The Foundation continues to meet the mission of supporting the college with the following program enhancements and initiatives.
State-of-the-Art “Anatomage Table” for Science, EMS and Nursing Programs
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska
Barton students pursuing careers in the sciences, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Nursing will have access to a high-tech, “Anatomage Table,” a fully segmented and realistic 3D anatomy system.
Life Sciences Instructor Dr. Oleg Ravitskiy said the table will teach students about human anatomy in a revolutionary way.
“It’s truly amazing technology,” he said. “Structures are reconstructed in accurate 3D, resulting in an unprecedented level of realistic anatomy, which is also dissectible in 3D. It allows for exploration and learning of human anatomy beyond what any cadaver could offer.”
Instructor of Mathematics Dr. Kristen Hathcock learned about the technology and brought the idea of purchasing it to the Department of Life Science in the spring of 2018. Dean of Academics Brian Howe greenlit the project and, Ravitskiy wrote a proposal to the Barton Community College Foundation. Through a collaborative effort with Chief Information Officer Michelle Kaiser, the project became a reality and the table arrived on July 2.
Ravitsky said the table will be an amazing tool for students who come to Barton to study Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or to specialize in EMS, Paramedic Training or Nursing.
“This table will be a powerful and effective educational tool, which will enhance classroom learning at Barton,” he said. “It will allow students to interact with young and well-preserved digital cadavers instead of aged and degenerated bodies. The accurate details and rich content will draw Barton students’ interest and attention leading to more effective educational outcomes.”
Ravitsky said Barton is fortunate to have this equipment and is very thankful for all those involved in turning the dream of having one on-campus into a reality.
“This greatly enhances our institutional standards,” he said. “Barton students, parents, alumni, or visitors will be impressed with the presence and visual impact of this table. This system will further solidify our institution as a technology leader in our community.”
For more information, contact Life Science Instructor Dr. Oleg Ravitskiy at ravitskiyo@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9335.
Faculty Mini-Grants
Each academic year when a college instructor starts their class preparations and looks at their own department budget, they start a wish list of what they could do if they just had a piece of equipment or the opportunity to use a new innovative technique for a better teaching and learning experience. Each fall, the Foundation allows the instructor to apply for a mini-grant to purchase that special item that can make a difference in their teaching efforts. Since 2008, the Foundation has awarded 133 mini grants totaling more than $100,000.
In the 2019-2020 academic year, several faculty mini-grants were fully or partially funded from the proceeds of the Foundation Sporting Clay Shoot event and individual donors who wish to support faculty needs.
They include:
Fort Riley Troop School – Leg Amputation Simulator
Art/Ceramics – Kiln Shelves
Math – Graphing Calculators
Adult Healthcare – Wound Simulation Kit
Nursing – Life-size Skeleton and CPR Mannequins
Scale Technician Program – Analog Soldering Stations
Welding – Tungsten Grinder
Natural Gas Transmission & Distribution – True RMS Multimeters and AC Frequency Generators
Instrumental Music - Music
Public Speaking – Wireless Presenters
Ag/Animal Science – Lab Kits
Criminal Justice – Riot Suits and Containment Shields