Anatomy Learning Institute

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Anatomy Learning Institute

The ALI at PLNU is Dedicated to Promoting Excellence in the Scholarships of Teaching, Discovery, Application and Integration of the Anatomical Sciences.

09/01/2026

SCHOLARSHIP ALERT!! 🚨‼️ NOW OPEN! APPLY NOW!

🦴 Leon Kugler Legacy in Anatomy Award

Minimum requirements:
• 3.0+ cumulative GPA
• Outstanding academic achievement and a deep passion for the study of human anatomy
• Include any relevant information about your financial need
• Must be pursuing a Clinical Anatomy or Medical Sciences minor

🩺 Dean’s Promise in Healthcare Scholarship

Minimum requirements:
• 3.0+ cumulative GPA
• Meaningful impact in healthcare or demonstrated potential to make an impact in the future
• Include any relevant information about your financial need
• Must be pursuing a Clinical Anatomy or Medical Sciences minor

🎓 Pioneer Scholar Award

Minimum requirements:
• 3.0+ cumulative GPA
• First-generation undergraduate or graduate student
• Include any relevant information about your financial need
• Must be pursuing a Clinical Anatomy or Medical Sciences minor

💙 Faith & Fortitude Scholarship

Minimum requirements:
• 3.0+ cumulative GPA
• Include any relevant information about your financial need
• Must be pursuing a Clinical Anatomy or Medical Sciences minor

✨ Interested in applying?

Visit the Anatomy Learning Institute Scholarships page for complete details and application information:

🔗 https://www.pointloma.edu/centers-institutes/anatomy-learning-institute/scholarships

Or click on the link in our bio!

08/28/2026

Kick off the fall semester with us! Come hang out, meet new people, and make some friends from across the College of Health Sciences. 🫶 Point Loma Nazarene University Please RSVP!

Students from Medical sciences, physician assistants, athletic training, Kinesiology, and occupational therapy are all invited!!

🍕 Pizza
🔥 Bonfire
🍫 S’mores
🤝 New friends
💬 Good vibes & getting to know each other

Whether you’re new to campus or just looking to meet more people, come join us for a fun night by the fire! 🌅✨

Let’s start the semester off right! 💙

08/27/2026

Counting down the days until the first day of school!!! August 31st! Can’t wait to see you! T-4 days 🎉📖📚📓📝 Point Loma Nazarene University

08/25/2026

Meet Dr. Joy Balta, Professor of Anatomy and Founding Director of the Anatomy Learning Institute! 🦴 For any incoming student taking human gross Anatomy Dr. Balta will be your professor fall semester!

We asked Dr. Balta a few questions:

🫀 Favorite anatomical structure?
The sympathetic chain, for sure!

🔬 Why anatomy?
“I think anatomy chose me!” After studying zoology, Dr. Balta somehow found his way into the human body—and never looked back.

👨‍🏫 Favorite part of teaching?
Walking alongside students from “I’ll never learn this” to “I’ve got it!”

💡 Advice for anatomy students?
“Anatomy is challenging, but give it the time it deserves. The ‘aha!’ moments are worth it.”

We’re grateful for the passion, mentorship, and love for anatomy that Dr. Balta brings to the ALI community! 💙 and he can not wait to meet you in lab!

08/23/2026

Welcome to PLNU, MSMS and Anatomical Sciences Education students!

This past Saturday, we were excited to welcome new students to PLNU’s GPS New Student Orientation at Liberty Station.

With 240 GPS students registered for the event, it was wonderful to connect with members of our newest incoming class including students beginning their journey in PLNU’s Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) program and Anatomical Sciences Education, Graduate Certificate program.

Welcome to ALI! 😃

08/20/2026

🦾Every donor has a story.

For our students, the anatomy lab is where we learn the structures of the human body, but it’s also where we learn something much deeper: respect, gratitude, and the responsibility of caring for the gift we’ve been given.

Our donors have made an incredible decision to contribute to the education of future healthcare professionals. Because of their generosity, students have the opportunity to learn anatomy in a way that simply cannot be replicated in a textbook or on a screen.

A recent publication co-authored by Dr. Joy Balta, Founding Director of the Anatomy Learning Institute, explores best practices for human body donation programs and the importance of honoring donors through informed consent, ethical practices, and respect for their dignity.

At ALI, we are incredibly grateful for the donors who make our students’ learning possible. Their gift becomes part of the foundation of countless future healthcare professionals and their impact continues far beyond the anatomy lab. 🤍

📖 Research Spotlight:
Human Body Donation Programs: Best Practices and Recommended Standards
Published in Anatomical Sciences Education

08/13/2026

And so the count down to the first day of fall semester begins!! Can’t wait to see you all back on campus, to new beginnings and a great school year 📣😁🎉 Point Loma Nazarene University

08/07/2026

🦴 Mnemonic Monday: Carpal Bones! ✋

Trying to memorize the 8 bones of the wrist? We’ve got you covered!

Remember:
“So Long To Pinky, Here Comes The Thumb” 🧠

➡️ Scaphoid
➡️ Lunate
➡️ Triquetrum
➡️ Pisiform
➡️ Hamate
➡️ Capitate
➡️ Trapezoid
➡️ Trapezium

Save this mnemonic for your next anatomy study session! 📚

What anatomy topic should we cover next? 👀

08/04/2026

Say HI 👋 to Dr. Anabel Flores!!

The Anatomy Learning Institute at Point Loma Nazarene University is pleased to announce that Dr. Anabel Flores will be joining the institute as Associate Professor of Anatomy and Director of Educational Effectiveness.

Dr. Flores brings a distinguished background in science education, academic leadership, and student mentorship. She earned her PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from University of Michigan and has built an impressive career focused on advancing biomedical education and supporting student achievement in the health sciences.

Prior to joining PLNU, Dr. Flores served at California Baptist University, where she taught Anatomy and Physiology and held the role of Director of the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program. In that position, she played a key role in program development, student success initiatives, and academic leadership.

Throughout her career, Dr. Flores has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, mentorship, and educational innovation. Her passion for preparing students for careers in healthcare and biomedical sciences aligns closely with the mission of the Anatomy Learning Institute.

As Director of Educational Effectiveness, Dr. Flores will help guide curriculum development, enhance student learning outcomes, and support the institute’s ongoing commitment to excellence in anatomy and biomedical education.

07/31/2026

🤖 Can AI pass an anatomy exam?

AI is changing the way students study, but can it replace anatomy education?

A recent study co-authored by Dr. Joy Balta, Founding Director of the Anatomy Learning Institute, found that AI can be a great tool for reviewing concepts and practicing exam questions. But when it comes to critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and hands-on anatomy learning, there’s no substitute for real-world experience.

At ALI, we believe the future of anatomy education is AI + educators, using technology to enhance learning….not replace it.

💬 Have you ever used AI to study? Tell us how in the comments!

Address

3900 Lomaland Dr
San Diego, CA
92106

Website

https://www.pointloma.edu/schools-departments-colleges/college-health-sciences

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