Feb. 20, 2025
American Society of Radiologic Technologists member Afton Jena, B.S., R.T.(R)(M), of St. Michael, Minnesota, is the 2024-2025 recipient of the ASRT Foundation Fellow Scholarship/Grant. Jena has been awarded $2,000 to use toward pursuing studies in bone densitometry at the Medical Technology Management Institute.
Jena is a graduate of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and an associate degree in radiography. She completed the ASRT Student to Leadership Development Program and the ASRT Advocacy Training Program and mentors three students through the ASRT Professional Mentor Program. She is also a member of the Ambassadors for R.T. Advocacy and the Scanner Editorial Advisory Panel and has been published in Scanner.
At the state level, Jena is active in the Minnesota Society of Radiologic Technologists and has served as co-conference chair, nominations chair, legislation committee member, historian and is currently president-elect. In 2021, she earned the President’s Award at the MSRT annual conference. She is also an active member of the Wisconsin Society of Radiologic Technologists and frequently speaks at conferences. She is a technologist for Minneapolis Radiology performing radiography, fluoroscopy and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans. In addition, she is a mammographer for Shared Medical Services. Her passion is women’s health and through the Minnesota Department of Health’s Sage Program, which offers access to breast and cervical cancer screening for underserved Minnesotans, she aids in providing these essential services to women in diverse communities. “This role allows me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women who might otherwise lack access to crucial health care services, I consider it one of the most significant honors of my career,” said Jena.
The ASRT Fellow Scholarship/Grant supports dedicated members who are pursuing the prestigious status of ASRT Fellow. Candidates must have at least five years of continuous ASRT and affiliate society membership and participate in activities such as volunteering, attending ASRT and affiliate society activities, writing for ASRT publications, presenting at conferences, earning an advanced degree and more.
ASRT Fellows are members who have made outstanding contributions to the radiologic technology profession and to the ASRT. This honorary category distinguishes members who have dedicated themselves to the Society and the profession.