26 Applications: PSYC100 Alumni in Ultrasound Technology
By Sam Bienias, Riley J.T. Bonar, and Meghan E. Norris
As we continue learning about biology, we are excited to introduce another PSYC100 alumnus (and former TA!) who is applying her skills to a field not typically front of mind: ultrasound technology.
Introducing, Sam Bienias!
Sam Bienias is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Technologist) who graduated from Queen’s in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology! Sam had always been drawn to working with people and fascinated by the complexity of the human body. During her undergraduate studies at Queen’s University, she took several psychology courses that sparked Sam’s interest in medical imaging, including a course that explored the physics of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sam recognized that her attention to detail, curiosity, and desire to help others aligned well with a career in diagnostic imaging.
As a member of the SexLab research team at Queen’s, Sam worked on projects that highlighted the importance of compassionate healthcare interactions and their impact on patient experiences and outcomes. This work reinforced the idea that empathy, respect, and validation are essential components of quality healthcare. Those lessons continue to shape her practice today. As an Ultrasound Technologist, Sam spends a significant amount of time with patients, gathering clinical information, listening to their concerns, and helping them feel heard and supported during what can often be an uncertain or stressful time.
Today, Sam works as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Technologist) and Ultrasound Supervisor within a small clinic team. Her background in psychology informs both her patient care and leadership responsibilities on a daily basis. Sam performs up to 15 ultrasound examinations each day, reviewing patients’ medical histories, physician requisitions, and clinical information before acquiring diagnostic images of the organs of interest. While technical expertise is essential, equally important is creating a safe, approachable, and supportive environment. Patients frequently share questions, concerns, and anxieties about their symptoms, and it is her team’s responsibility to respond with empathy and professionalism while obtaining the highest quality diagnostic images possible. These images provide Radiologists with the information needed to make accurate diagnoses and guide patient care.
By taking PSYC 100, you join a vast community that contains members who have graduated and had a variety of experiences! We caught up with Sam and asked what her favourite memory from PSYC 100 was. Sam told us that her interest in psychology began in high school when she enrolled in Advanced Placement PSYC 100. Learning about the human mind was as intellectually stimulating as it was practical, and she knew that she wanted to continue studying psychology throughout her undergraduate degree. One of my most rewarding experiences at Queen’s was serving as a teaching assistant for PSYC 100. She particularly enjoyed connecting with enthusiastic students, supporting their learning, and witnessing their excitement as they engaged with new ideas and perspectives. Sam also offered some advice about careers to students currently taking PSYC 100 and said that her advice to students is to pursue a field that genuinely interests you. Passion creates motivation, and when your natural strengths align with your interests, you often discover meaningful opportunities to serve those around you. It was always important to Sam to find a career that would allow her to serve others while drawing upon her skills, interests, and values.
If you are interested in learning more about what Sam does for a living, you can check out the Sonography Canada and British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography webpages!
References:
Sonography Canada. (n.d.). Sonography Canada. https://sonographycanada.ca/
British Columbia Institute of Technology. (n.d.). Diagnostic medical sonography. https://www.bcit.ca/programs/diagnostic-medical-sonography-general-sonography-option-diploma-full-time-576adipma/
How to cite this resource:
Bienias, S., Bonar, R.J.T., & Norris, M.E. (2026). Applications: PSYC100 Alumni in Ultrasound Technology. In PSYC 100: Principles of psychology. eCampusOntario. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/testbookje/chapter/applications-psyc100-alumni-in-ultrasound-technology/
