Elon University’s human donor lab, often referred to as the cadaver lab, may give some students chills, but this facility in the basement of McMichael Science Center offers students a unique learning opportunity to explore human anatomy as undergraduates.
“The human anatomy lab was a huge factor (in my decision to come to Elon),” said freshman Natalie McCarthy, an exercise science major. “I’m really interested in physical therapy, how the body works. And so learning that as an undergraduate you would get this opportunity to be in the human donor lab was pretty remarkable because not a lot of schools allow undergraduate students to do that.”
[quote]You learn an important lesson that every body is different. Even if the textbook says it’s going to look one way, once you actually start looking at the body itself, it’s really different. — Natalie McCarthy, freshman exercise science major. [/quote]
The lab in McMichael was originally shared between undergraduate and graduate students in the doctor of physical therapy and physician’s assistant program, but because the PT and PA programs have recently moved to the Francis Center, which has its own lab, the facility is now used mainly by undergraduate students, including McCarthy.
Because there has been demand for the lab since it was built in 1998, McMichael’s lower level is currently undergoing some renovations to paint and upgrade the space, according to Greg Haenel, professor and chair of the biology department. There will be more renovations this summer when classes are not in session. Currently, there are four labs serving a total of 72 students. The human donor lab course is available to students in any major.
Freshman Jordan Cottle, an exercise science major, said he thinks students should look into taking the course regardless of their field of study.
“It’s an amazing opportunity that I think a lot of people should take advantage of while they’re here because it’s not something many undergraduates get to do,” Cottle said.
Haenel said the university opened the lab up to undergraduate students because the facilities were available and it was a good opportunity for engaged learning. He said he sees value in allowing undergraduate students to access the labs.
“I think it’s very attractive to students that want to go into health professions broadly,” Haenel said. “They feel like they’re getting kind of a head-start, if you will. Anatomy is taught pretty generally at most colleges and universities. The difference here is that you’re using the actual donors for part of the lab, and so that’s perceived as you’re gaining a little bit of extra experience, hands-on experience.”
Although McCarthy said some students may find the lab unnerving or too personal, she feels her experiences learning about the human body were valuable.
“This was just a really great opportunity to be able to see pictures in the textbooks translated into a real-life kind of thing,” McCarthy said. “And you learn an important lesson that every body is different. Even if the textbook says it’s going to look one way, once you actually start looking at the body itself, it’s really different.”