T he John E. Sallstrom Honors College is using a CrowdThunder campaign to purchase a set of anatomical models to better serve students’ needs for learning about the human body. The college hopes to purchase these high-demand models this summer, so students would be able to use them in the fall. 

“I see the models as akin to the primary documents that I use in my own discipline of history,” said Dr. Brian Newsome, dean of the Honors College. “They are essential tools, as students navigate courses like anatomy and physiology. Then, they use their education as a springboard for further learning, as well as research.” 

Newsome had discussions with current and prospective students about having anatomical models available for them at the Humber-White House. The need for these items became clear.

“The anatomical models that Georgia College has in the science building and library are in really high demand,” said Newsome. “The honors students have told me this, especially during crunch time, as they are studying for exams.” 

Honors College students have 24/7 access to the Humber-White House. This would give them access to the anatomical models at all times, making the house a hub for student collaboration and learning.

“One can’t go into nursing or therapy knowing anatomy only from two-dimensional pictures on a page,” said Dr. Kenneth Saladin, professor emeritus and former honors faculty council member. “Anatomy has to be understood from a three-dimensional perspective and as both a visual and tactile experience.”

Anatomy models, supplementing cadaver dissection, have been used in medical education for centuries.

Newsome’s main hope is for honors students in the life sciences to have easy access to these essential educational tools. However, a guest policy will also be developed, so that honors students can bring a limited number of non-honors study partners.

“I want to ensure that honors students have priority access,” said Newsome. “But, I am happy for them to bring study partners so they can all benefit.”

With anatomical models, students are better able to develop an understanding of the physical location of the organ or tissue relative to other structures, as well as the relationship between organs and organ systems. 

“The ability to manipulate the pieces—kinetic learning—enhances the experience and deepens their understanding,” said Lori Beth Robinson, senior lecturer of biology. “This was very evident for students who took human anatomy and physiology during the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

Many of her students reported how imperative it was to have the physical presence of the models over videos of the models and images in PowerPoint or textbooks. Some also indicated that it was more difficult to grasp the directional terminology without models.

Another benefit of having anatomical models for students is they’re able to teach each other when they team up in small groups.

“Students become creative in ways to remember the structures and their locations, developing their long-term memory,” said Robinson. “They are also building and strengthening their bonds as friends and classmates—skills that will serve them well in the health care fields.”

Sophomore and exercise science major Katherine “Kae” Gilliam of Woodstock, Georgia, knows first-hand that anatomical models are the best means of learning about the human body.

“They provide a visual and physical aid to students who are either just starting to understand human anatomy, or for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding about the body’s overarching connections,” Gilliam said. 

Gilliam often finds it difficult to access anatomical models on campus, as they are shared by other students in exercise science, nursing and other majors.   

“Contributing to the purchase of a set of anatomical models for the Humber-White House, Honors College students will find the tools more accessible,” Gilliam said. “This will lead to better understanding about the human body and flourishment in their courses and beyond.”

After graduating from Georgia College, Gilliam plans to head to graduate school for occupational therapy. She sees the long-range benefit of using anatomical models.

“Having more time with these models means not only gaining basic familiarity and knowledge for introductory anatomy classes, but it also helps to boost my success in my future classes at Georgia College and graduate programs,” Gilliam said. “Many of us find if we spend more time with physical models as opposed to online or textbook pictures, we not only do better in our human anatomy courses, but feel more confident in our understanding of the body as a whole.”

Saladin taught biology at the university for 40 years and recognizes a high demand for anatomy models in healthcare fields. 

“The anatomy labs of Herty Hall and the smaller collection in the Russell Library struggle to provide as much access as students wish for,” he said. “The highly esteemed and disciplined students in the John E. Sallstrom Honors College have earned the additional access that this collection in the Honors House will provide. I trust they will recognize it as a privilege, reward and added incentive for their participation in honors, and that it will be publicly seen as another mark of distinction for high-caliber honors education at Georgia College.” 

Honor students identified acquisition of a set of anatomical models as their top priority.

“Donors of the anatomical models will be investing in the present and future,” said Newsome. “So, alumni and friends can rest assured that they are meeting a need that that honors students feel acutely.”

They also can also can help turn the Humber-White house into a real home for the Honors College.

“This resource will pull in many students who interact with each other in so many ways,” said Newsome. “For example, an English major, who is coming in to grab a cup of coffee and read, will have an opportunity to chat with a nursing major, who's taking a break from working with models. They’ll engage in the vibrant, interdisciplinary conversations that are at the heart of the Honors College, building community across boundaries of majors and cohort years that will translate into so many potential collaboration centers. The possibilities are endless.”

Help the John E. Sallstrom Honors College celebrate 50 years of providing top-notch transformative educational experiences by providing this learning opportunity for students.