The University of Texas at Tyler collaborated with 3D Modeling and Animation seniors from the Tyler ISD Career & Technology Center. These students have been working with the School of Medicine Simulation in Medicine and Immersive Learning Experience Center to develop an innovative way to demonstrate anatomical concepts to medical students.
“The level of creativity and technical skill demonstrated by these students is truly remarkable,” said Dr. Andrea Cooley, medical director of simulation at the SMILE Center. “Their work not only benefits our medical students but also sets a standard for how interdisciplinary collaboration can advance educational goals.”
The 3D digital renderings illustrate the clotting cascade, an essential process for blood clot formation. According to Cooley, many medical students struggle to grasp this concept since it occurs at the molecular level, making it difficult to demonstrate on anatomy models.
“This opportunity, and having students trained to perform such an advanced animation, is everything a teacher wants for their students,” said Michael J. Sturrock, Practicum of Design + 3D Modeling & Animation teacher. “It gives me such joy to see the students succeed, be able to collaborate with community members and build upon their employability skills.”
The students involved include Elijah Chaffin, Antonio Thomas, Christian Beggs, and Levi Pike and Cheick Conde.
“The opportunities I’ve received through my CTE courses, as well as my project with UT Tyler, have opened me to new possibilities and ideas that will influence me for the rest of my career,” said Chaffin. “Through similar partnerships with the community, students can have the same opportunities that lead to better futures and careers.”
Tyler ISD partners with a variety of local businesses to bring real-world applications to their students. Learn more about the career pathways and programs of study at the Career & Technology Center.