What is your official title at Drexel?
I am the Drexel University College of Medicine Human Anatomy Laboratory program manager.
Explain what you do in about 50 words.
I ensure that the Drexel anatomy lab is running smoothly and is prepared for the MD students’ first-year human anatomy course, and I also teach anatomy to our medical students. Aside from that, I oversee the human donor program at Drexel, which is facilitated by the Humanity Gifts Registry (HGR) of Pennsylvania.
Who do you interact with most on a daily basis?
I interact most with the people who generously donated their bodies for use in the lab — I see them and talk to them every day! Beyond that, it would be medical students during classroom sessions, anatomy labs or office hours. I also employ Drexel students in my anatomy lab.
What is your typical day like?
My typical day is a mix of laboratory operations, teaching, program coordination and some administrative responsibilities. These responsibilities shift based on the time of year. Most days begin with preparing the anatomy lab for classes, collecting attendance and then teaching. If we have a practical exam coming up, I will help prepare and set up for the exam. I speak with HGR almost daily, too! On other days, I focus more on the administrative and operational management of the lab. This involves inventorying our supplies, reviewing our budget, maintaining our lab webpage and supporting our outreach initiatives. Overall, no two days are the same.
How do you see your work fitting into the big picture of the missions of the College?
Education is the primary focus of my role at Drexel. Through teaching, prosection, hands-on interaction and developing lab-based workshops, I help create an active learning environment for our students. I contribute to medical/educational research and can advocate for innovative techniques used in the anatomy lab. Community engagement is also a significant part of my role at Drexel through collaborations with the HGR, Philadelphia museums and the surrounding high schools.
What are your favorite and least favorite tasks?
My favorite part of my role is working with and supporting our students. I really enjoy seeing their curiosity and growth. Whether it’s guiding them through dissections, answering questions, or helping them prepare for practical exams. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their learning and to contribute to their success. My least favorite task is reviewing the lab budget — but I’d say that’s more a personal quirk — I would much prefer to shop without a budget!
What is your educational and previous work background? How did those prepare you for what you do now?
I have a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Misericordia University. They have a cadaver lab, and I was able to take human anatomy as an undergrad. This experience solidified my love for human anatomy and gave me early hands-on exposure to laboratory procedures and dissection techniques, alongside an appreciation for working respectfully with human donors. After undergrad, I pursued a master’s degree in forensic medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). While completing my degree, I worked as a work-study student in the PCOM Human Anatomy Lab, gaining direct experience in lab preparation, specimen handling, and supporting students and faculty in a teaching environment; the rest is history!
After graduation, I worked for a few years as the head forensic autopsy technician for a local County Coroner’s Office before realizing my passion lies in academia. These experiences prepared me for my role at Drexel by combining anatomical expertise, lab management, teaching support and program coordination — skills I utilize daily to run the anatomy lab, supervise students and staff, manage donor programs, and contribute to curriculum and program development. And I still work as a part-time forensic autopsy technician.
When you are working on site, do you bring your own lunch or eat out?
I try to bring my lunch from home, but when I do eat out, my go-to lunch is from Schmear or the halal cart on 36th and Market Streets.
What’s one unusual or unexpected item in your home or campus workspace?
I have a very unique taxidermy collection in my office! Which is complemented by my big pink chair.
What’s one piece of Philly culture that you return to over and over again, and why?
The Mütter Museum. It’s such a unique and fascinating space filled with stories of medical history and education. Every time I visit, I learn something new, and we’re so fortunate to have it right in our backyard.
