As a student progresses with their anatomical knowledge, self-study and dissection skills, they are gradually given increased responsibility in the laboratory. The responsibility is earned. Bryan Fong and Catlin Olson are remarkable students. Both have almost completed a full dissection of a cadaver themselves and have taken on initial teaching and mentoring responsibilities within the lab.
“The Student Anatomy Atlas Project is doing more than just providing an avenue for students to get published,” Fong said. “Having been part of this project for the past three semesters, I have seen a community build itself around the dissection lab in the STEM building. The project helps foster fruitful relationships between participating students. This is most apparent in the Mastering Anatomy Program (MAP) that was created to push students towards a graduate level of understanding of anatomy and physiology.
“The program encourages students to take on a self-directed approach to learning with the more experienced students mentoring those freshly inducted. As one of the leads in the dissection portion of the RDP, I have been able to share my experiences with my peers, guiding them in both dissection and in achieving a deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology. The MAP program has helped me make many lasting friendships with my peers, given me the opportunity to be a mentor and leader and, most importantly, allowed me to be of service to the healthcare community here at GCU. Overall, MAP and the SAAP have given me more than I would have ever expected from my college life so far and will definitely prepare me well for my professional career.”
If you would like to know more about Grand Canyon University and its Research and Design Program, please visit the College of Science, Engineering and Technology or contact a university counselor by using the Request More Information button on this page.
More About Michael:
Michael Bodeen has attended the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Biomedical Sciences at Midwestern University. He has a significant background in cadaver-based anatomy and has taught anatomy and physiology for the last 12 years. He is a full-time instructor at Grand Canyon University and leads the cadaver program. He has a passion for education and enjoys creating opportunities for students.
