three students.

Sonography Class of 2025Sonography Class of 2025

Reconfigured labs with cutting-edge technology enhance hands-on training

By strategically shuffling how it uses dedicated lab space, Radiation Sciences is introducing new technology and expanding hands-on training for future practitioners, which is critical in a field where pinpoint accuracy is the only acceptable treatment.

Radsci lab presentationRadsci lab presentation

Our relaunched newsletter will keep you in the loop

This newsletter is a testament to the resources, expertise and knowledge now available to us, enabling us to share the good news about Radiation Sciences. If you graduated five or more years ago, so many things have changed – and you’ll read about the great happenings in our department.

Radiation Sciences students practicing using an machineRadiation Sciences students practicing using an machine

Students present scholarship during VCU Research Weeks

Radiation Sciences students and graduates were among those sharing their work during VCU Research Weeks in April.

Student presenting poster to a crowd at research week 2025Student presenting poster to a crowd at research week 2025

Radiation Therapy Program Updates: Winter 2025

Highlights for the past year include expansion and reconfiguration of lab spaces, faculty research and connecting with alums.

Radiation demonstration in labRadiation demonstration in lab

Radiography Program Updates: Winter 2025

During spring break, a tour through Germany and France gave students a glimpse into the history of medical imaging, helping them understand the profession’s origins and evolution of safety in today’s practice. Other recent highlights include launching into clinical rotations, faculty research and hands-on learning.

Radsci Class of 2027 one of our largest cohorts with 22 studentsRadsci Class of 2027 one of our largest cohorts with 22 students

Sonography Program Updates: Winter 2025

In its first five years, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program has graduated more than 20 students. The past year included international research presentations by faculty and expanded lab facilities for students.

Class of 2025 and 2026 in front of pumpkinClass of 2025 and 2026 in front of pumpkin

Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Updates: Winter 2025

New program affiliates will provide broader clinical experiences and opportunities for students, in news from Nuclear Medicine this year.

Brain imaging in Nuclear Medicine powerpoint presentationBrain imaging in Nuclear Medicine powerpoint presentation

From battlefield to X-ray suite: Joe McCampbell’s mission at VCU

After retiring from a 21-year U.S. Army career, Joe McCampbell was drawn to radiation sciences through an aptitude assessment. Today, he applies his leadership, teaching experience and adaptability to support patients as a student in the Radiation Sciences program.

Joe McCampbell in clinic with radiation machinesJoe McCampbell in clinic with radiation machines

Interdepartment collaboration expands student perspective on aging and care

A collaboration between the Radiology Sciences’ Timmerie Cohen, Ph.D. and Gerontology’s Jenny Inker, Ph.D. is examining and hopes to ultimately shift the attitudes of Radiation Sciences students toward aging and older adults. Their work represents some of the first research to directly address ageism across health care professions.

Younger woman walking with elderly woman in a wheelchair down a path on a bright day, smiling at each otherYounger woman walking with elderly woman in a wheelchair down a path on a bright day, smiling at each other

Spring global studies programs expand learning beyond classroom

Students traveled to Europe during spring break for immersive study-abroad experiences. They visited historical sites and engaged with diverse health systems, experiences that enhanced not only their academic understanding but also their cultural empathy and professional growth.

Dean Darragh stands on the left with group met during study abroad trip in 2025Dean Darragh stands on the left with group met during study abroad trip in 2025

Meet the driving force behind Team USA

When the top combined driving competitors gathered in France this month to vie for the world’s championship, a 35-year College of Health Professions administrator was at the center of the American effort. Selected by US Equestrian as the chef d’équipe, or team manager, Jeff Legg ensured the country’s single-horse drivers were ready to pursue a medal.

Jeffrey Legg with horse by Krisztina HorvathJeffrey Legg with horse by Krisztina Horvath

VCU Nuclear Medicine Concentration Energized by New Faculty

Heidy Palacios and Charlie Downing arrive at The College of Health Professions ready to demystify nuclear medicine – and showcase the rewarding career paths awaiting graduates

Heidy Palacios, MBA, director and assistant professor (left), and Charlie Downing, clinical coordinator (right) are pictured with the Siemens Symbia Evo Excel dual-head gamma camera system, which allows students to simulate nuclear medicine procedures in a controlled environment.Heidy Palacios, MBA, director and assistant professor (left), and Charlie Downing, clinical coordinator (right) are pictured with the Siemens Symbia Evo Excel dual-head gamma camera system, which allows students to simulate nuclear medicine procedures in a controlled environment.

Class of 2024: Cancer survivor Geoffrey Robb has lived his work

The Navy veteran brings experience and empathy to the classroom and to patient care in clinical radiation sciences.

Geoffrey Robb photo by Amanda MacDiarmid Stellar ExposureGeoffrey Robb photo by Amanda MacDiarmid Stellar Exposure

From One Technologist to Another – COVID-19 Questions Answered

Mark Crosthwaite, M.Ed., CNMT, PET, RS, FSNMMI-TS, and president of the US Society of Nuclear Medicine-Technologist Section, took part in an interview regarding the impact of COVID-19 on nuclear medicine technologists. The article is published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Mark CrosthwaiteMark Crosthwaite

Job hunting during a pandemic? It’s not easy, but recent and soon-to-be grads share how they found success.

Kelsey Reynolds, a recent graduate of our Radiation Sciences program, loves her new job as a CT technologist at VCU Medical Center. This VCU News article features Kelsey and other recent and soon-to-be-grads as they describe how they've found success in the job market during the pandemic.

Kelsey ReynoldsKelsey Reynolds

"An Imaging Technologists Guide to Artificial Intelligence" presented by Parker Stanley and his father Charles Stanley

The presentation, "An Imaging Technologists Guide to Artificial Intelligence", was given to the VCU Radiology community for National Radiologic Technologist Week 2020.

Parker StanleyParker Stanley