Anatomy Connected 2026 Recap

Anatomy Connected 2026 Recap!

Anatomy Now - April 29, 2026

As we close out this year's annual meeting in Albuquerque, NM, we want to take some time to reflect on the wonderful programming, the impactful connections, and the invaluable research which was shared throughout the conference. Below we have compiled a few of our favorite moments captured by staff, links to our four Nightly Newsletters, and a comprehensive list of our AAA Anatomy Connected Student/Postdoc Competition Award Winners. Whether you just want to reminisce or get a glimpse into the iconic Anatomy Connected 2026 weekend, we have something for you!

AAA Anatomy Connected Award Winners

Undergraduate Student Poster Presentation Award

1st Place: Emily Stotts, West Liberty University, Thyroxine Exposure Enhances Late-stage Osteoblast Maturation in Cranial Sutures from Embryonic Chickens Using an Avian Model of Induced Thyrotoxicosis
2nd Place: Christopher Smith, Missouri Southern State University, Neural Tissue Distribution in the Human Filum Terminale: Implications for Surgical Procedures

Graduate Student Poster Presentation Award

1st Place: Nevaeh Piroski, The University of Western Ontario, Identification of the Accessory Canals of Canalis Sinuosus in Human Cadavers: A Comparative Study of CBCT Imaging and Anatomical Dissection
2nd Place: Christopher Zobek, University of Missouri Columbia, Muscle Architecture and Biomechanics of Macrostomy in Watersnakes (Nerodia Fasciata Pictiventris)

Postdoctoral Poster Presentation Award

1st Place: Lorena Maili, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, The Global Process of Ribosome Biogenesis Tissue Specifically Regulates Neural Crest Cell Fate and Craniofacial Development
2nd Place: Paige Lynch, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Innominate Morphology Beyond the Pubis: Evaluating Alternative Traits for Sex Estimation

Student/Postdoctoral Education Research Poster Award Sponsored by Anatomical Sciences Education

1st Place: Sharon Adekanbi, Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, First Cuts, Lasting Impressions: Exploring Sense of Belonging, Impostor Phenomenon, and Professional Identity Formation in the Anatomy Lab Among First-Year Osteopathic Medical Students
2nd Place: Anna Shafer, Indiana University School of Medicine, Trauma-Informed Anatomy: Faculty Experiences and Approaches to Student Distress in the Gross Anatomy Lab

Educational Research Platform Award

1st Place: Hei Ching Kristy Cheung, University of Toronto, The Clinical Value of Learning Basic Sciences: Exploring Integrated Instruction vs Deliberate Practice in the Development of Diagnostic Reasoning Skills
2nd Place: Chilli Kellaway, University of Colorado Denver, Gut Busters and the Power of Play; An Educational Analysis of a Histology Card Game in Medical Curriculum

Langman Graduate Student Platform Award Sponsored by The Anatomical Record

1st Place: William MacDonald, Western University, Diffusion MRI to Characterize Hip Muscle Architecture and Strength After FAI Surgery
2nd Place: Cheyenne Leatham, University of Florida, Ontogenetic and Morphologic Variation of the Infraorbital Canal and Maxillary Sinus

Postdoctoral Platform Award Sponsored by Developmental Dynamics

1st Place: Cassaundra White, MUSC, Growing Animals Respond to Nutritional Excess by Growing Faster: Perspectives on Pre-obesity Growth Acceleration
2nd Place: Smart Mbagwu, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Differential Structural and Neurochemical Vulnerability of the Hippocampal—Cerebellar Axis Following Tramadol Exposure

A heartfelt thank you to the Program Committee for the outstanding work on this year’s successful annual meeting. A huge shout out to all our committee members who generously volunteered their time and talent to judge our wide collection of AAA award applications. Your devotion to the programs and rewarding scientific excellence is greatly appreciated.

It was a busy and successful four days at the world’s largest gathering of anatomical science, researchers, and educators united at Anatomy Connected 2026 in Albuquerque, NM. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming events and the release of the photos from Anatomy Connected 2026 on Flickr!

Leadership

Volunteer leaders, invested in the future of the association and the anatomical sciences, are the backbone of AAA.

A 14-person Board of Directors is chosen by the membership, with elections occurring each January.

Standing and ad hoc committees take on specific roles and tasks to advance those initiatives. All Board and committee members are volunteer leaders serving varying terms. Learn about all the opportunities to get involved with the Association, contribute to advancing the anatomical sciences, and expand your leadership skills.

Advocacy

By advocating for (or against) legislative policy, the Association works to protect and preserve the interests of members.

Communicating with policymakers is a key part of the strategic plan. Leadership and staff work regularly work with members and colleagues to effectively represent the profession through engagement with legislators, media, and the public. Whether crafting messages for print or meeting face-to-face with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, AAA works to ensure that members are equipped with messages that resonate.