Dr. Holly Gruhlke Vice President | Dickinson State University
Dr. Holly Gruhlke Vice President | Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University (DSU) has unveiled a new virtual cadaver lab designed to enhance the educational experience for health science students. This facility, located in Klinefelter Hall, features the Anatomage virtual cadaver table, which utilizes real CT scans to offer over 1,500 case studies. These case studies provide detailed insights into various diseases and disorders in an interactive manner.
The Anatomage table displays realistic 3D digital representations derived from frozen cadaveric slices donated for research, allowing students to observe physical processes and conditions closely resembling those in living humans. The table also includes animal models, enriching opportunities for students in general biology and animal science courses.
Dr. Liz Freedman Fowler, dean of the School of Applied Sciences, highlighted the value of the virtual cadaver table: “The virtual cadaver table will be invaluable for showing students what particular disorders look like in real-life patients. They will be able to recognize them in their careers.”
The virtual lab will support several DSU health science programs, such as nursing, exercise science, pre-professional sciences, and others. Co-director of nursing Collette Christoffers shared her excitement about the integration of AI into the curriculum, saying, “We are excited to integrate AI into our classroom experience with the introduction of the virtual cadaver.”
Funding for this project came from Marathon Petroleum, the North Dakota Economic Diversification Research Grant, and the Nursing Education Consortium Grant. Dr. Holly Gruhlke, vice president of academic affairs and provost, commented, “The virtual cadaver lab provides an invaluable educational experience, allowing students to engage in advanced anatomical studies that will directly translate to their future careers in healthcare and science.”
Ann Wittkopp, dean of the School of Professional Studies, emphasized the advanced learning opportunities: “The new Anatomage table opens unprecedented avenues for anatomical exploration here at DSU and significantly elevates the programs within the School of Professional Studies.”
DSU is also considering further expanding its curriculum by incorporating physical cadavers and establishing a dedicated School of Health Sciences, with the potential lab opening as early as fall 2025.
To learn more about DSU's health science programs, visit dickinsonstate.edu/programs. For supporting these initiatives, visit dsuheritagefoundation.org.
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