Event Recap: ASPIRE and MD Camp Workshops

In June, the EdTech Incubator led immersive workshops on virtual reality (VR) simulations and 3D printing technologies. These events aimed to familiarize undergraduates and high school students with tools that are now being used in the medical field.

ASPIRE Medical Research Program 

ASPIRE is a medical science training program and its mission is to support undergraduate students who have been historically underrepresented. This program provides students with mentorship, research experience, as well as academic and personal support to prepare them for advanced education and health careers.

On June 5th, ASPIRE participated in a VR workshop that immersed students into the world of anatomical exploration and medical visualization. Divided into groups, students navigated through three VR programs using Quest 3 and Vario headsets. Participants were guided through intricate details of 3D Organon, where they dissected virtual anatomical models. They also used SyGlass, a software that visualizes data such as CT scans and cellular structures.

 Undergraduates came back on June 24th for a hands-on 3D printing lab led by Mo Duncan and Aaron Thomas. Participants dove into the fundamentals of 3D modeling and printing, focusing on its role in surgical planning and dental applications.

 MD CAMP High Schoolers with VR and 3D Printing

MD Camp is and intensive three-week program open to high school students interested in pursuing careers in health sciences professions. This program allows students to experience and get a glimpse of the challenges and opportunities of medical school. Participants to shadowed health professionals, learned various clinical skills, listened to guest speakers from the medical field and participated in ETI immersive learning activities.

On June 18th, the ETI workshop sessions catered specifically to younger audiences, aiming to spark early interest in medical technology and innovation.

During the VR workshops, students were shocked to witness how detailed and different it was to see the body through VR vs the 2D TV screen. The use of VR technologies helped them gain insight on the complexity of human anatomy in ways that the traditional methods cannot do. 

On June 26th, MD CAMP students attended the 3D printing workshop where they learned the basics of 3D modeling and resin printing. Divided into groups, they engaged in creating simple models and witnessing their designs come to life through practical demonstrations. These activities not only fostered creativity but also highlighted the practical applications of 3D printing in healthcare.