Simpson Awarded $135,000 Grant from Carver Charitable Trust

Simpson College has received a $135,000 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust to support transformative advancements in health and science education. The grant will fund the acquisition of an 84-inch, life-sized Anatomage virtual dissection table and 14 touchscreen tablets designed to enhance interactive learning and prepare students for healthcare careers and graduate study.

“We are deeply grateful to the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust for their investment in our students and mission,” said Terry Handley, Simpson’s acting president. “This grant will allow us to continue preparing future healthcare leaders through dynamic, hands-on learning experiences.”

Grant funds will benefit more than 600 Simpson students across a variety of health-related programs, including biology, health and exercise science, neuroscience, psychology, forensic science and biochemistry. The technology will also serve students pursuing pre-professional tracks such as pre-medicine, pre-physical therapy and other allied health fields.

“This award will provide excellent experiential learning opportunities for students in the natural sciences at Simpson,” said Dr. CoryAnne Harrigan, interim academic dean and vice president for Academic Affairs. “It will deepen their understanding of the complexities of human physiology and give them a taste of what health professionals see on the job.”

The Anatomage table — a leading-edge platform for three-dimensional, virtual dissection — will supplement Simpson’s current cadaver lab and 3D modeling tools. Used in tandem with the tablets, which allow students to engage in real time with lessons or work independently across campus, the technology will deepen understanding of anatomical and physiological concepts while fostering active and collaborative learning.

“Acquiring the Anatomage table is a huge step in advancing our student-centered approach to teaching,” said Dr. Lauren Points, assistant professor of biology. “By integrating cutting-edge tools into our curriculum, we are equipping students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in today’s healthcare landscape.”

Points and assistant professor of biology colleague Dr. Faithe Keomanivong spearheaded the grant project, in collaboration with Dr. Jackie Brittingham, professor of biology; Cal Busby, assistant professor of sport science and health education; Dr. Adam Brustkern, professor of chemistry; and Marzia Corni-Benson, director of Grant Programs at Simpson.