Franklin & Marshall College is set to transform its pre-health and science curriculum thanks to a generous grant from the George I. Alden Trust. The funding will support the development of a state-of-the-art virtual cadaver lab, bringing high-tech, immersive anatomical study to F&M’s campus.

The centerpiece of the new lab will be a digital anatomy table, which provides a high-resolution, interactive experience with human physiology. The technology allows students to explore both macroscopic and microscopic anatomical models; experiment with advanced imaging techniques, including MRI and CT scans; access a library of more than 1,000 clinical cases and patient samples; and track and study disease progression in real-time through simulation.

Utilizing these immersive visualization tools, F&M students will engage in anatomical research typically reserved for graduate-level medical programs. The technology will be accessible to faculty and students across disciplines, including biology, psychology, chemistry, computer science and public health. F&M students interested in the health professions will gain early familiarity with tools and skills they’ll continue to explore in graduate and medical schools.

“For decades, F&M has been known nationally as one of the best schools for students planning a career in medicine and health,” said F&M President Andrew Rich. “This investment by the Alden Trust moves us into the next chapter of training for students. It is state-of-the-art and helps further cement our position as an exceptional launchpad for tomorrow’s physicians and health researchers.”

Over many decades, the George I. Alden Trust has supported important initiatives at F&M, including the Green Room Theatre, the Barshinger Life Sciences & Philosophy Building, and the Harris Center for Business, Government & Public Policy, as well as academic departments and career development support.

In this simulated image, a student manipulates an anatomical model to explore human physiology.

Building Upon Exceptional Outcomes

This new offering will strengthen F&M’s already exceptional reputation for health-professions outcomes. In recent years, F&M students have achieved a medical school acceptance rate of 80%, a figure that nearly doubles the national average of 41.5%.

The virtual cadaver lab also serves as a high-tech complement to the College’s clinical opportunities. Through Lancaster’s vibrant health and medical industry, F&M students have access to volunteer and job-shadowing at local institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Lancaster, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and Lancaster Health Center.

“The grant comes at a timely moment for F&M as we seek to build upon our tradition of excellence in medicine and health,” said Provost Sunita Kramer ’92. “Hands-on opportunities like the virtual cadaver lab help us to consider and create new pathways and programs for students seeking health professions careers.”

Professor of Neuroscience Robert Jinks and Institutional Biosafety Officer and Teaching Professor of Biology Stephanie Stoehr were early advocates for the technology and helped to shape the proposal that resulted in the grant.

"Direct, hands-on student-faculty interaction during complex dissections of human anatomy is critical for student mastery of both anatomical and physiological concepts," said Jinks. "Providing our students with carefully mentored access to virtual dissection of human cadavers will give them a huge leg up as they matriculate into graduate and professional school programs."

“Virtual anatomy tables are exceptional tools, and their integrated clinical case studies offer an engaging way for students to explore physiology. Each case features patient imaging data and medical case notes, creating an immersive learning environment,” added Stoehr. “I’m eager to use these integrated case studies to teach pathophysiology alongside human anatomy.”

Learning by Doing Is Our DNA as Diplomats

We ensure you learn with purpose through hands-on experiences. Across every discipline, F&M students move from theory to purpose-driven action, graduating not only with knowledge, but with the hands-on experience that prepares them to lead now — not later.

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