Our Team

Noah Bice is a licensed medical physicist in the state of Texas and a Diplomate of the American Board of Radiology with a specialization in Therapeutic Medical Physics. He received his PhD from UT Health San Antonio in 2021 with a focus on deep learning applications to intensity modulated arc therapy optimization algorithms. Noah completed a therapy physics residency at NYU Langone Health in 2023 and currently works as a clinical physicist in the Austin area.

With over 30 years of administrative experience, LaDonna brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and professionalism to the Department of Radiation Therapy at Texas State University. For the past 10 years, LaDonna has been a valued member of the Texas State community, where she has spent the last six years supporting faculty, staff, and students in the Radiation Therapy program.
Her career in higher education spans more than 16 years, during which she has developed a deep understanding of academic operations and student services. Known for her organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence, LaDonna plays a key role in maintaining the efficiency and success of the department's daily functions. Whether managing complex schedules, coordinating department events, or serving as a reliable resource for students and faculty alike, LaDonna is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive academic environment.

Ashley Cunningham is a dedicated Certified Medical Dosimetrist with over a decade of experience in providing dosimetry services and treatment planning for cancer clinics across the United States. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Radiation Therapist for five years, bringing a wealth of hands-on experience to her dosimetry practice. Ashley earned her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. In 2018, she and her family relocated to Round Rock, Texas, where she now continues toward her goal to make an impact in the field of cancer treatment.

Trina L. Dillard, RT(R)(T), CMD, is a clinical lecturer and specialized systems network lab manager for the Radiation Therapy Program at Texas State University. Her role includes technical supervision and management of the computer lab network and specialty software utilized by the program. Her rewarding career of over 35 years has allowed her to gain a wealth of knowledge that she loves to share to enhance patient care. Her skill set promotes program and curriculum development utilizing the virtual reality simulation and treatment delivery application, medical dosimetry treatment planning computers and the electronic medical record and record and verify system. She also provides teaching support and continuing education to faculty to enhance technology integration. She spent most of her career as a chief radiation therapist and medical dosimetrist for a large oncology practice, but has also held positions as a staff radiation therapist, radiographer and participated in many advisory and leadership committees. In addition, she was a clinical supervisor for the Texas State Radiation Therapy program for over 12 years. As a billing and documentation expert in radiation oncology, she also works as a client resource manager for a radiation oncology reimbursement company in Austin, Texas. She provides training, billing and documentation guidance for staff and clients, as well as working closely with the photon and proton appeals department to identify clinical information and articles to support medical necessity. Trina is credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in radiography and radiation therapy, licensed by the Texas Medical Board and a registered dosimetrist by the Medical Dosimetrists Certification Board.

Jessica Smith, MPH, RT(T) received her baccalaureate degree in radiation therapy from Southwest Texas State University in 2000. She completed her Master of Public Health with a major in health policy and management from Texas A&M Health Science Center in 2008. Jessica is credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and licensed by the Texas Medical Board. She joins the program after having worked as a radiation therapist for over twenty years.

Katherine Sawyer Theaker, MSRS, RT(T), received her Master of Science in Radiologic Science from Midwestern State University, where she specialized in radiologic science administration. She received her baccalaureate degree in radiation therapy from Texas State University in 2018. Katherine is credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Katherine joined the program after working as a Radiation Therapist in the Austin area for four and a half years.

Since joining the program, Katherine has been involved in IPE research and collaboration with many other faculty in the College of Health Professions. Her research interests include educational psychology: generational differences and access to care and treatment in other countries. She received the 2024 Presidential Distinction for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activities after working in the program for just over a year. Katherine is a named editor in the Introduction to Health Science textbook and a named author in the 6th edition of Washington and Leaver's Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy. Katherine is also an advisor for the Pre-RTT student organization and runs our department's social media accounts.

Megan Trad, Ph.D., MSRS, RT(T), is the Chair and a tenured Professor in the Radiation Therapy Program at Texas State University. She holds a Master of Science in Radiologic Science from Midwestern State University, where she specialized in radiologic science education, and earned her Ph.D. in Adult, Community, and Professional Education from Texas State University in 2012. Her doctoral research focused on the application of engaged scholarship as a teaching methodology to better prepare radiation therapists for the professional workforce.

Dr. Trad has extensively published on engaged scholarship, innovative teaching methodologies, and educational gaps among university-aged students in cancer prevention, detection, and screening. She is credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
She is a named editor of the 5th and 6th editions of Washington and Leaver's Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy and has authored six chapters within the textbook. From 2017 to 2021, she served as Chair of the editorial review board for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists journal, Radiation Therapist. Throughout her tenure at Texas State University, she has published more than 35 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Dr. Trad has received multiple accolades for her contributions to the field, including recognition as a Texas State Rising Star in 2010 and being named Educator of the Year in 2011 by the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences. Since joining the Radiation Therapy Program at Texas State University in 2009, she has remained dedicated to educating and mentoring future radiation therapists, ensuring they are equipped with the expertise and skills necessary to meet the evolving needs of cancer patients.