Leyla J. Mercado, Features Editor / Asst. Social Media Editor
Senior radiation therapy students at Manhattan University (MU) attended the 2026 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting in Boston from Sept. 26 to 30, joining clinicians and researchers at the field’s largest scientific conference.
The trip lets students hear from leaders in radiation oncology and meet professionals, MU alumni and students from other programs. To earn a spot, students submit a letter of intent, and the department then reviews how each applicant works with their clinical team.
Angela Oliveira, Ed.D., R.T.(T), chair of radiological and health professions and program director of the radiation therapy program at MU, spoke to The Quadrangle about what this opportunity means to her and those students who attended.
“As program director, it has meant a great deal to me,” Oliveira said. “I feel that learning extends beyond the classroom, and attending a professional meeting with my students kind of allows us to teach them [more] within the broader radiation therapy community.”
Oliveira’s connection to the conference goes back to her own time at MU.
“I would say [for] myself, I was able to attend the conference as a student when I was a senior at MU, and so being able to be on the opposite side of that, I just think is so amazing and it’s so full circle,” Oliveira said.
The four senior students that attended the conference were Taylor Wagner, Ava Giambrone, Scarlet Chavez and Giannie Restivo.
In a LinkedIn post, Wagner reflected on her experience at the event.
“This was an incredible opportunity to learn from leaders in the field of radiation oncology, expand my knowledge, and connect with professionals and fellow students who share my passion for radiation therapy,” Wagner wrote.
For Wagner, the trip also reaffirmed her path toward becoming a radiation therapist.
“As I continue through my journey toward becoming a radiation therapist, experiences like this remind me why I chose this field, and inspire me to continue learning and growing,” Wagner wrote. “I am incredibly thankful for the memories, knowledge and connections I have gained throughout this experience.”
Oliveira told The Quadrangle that attending the ASTRO annual meeting complements what students learn in MU’s radiation therapy program.
“Being able to go to the conference allows them to bridge that gap [of being a student to then becoming a professional in the field] … I think that experiences like [this] help students recognize that their education doesn’t end at graduation,” Oliveira said. “They’re entering a field that is constantly evolving, and they’ll have opportunities throughout their careers to keep learning and contributing to better patient care.”
The ASTRO annual meeting keeps MU’s radiation therapy program current, exposing faculty and students to new technology, research and clinical practice.
In reference to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), attending annual national conferences further provides radiation therapy students with essential career preparation, professional confidence and necessary early networking opportunities.
As radiation oncology typically relies on heavily specialized, rapidly evolving technology and protocols, solely learning from textbooks does not adequately prepare students to transition into independent clinical practice.
Oliveira shared with The Quadrangle what she feels the students truly enjoyed after the educational experience.
“Students recognized challenges from their own clinical sites, such as bladder preparation for prostate treatments, and heard how others approach those same issues,” Oliveira said. “It was especially meaningful for them to realize these were shared challenges and that they could learn from the experiences of the broader professional community. Alongside that practical learning, new technology and advanced practice opportunities helped them imagine how they could grow within the profession.”
The radiation therapy program at MU continues to send students to this conference year after year. The next ASTRO annual meeting will be held next year, Sept. 19-22, 2027.