This is part of a series of Q&As introducing faculty who have joined the College of Health Sciences for the 2023–24 academic year. Meet all of our new faculty members.

Taylor Otto

Assistant teaching professor and clinical coordinator of Radiography, Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences

What classes are you teaching this semester?

I am teaching Radiographic Image Analysis and Radiographic Procedures II.

Tell us about yourself. What is your background?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in radiologic science in 2016 from Avila University and began working full-time at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City with the goal of teaching radiography later on. In 2020, I had the opportunity to be the clinical coordinator and educator for Avila University. In July 2023, I earned my master’s degree in education technology from Missouri State University and started my position here at Mizzou!

What brought you to Mizzou? To your field?

I am originally from a small town outside of Jefferson City and wanted to be closer to family. I have grown up loving the University of Missouri, and it was my goal to one day be part of the MU team. 

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love being able to connect with my students in the classroom and in the hospitals. I have the privilege of visiting my students and watching them work with real patients in the clinical setting, and I get to see them take the procedures they learned in class and apply that knowledge to their work at the hospital.

What has you excited for this semester?

I am excited to learn about all the fun traditions at Mizzou and connect with students and the patients and staff within our local hospitals and clinics.

What is a fun hobby or activity that you enjoy outside of work?

I am a crafter! I love making T-shirts, stickers, car decals and many more crafts to share with my friends, family and students.

Could you share a memorable moment from your time teaching?

Although leaving my previous institution was extremely difficult, I received some of the most heartfelt messages from my students as I departed — and I will forever cherish them. Those messages helped remind me that I am in the right career because I absolutely love teaching and seeing my students excel.

What is your hidden talent?

My students and new colleagues might not know that I am classically trained in violin and began taking lessons at the age of 4. It’s a hidden talent because it is rare for me to play in front of other people.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?

The best piece of advice I received was from one of my professors: “Do what is right, not what is easy.”