McNeese Radiological Sciences Student Makes History

McNeese State University radiologic sciences spring graduate, McKenzie Mitchell, made history by becoming the first McNeese radiologic sciences student to be published before graduation with her article, “Imaging Evidence of Eating Disorders.” She is also the first student nationwide to be published in the journal with a single-author article before a national certification is awarded. 

The article was included in the January 2024 issue of Radiologic Technology, the journal of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. 

Mitchell, of DeRidder, found her passion in radiology at McNeese. She said she wanted a degree that provided job security, earning potential and opportunities to grow. 

“Through the classes, I realized that radiology is something that I truly enjoy,” Mitchell said. 

She originally wrote the article as a class assignment, not considering publication. It focuses on eating disorders and how advancements in medical imaging have changed the way they are treated.  

“Eating disorders is a topic that is particularly special to me, having struggled with my own,” Mitchell explained. “My article also attempts to answer whether structural changes in diagnosed individuals’ brains are a cause or effect of eating disorders.” 

After submitting the assignment, her professor suggested submitting the article to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. 

“It was an honor for my professor to suggest submitting my article for publication,” she said. 

From there, Mitchell worked with the journal’s publication staff to revise her work. After submitting her final revised copy, she learned that her article would be published in the January issue. 

The publication makes her the first student nationwide to be published in the journal with a single-author article before a national certification is awarded. 

“I’m happy that people are reading and learning about eating disorders and how they affect individuals,” Mitchell said. 

Mitchell has accepted a position at Lake Charles Memorial Health System as a computed tomography technologist. 

McNeese offers a Bachelor of Science degree in radiological sciences through the College of Nursing and Health Professions and one of only 50 accredited radiologic sciences bachelor’s degrees in the country. McNeese’s radiologic sciences degree program boasts a 98% first-time pass rate on the national certification exam. 

“I’m excited to apply my education and skills while helping patients,” Mitchell said. “I’m very proud and grateful for all of the help and encouragement I received from professors at McNeese.” 

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