Danielle Kapustin, a medical student in the class of 2027, was recently awarded an IAMSE-ScholarRx Educational Research Grant. The $2,500 grant from the International Association of Medical Science Educators supports Kapustin’s project, “Transforming Embryology Education: Innovative Approaches to Interactive Medical Instruction.”
“This IAMSE-ScholarRx grant is a well-deserved recognition of Danielle Kapustin’s incredible work,” said Dr. Evan Raff, professor of Medicine and faculty mentor for Kapustin’s project. “Her creativity, persistence, and drive to improve embryology education have sparked meaningful change at UNC School of Medicine, and it’s been a joy to support her as she brings this challenging material to life in new, engaging ways.”
The accomplishment helps elevate the innovative UNC School of Medicine curriculum to the international stage. Kapustin explained that the grant will allow the School of Medicine to re-imagine the way that embryology and congenital defects are taught at the pre-clinical level to best prepare students for board exams, clinical rotations, and excellent patient care.
“The grant funds will support the design and implementation of a series of interactive embryology lessons at UNC School of Medicine, using hands-on materials and 3D visualizations to enhance student understanding of foundational concepts in human development,” Kapustin said. “Funds will also cover travel and publication costs to share the project’s outcomes at the IAMSE international conference and in medical education journals.”
About the IAMSE
IAMSE is a nonprofit professional development society organized and directed by health professions educators whose goals include promoting excellence and innovation in teaching, student assessment, program evaluation, instructional technology, human simulation, and learner-centered education.