E-News October 11, 2023

Anatomy Now 10.11.23

Anatomy Now - October 11, 2023

LEADERSHIP CORNER

Presidential Reflection on the Anatomical Sciences

A few years ago, the American Association of Anatomists (AAA) became the American Association for Anatomy (AAA). The intent was to move behind the person and be more inclusive to the entire discipline. But which discipline? Anatomy? Anatomical Sciences? I wish we could have adopted the American Association for Anatomical Sciences because I view our collective work under this name. Still, AAAS was an abbreviation already well known to all of us (American Association for the Advancement of Science) and therefore, not an option.

Let me reflect for a second on the evolution of the discipline. In the XIV and XV centuries, “anatomists” were not just anatomists; they were artists, intellectuals, and philosophers who were as curious about the human body as they were about its representation. Think about Vesalius or Leonardo Da Vinci and their work. Later, the advancement in microscopic technologies allowed insight views into tissues and cells, and at the same time, beautiful rendering of cellular structures like the ones from Ramón y Cajal. It was at about this time that anatomy was considered a grouping of macroscopic anatomy (or gross anatomy), microscopic anatomy (or histology), neuroanatomy, and embryology (commonly called development). In other words, anatomy was an anatomical science. Read more.

World Anatomy Day commemorates the legacy of Andreas Vesalius. In 1564, Vesalius laid the foundation for modern human anatomy. At AAA, we honor the rich history, vibrant present, and promising future of the field of Anatomy.

Check out our website and discover how AAA can provide valuable insights, resources, and opportunities to enrich your journey in Anatomy.

Dr. Libby Bradley - A Passion for Anatomy Pedagogy

Dr. Libby Bradley is still early in her career as an anatomist and researcher in the field of anatomy education research, having only recently graduated from the University of North Texas Health Science Center and accepting her first faculty position at Michigan State University. But in a short time she has become a prominent figure within the American Association of Anatomy (AAA), having won the Education Research Scholarship at Anatomy Connected 23 meeting in Washington, DC. Her journey from an undergraduate struggling with anatomy to a dedicated educator and researcher is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of education. In this member spotlight, we delve into Dr. Bradley's pedagogical research and her early experience with anatomy, which ignited her passion for teaching. We also explore the profound question: Why do we research how to teach?

Dr. Bradley's academic journey began at Central Michigan University, where she pursued a Bachelor's degree in exercise science. Uncertain about her career path, she found direction through a mentor who encouraged her to pursue a Master's degree in exercise physiology, also at Central Michigan University. During her Master's program, she discovered her love for teaching anatomy and realized that this was where her passion truly lay. Read more.

Inspiring Scientific Curiosity and Discovery Webinar Series

Wednesday, October 18th at 12:00 EDT

The Quest for Neuronal Identity: A Journey Unveiled

Speaker: Dr. Paolo Forni, University of Albany, State University of New York

The nose constantly senses the environment, and specialized olfactory and chemosensory systems have evolved allowing different species to decipher their specific living environments. The olfactory sensory epithelia enables organisms to detect molecules in their environment and transmits signals to the brain, but how does it recognize such a wide spectrum of stimuli? The answer lies in neuronal composition and molecular diversity.

Dr Forni seeks to discover the mechanisms that drive the establishment and maintenance of neuronal identity during the formation and regeneration of olfactory epithelia and to understand the pathogenesis of human pathologies.

Nomination and Application Deadlines are Approaching

There is something for everyone. Find your award today! Deadline: October 20, 2023

Nominate a colleague for one of AAA's highest achievement awards:

Henry Gray Distinguished Educator Award

Henry Gray Scientific Achievement Award

A.J. Ladman Exemplary Service Award

Highlight your science with one of our Early-Career Awards:

Early-Career Anatomist Publication Award

Early-Career Investigator Award

Nominate a mentor for our Outstanding Mentor Award.

Visit our website for more awards and details.

The 3rd Black in Anatomy Week is October 16-21! Mark your calendars!

Join Black in Anatomy for virtual events, networking, painting, and socials for everyone who loves anatomy.

The #BlackinAnatWeek schedule is coming soon!

The Anatomy Now E-News is Getting an Upgrade

The new and improved Anatomy Now newsletter is launching on October 25th. Every two weeks, our new Smart Newsletter will compile articles from the anatomy world and personalize the newsletter with what is most relevant to you. We hope you like it!

Anatomy Career Center

The Anatomy Career Center provides an easy way for job seekers to review and apply for available jobs and for employers or hiring agencies to post jobs in the anatomical sciences and related fields.