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Anna Hull, Bachelor of Health Science (Nuclear Medicine Technology)

What inspired you to choose your field of study?

I chose to pursue a career in nuclear medicine technology unexpectedly. Initially, I had planned to become a nurse; however, after my sister enrolled in nursing school, I began exploring alternative healthcare professions. Given my strong interest in physics and my desire to work closely with people, nuclear medicine technology emerged as an ideal field that combined both passions. As I learned more about the profession, I became increasingly interested in its unique blend of science, technology, and patient care.

What was a moment at Dal that you’ll never forget? 

One of my most memorable experiences at Dalhousie University was during my fourth year, when I had the opportunity to teach first aid to first-year BHSc students in Nuclear Medicine Technology (NUMT) and Radiological Technology (RADT). Throughout my time at Dalhousie, both as a student and as an employee serving in roles such as laboratory instructor, tutor, and first aid instructor, I had many rewarding experiences. However, this particular opportunity was especially meaningful.

At the time, I was also mentoring BHSc NUMT students, which allowed me to witness firsthand the enthusiasm and curiosity of individuals beginning their journey in healthcare. Watching students discover a profession that I am deeply passionate about was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my own commitment to the field. This experience was particularly significant because nuclear medicine technology is a highly specialized profession that is often not well understood by the general public. Having the opportunity to introduce students to the field while combining my interests in teaching, mentorship, and healthcare created a unique and fulfilling experience. It strengthened my connection to the nuclear medicine community and highlighted the importance of fostering awareness and enthusiasm for this essential profession.

Who supported you along the way and how?

Throughout my academic journey, I have been fortunate to receive strong support from several key sources. My family has been a constant source of encouragement, consistently believing in my ability to succeed even during moments when I struggled to believe in myself. I have also been greatly supported by my professors and classmates, who accompanied me throughout my studies and contributed to a collaborative and motivating learning environment. In addition, my faith has played an important role in sustaining my resilience and encouraging me to consistently strive to perform at my best.

Is there an academic or non-academic (eg: on-campus clubs, sports, employment) experience, project, or hands-on learning opportunity that really impacted you? 

Over the four years of my program, I was fortunate to engage in numerous employment, volunteer, and learning experiences. However, one of the most impactful experiences occurred in my first and third-year clinical practicums, when I had the opportunity to complete an eight-week placement at the Cross Cancer Institute in Alberta.

During this placement, I developed a strong interest in medical physics after meeting and learning from medical physicists on site. I was particularly intrigued by their work in system optimization, quality control of imaging equipment, and the extensive physics and mathematics that underpin the clinical environment. As someone who has always been motivated by understanding the “why” behind processes, this experience provided me with a new perspective on nuclear medicine and deepened my appreciation for the scientific foundations of the field.

As a result, I originally planned to pursue a master’s degree in medical physics and subsequently completed a nuclear medicine specialty practice with a focus in medical physics. However, due to the absence of upper-level physics coursework required for admission, I was not eligible to apply to that program. Consequently, I have since redirected my academic path toward pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical engineering.

Did you receive a scholarship, bursary or other award as a Dal student? If so, how did that impact your Dal experience and what did that support mean to you?

I was fortunate to receive significant financial support throughout my studies at Dalhousie University through a range of in-course scholarships, bursaries, and awards, including the Heather Mattice Memorial Award, the Margaret Barrett-Banks Memorial Award, the Dorothy Archibald Award, the Canada Post Scholarship, the Burns Lodge Legacy Scholarship, the East Coast Credit Union Student Bursary, the Dalhousie General Entrance Award, and the School of Health Sciences Radiologist’s Award. This financial support allowed me to focus more fully on my academic and professional development without the added burden of financial stress. It ultimately contributed to my ability to graduate with the stability needed to pursue graduate studies and to continue contributing meaningfully to my community, workplace, and Dalhousie University.

What does graduating mean to you?

Graduating from the BHSc NUMT program was an exciting milestone. However, I view it as one step in an ongoing journey of learning and professional growth. My time in the program has prepared me for success and provided me with opportunities to connect with individuals and projects whose impact I may not have otherwise had the chance to experience. It has also given me the flexibility to pursue further education as a personal and intentional choice, rather than as a requirement. As a registered nuclear medicine technologist, I am now able to work and contribute in diverse settings while continuing to build on my academic and professional development.

What is next for you? 

I am currently employed as a casual nuclear medicine technologist at the QEII Health Sciences Centre and plan to continue in this role while pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical engineering starting in September 2026. My graduate research is focused on nuclear medicine neurological imaging for epilepsy patients, a direction that was strongly influenced by the clinical experiences and professional connections I developed during my nuclear medicine specialty practice. These experiences helped shape my interest in advancing imaging techniques and improving clinical outcomes through engineering and research. I am excited to continue building on the foundation established during my undergraduate degree and to contribute to innovations in medical imaging and patient care. The future holds many opportunities, and I look forward to taking the next step in my academic and professional journey.