Member Spotlights
The best part about HAPS is the people! Consider adding your name to the list of folks we celebrate by completing the form below:
Valerie O’Loughlin, Indiana University School of Medicine – Bloomington
Why are you a member of HAPS?
HAPS is my family. From my first meeting in 2001, I met like-minded colleagues who all wanted to bring each other up, and who shared a love for teaching. At each annual conference, I get to interact with individuals I consider close friends and who want their students to succeed. Unlike some other organizations (which have a hierarchy and a hidden ‘tiered’ system), everyone is on equal footing at HAPS – regardless of your academic background, your institution, or how long you’ve been a member.
Which HAPS Membership benefit do you most recommend/use? Why?
SHAMELESS PLUG – the HAPS exam! We use the HAPS Anatomy exam at our institution as both an optional final and a way to encourage students to revisit the material and reinforce their knowledge. The exam provides us with a validated, reliable assessment instrument to compare classes from semester to semester. Several of our graduate students have presented at HAPS conferences regarding our student performance on the HAPS anatomy exams.
What excites you most about teaching A&P-related courses?
Our courses are relevant to everybody, because everybody has a BODY. I have had students come back and tell me that what they learned in my class allowed them to assist a family member as they were dealing with a healthcare issue. I love to see students get excited about the subject(s) and see the relevance.
Jennifer Burgoon, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) at Seton Hill
Why are you a member of HAPS?
On a professional level, I remain a HAPS member due to the dissemination of valuable information and networking HAPS provides. On a personal level, the friendships I have made through HAPS are priceless.
Which HAPS Membership benefit do you most recommend/use? Why?
The HAPS Annual Meeting provides countless opportunities for networking, professional development, and fun!
Please describe your teaching or research focus.
Besides teaching in the Human Clinical Gross Anatomy course, providing histology workshops, and facilitating problem-based learning (PBL) sessions for osteopathic medical students at LECOM, I also teach in LECOM’s Master of Science in Medical Education (MSMEd) program. My areas of research interest are in anatomical self-efficacy and the use of technology (e.g., Artificial Intelligence [AI]) in the classroom.
Gilbert Pitts, Austin Peay State University
Why are you a Member of HAPS?
I remain a HAPS member because I really enjoy interacting with my colleagues at other institutions. This is crucial in raising my awareness of current teaching and research methodologies and findings.
Which HAPS Membership benefit do you most recommend/use? Why?
I think the benefit that I like the most is the annual meetings. I have learned so much while at the meetings that I look forward to them all year. The HAPS leaders and membership were so welcoming and made me feel like I belong and that I could contribute to HAPS. I am glad to see that new members are treated the same. I also really enjoy my subscription to the List Server. The conversations on the server are very interesting and keep me thinking of HAPS every day!
What is your favorite human system (or organ/structure) to teach and why?
Which system is not a favorite?! My training is in reproductive neuroendocrinology. I am fascinated by how the brain controls the release of gonadotropins which then control the reproductive system. Consequently, I enjoy teaching about nervous tissue, endocrinology, and the reproductive system. Teaching of these areas is really fun because students seem so interested in them!
Soma Mukhopadhyay, Augusta University
Why are you a member of HAPS?
I became a member for professional development. I was really really excited by the welcoming nature of HAPS committee personnel and members. There are also huge resources available for teaching and scope for initiating discussion regarding concepts and teaching resources. There is also opportunity for nationwide collaboration. I have presented in conferences, served as a panel member and published in HAPS’ educator journal.
Which HAPS Membership benefit do you most recommend/use? Why?
I will say all of the above mentioned and the Annual Conference. I learned a lot from attending Update Speakers sessions and also really impressed with the number of workshops offered. I am also learning a lot by serving on different committees.
What is your favorite anatomy fun fact? Why?
We are still not able to replicate the function of a microscopic nephron with a single dialysis tube. It shows how efficient and complex is our human body. Some fun facts about me: I am a singer, poet and performing artist.
Elizabeth Fontenot Granier, St. Louis Community College
Why are you a Member of HAPS?
Connections! It is great to get connected to other faculty and professionals that inspire me and help me stay excited to get back to the classroom each semester.
Which HAPS Membership benefit do you most recommend/use? Why?
The HAPs Educator! It is amazing what everyone is doing and researching with their students. I love working with authors and reviewers to get a paper through the review process and helping someone achieve their first publication or get to review for the first time!
What is your favorite human system (or organ/structure) to teach and why?
Respiratory–I get to bring in all sorts of fun stories and examples from my previous career as an Aerospace Physiologist in the US Air Force. I love showing the students Hypoxia videos and teaching them about the altitude and oxygen availability.