Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine recently completed a $1 million renovation to its anatomy laboratory. The focus was to improve the ventilation system within the laboratory, which had not undergone a significant upgrade in more than a decade, according to the university. “The goal was to create the safest dissection laboratory possible for first-year veterinary students as well as all other users and upgrade the technology within the laboratory for a thorough educational experience,” said Edward Morrison, Ph.D., head of the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology. “We now have a state-of-the-art anatomy teaching lab.” The renovations, as listed by the university, included an update to the HVAC system; a sophisticated downdraft table system with more than 40 specially-designed and individually-ventilated dissection tables; an updated digital audio visual system including touch-screen monitors, speaker system, wall mounted computer system and wireless video system; a new ceiling and lighting; and a renovated anatomical preparation area to increase storage space within the lab. “Anatomy is pivotally important for a veterinary student’s future success,” said Elaine Coleman, DVM, Ph.D., associate professor of veterinary anatomy and neuroscience. “A veterinary students’ education begins in the anatomy lab.”
