Award Abstract # 2434882
Using 3D Anatomy Visualization and Virtual Dissection to Reinvigorate the Anatomy Laboratory

NSF Org: DUE
Division Of Undergraduate Education
Recipient: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY-PUEBLO
Initial Amendment Date: August 12, 2024
Latest Amendment Date: August 12, 2024
Award Number: 2434882
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Sonja Montas-Hunter
DUE
 Division Of Undergraduate Education
EDU
 Directorate for STEM Education
Start Date: October 1, 2024
End Date: September 30, 2025 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $200,000.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $200,000.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2024 = $200,000.00
History of Investigator:
  • Annette Gabaldon (Principal Investigator)
    annette.gabaldon@csupueblo.edu
  • Sandra Bandimere (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Colorado State University-Pueblo
2200 BONFORTE BLVD
PUEBLO
CO  US  81001-4901
(719)549-2480
Sponsor Congressional District: 03
Primary Place of Performance: Colorado State University-Pueblo
2200 BONFORTE BLVD
PUEBLO
CO  US  81001-4901
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
03
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): W6KGB2MW5KL9
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): HSI-Hispanic Serving Instituti
Primary Program Source: 04002425DB NSF STEM Education
Program Reference Code(s): 8209, 9178
Program Element Code(s): 077Y00
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.076

ABSTRACT

With support from the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI Program), this Educational Instrumentation (EI) Track project aims to enrich the student educational experience learning about animal design, structure, and function, by integrating virtual cadaver dissection technology into the laboratory curriculum. This work is important to prepare students for professional programs in the health sciences, medical field, and STEM workforce. This work will contribute to new knowledge by offering a new sophisticated modality for learning about animal structure and function (human and animal cadavers), and performing clinical diagnostics by visualization of medical CT and MRI images. The project?s broader impact is to support community outreach and engagement efforts, including providing virtual cadaver experiences for students in regional K-12 public schools.

The project aims to enrich the educational experience learning about animal design, structure, and function. The methods used will be to integrate Anatomage virtual cadaver dissection technology into the laboratory curriculum. Anatomage is a technologically advanced anatomy visualization system that promotes learning outcomes in higher education and STEM fields. It is both a virtual library of human and animal cadavers, as well as a clinical diagnostic tool that enables the visualization of any medical CT or MRI scan. The project's goal is to integrate Anatomage education into STEM major and non-major courses in the Biology Department including: Human Anatomy & Physiology, Zoology, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Vertebrate Physiology, and several others, impacting approximately 770 students each year. To support this goal, the project will purchase 2 Anatomage tables and 10 tablets. The expected results are to 1) enhance educational technology in biology laboratory courses, 2) develop virtual technology skills in students, 3) develop critical thinking skills, 4) enhance anatomy education curriculum, and 5) enrich the student learning experience. To assess progress/impact toward the goal of ?enriching the student learning experience," the project's principal investigators will evaluate information obtained from surveys, student commentaries, and skills assessment activities. The work will be disseminated in written reports and poster presentations at meetings. The HSI Program aims to enhance undergraduate STEM education and increase capacity to engage in the development and implementation of innovations to improve STEM learning and teaching at HSIs. Projects supported by the HSI Program will also generate new knowledge on how to achieve these aims.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.

Print this page

Back to Top of page