High-effort 3D anatomical models generated for research are increasingly deposited in public repositories (e.g., MorphoSource, Sketchfab), yet many become effectively “dark data” after publication - rarely reused outside specialist circles. This project proposes a reuse pathway that converts research-centric, non-human 3D specimens into low-cost learning tools for veterinary and comparative anatomy education.

Human anatomy already offers proof of concept for web-distributed 3D assets as pedagogical infrastructure: NIH 3D provides openly downloadable biomedical 3D models for printing and interactive visualization. Systematic reviews indicate that these models aid in improving educational outcomes in academic settings. Building on this foundation, this project outlines a scalable “repository-to-classroom” pipeline for non-human specimens: (1) curate models with permissions compatible with educational reuse and 3D printing; (2) standardize metadata and linguistically adaptable labeling; (3) generate AR and print-ready files with documented repair/scaling; and (4) pair models with brief, accessibility-oriented learning activities that support varied learning strategies and accommodate students with learning difficulties.

By reframing research repositories as potential sources of educational materials, this work enables the reuse of high-effort 3D assets in ways that are cost-sensitive and locally adaptable. The produced infrastructure can support veterinary training, vertebrate anatomy education, and future translational applications where structure-function reasoning is central, all while reducing dependence on cadaver access and static 2D materials. Because activities and labels can be adapted for different curricular contexts and languages, the pipeline is designed to travel across borders of geography, culture, and discipline - supporting collaborative teaching, wider participation, and more accessible anatomy learning worldwide.

Authors:
Amy Lagorio, University of Missouri - Columbia, United States
Casey Holliday, University of Missouri - Columbia, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Amy Lagorio is a current doctoral student in the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences at the University of Missouri - Columbia, USA. Interests include anatomy education and herpetological studies.

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