1 Professor, 2 Doctorates—Many Mummies, Dr. James Murrell
Date: November 14, 2023
Not every day students are taught by a professor who’s earned two master’s and two doctorates and possesses so much life experience. Enter Professor Murrell. “I started teaching because I strongly believe in the educational process and educational inquiry,” says Dr. James Murrell, Dean of Imaging at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. “I realized I had a knack for calming students while teaching courses that are often considered difficult, like physics and radiobiology,” he says.
Most recently, Dr. Murrell was a keynote speaker at the California Society of Radiologic Technologists (CSRT’s) 84th-annual Conference. Held at the California Baptist University in Riverside, Calif., from November 4–5, Murrell spoke on “Imaging Our History Through Mummy Radiography.”
Drawing on years of work in forensic science, Murrell provided a deep dive into the exploration of the world of mummy radiography. His presentation covering mummy journeys delved into the expertise, benefits, mummy types, mummy-finding techniques, and the global significance of mummy radiography and research. Moreover, his lecture touched on dating methods of ancient remains and precise radiography guidelines for ancient remains. Also highlighted was the importance of conservation in preserving our historical heritage.
Professional Trajectory
But Murrell hasn’t always been a professor. His professional trajectory includes an eclectic mix of serving as a Level I trauma radiographer, radiology director, mammographer, and television star. A native of Tioga in central Louisiana, Murrell was conferred a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 1989. Simultaneously, he earned his first ARRT* certification, then in subsequent years, earned ARRT* certifications in Mammography, Quality Management, and Computed Tomography.
Later, in 1994, Murrell completed his first master’s degree in Executive Management and Leadership from Troy University. In 1997, he began teaching at Northwestern State University in Louisiana. Within a year of the appointment, he was promoted to clinical coordinator and, soon after, became program director. “I started as a program director within a year of teaching, which surprised me,” he says. But, “I had an amazing mentor who showed me the ropes and made the transition easier.”
Time in Europe: a Healthy Diversion
By 2000, Murrell had earned his second master’s degree in Radiologic Sciences from Midwestern State University. Upon completing this, he entered a Ph.D. program in Physics.
Simultaneously, he worked and lived in Europe. Here, his career took a diversion. He starred in the internationally broadcast television show Mummy Autopsy circa 2004. Said program aired for several seasons on the Discovery Channel and featured a young Murrell using forensic science and the latest investigative techniques to unlock the human stories of mummies worldwide. This opportunity gave him the luxury of imaging many mummies and human remains on six continents.
Coming to Gurnick
Later, in 2012, Murrell became the executive director of Radiologic Technology at Brightwood College in Van Nuys, California. With the transfer of ownership to Gurnick Academy, Murrell transitioned to Dean of Imaging for Gurnick, where he serves today. A decade later, in 2022, Murrell had completed his second doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University in Boston.
“My career has led me through subsequent leadership positions where I still educate, but instead of teaching students daily, I work with faculty and program directors,” says Murrell of his work today. “So we work together to find solutions to programmatic issues. I find this rewarding,” he says.
Goals For Gurnick
Asked about his future goals for Gurnick, Murrell says he’s working on several projects. Yet he says, “One of my favorites is ensuring that every program with a programmatic accreditor receives that accreditation. I believe in our programs earning the highest level of accreditation, which sets our imaging programs apart from the rest of the community,” he says.
Free Time
True to his form as a lifelong learner and educator, Murrell also spends his spare time learning. “I enjoy cooking and baking quite a bit, and so do my friends!” says Murrell. “They come over for small, salon dinner parties✢ with a rotating guest list depending on the mix of interests from the guests to keep the conversation going.” Murrell also enjoys photography, technology, and music.
Our Radiologic Technology Program
Do you want to study under professors like Murrell or others? Not all of our professors have multiple doctorates or multiple mummy stories. But they are all qualified to help you in your quest for lifelong learning. Check out Gurnick Academy’s list of available programs today.~
*ARRT,® American Registry of Radiologic Technologists,® R.T.(MR)(ARRT),® and R.T.(T)(ARRT)® The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists own registered trademarks. Gurnick Academy is not licensed by, endorsed by, or affiliated with The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
✢ A centuries-old tradition, a salon is an at-home gathering of 10 to 100 curious people who come together around a topic to hear a featured expert and to eat, drink, talk, learn, and create community.1
Citations
1 Jameson, Marni. “Dinner Party Alternative? Try a Salon, the Ultimate Way to Open Homes and Minds.” The Mercury News. August 26, 2021. (Accessed November 13, 2023.)
