Laura P. Vasquez PhD, RVT (ARDMS), RT (R), (MR), (ARRT), MRSO (MRSCTM)

Laura P. Vasquez, PhD, RVT (ARDMS), RT (R), (MR), (ARRT), MRSO (MRSC™), is the program director of the imaging sciences program and chairperson for the Department of Medical Imaging Sciences. Her background is in medical imaging that includes radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and vascular ultrasound. She is multi-credentialed in medical imaging by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in vascular ultrasound and by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT) in radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. She earned her bachelor’s degree in vascular ultrasound, master’s degree in perfusion technology and PhD in Health Sciences from Rush University.

Vasquez’s specialities include medical imaging curriculum development and research in magnetic resonance imaging safety. Her PhD dissertation research study is in the “Evaluation of MRI Issues for a Wirelessly Powered Freedom-8a Stimulator with Freedom Receiver Used for Spinal Cord Stimulation.” She serves in advisory roles to government, industry and other policy-making organizations. In addition to instruction of magnetic resonance imaging, her primary teaching responsibilities are in the basic sciences – primarily patient care and assessment, sectional anatomy, pathophysiology and pharmacology.

As the chairperson of the College of Health Sciences Diversity Committee, Vasquez has also been responsible for providing the educational programs associated with health care disparities, cultural competency and diversity and inclusion. Her interests include improvement of recruitment and retention practices for underrepresented students, and she has presented nationally about the associated initiatives and efforts implemented in the imaging sciences program.