Mackenzie Knittel
Student, Class of 2026
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Extracurricular Activities

Culinary Club, Table Top Gaming, Rainbow Owls

A Little Bit About Me

I’m a student from a military family with a lifelong passion for medicine, thanks to the professionals who saved my life during my battle with brain cancer.

Why I Chose Oregon Tech and My Major

I originally came to Oregon Tech for its 4-year program in radiography, which is ranked among the best in the country. However, during my first year, I got to know the echocardiography program through shadowing and patient volunteering. I like the specificity of the field and the environment created by the students and professors.

My Influential Professors

Dr. McVay taught anatomy and physiology with a sense of humor and yet a passionate attitude that I admired, and Professor McClure exhibited a great amount of compassion and support for all of her students, especially those who were struggling.

My Greatest Learning Experience At Oregon Tech

Public speaking was a class that I was very anxious about taking due to my speech impediment, which can render me unable to speak for hours at a time. However, this class helped me to create coping mechanisms and anticipate when episodes would occur, which helped me greatly in other aspects of my life.

My Plans After Graduation

I’m planning to work in the United States for a few years as an echocardiographer before pursuing a career in Ireland’s medical system.