Present Students
Volunteer
I joined the CRIPT the first semester of my undergraduate degree by approaching prof Wilson in his office and asking if he had a volunteer opportunity available, now I am in the third year of my undergraduate degree and and have been a part of the lab for about 2 years. The CRIPT is a supportive environment for professional growth and I have learnt valuable lessons from other members of lab. In my time here I have aided and followed research regarding Maxillo Mandibular advancement (MMA) surgery, more specifically discovering a relationship between tissue advancement and airway resistance, in order to allow sleep apnea patients to make more informed choices when it comes to having MMA surgery. The lab has given me and opportunity to learn about and get involved with innovation research being done by fellow lab mates in a supportive and friendly environment and although I am not entirely sure what the future holds, I am certain that the lessons I have learnt and continue to learn in the lab will aid me along the way.
Past Students
BSc. Senior Thesis
"I first was introduced to Dr. Wilson and the CRIPT laboratory during my third year of undergraduate studies through my functional human anatomy class. I was throughly intrigued by the anatomical structures and concepts we were learning about in class and wanted to learn more. So, over the course of the winter semester Dr. Wilson invited me to volunteer my time in the CRIPT lab. By working with software programs such as AMIRA and OSIRIX, I was able to learn how to interpret CT images and X-rays of the human skull. The following summer, as a work-study student, I was able to apply this new found knowledge by hopping on to the research project of clinical anatomy masters student Moulik Patel. This research project investigated Incremental Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) surgery’s effect on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with respect to Airway Volumetrics and Tissue Morphology. Using AMIRA, I was able to reconstruct the space of the nasopharynx and oropharynx and produce the 3D models from which the volumetric and linear measurements were taken. I am so grateful for all of these amazing learning opportunities that I have acquired through Dr. Wilson and the CRIPT laboratory, and I am eager to see what the future may hold for my senior Kin4443 thesis project."
BSc. Senior Thesis
Throughout the past year, I have had the pleasure of working on my fourth year research project in association with the CRIPT. Alongside Dr. Wilson, Dr. Loftus, and my colleague Ilan Levy, we explored the relationship between spatial ability and physiological parameters such as cerebral blood flow and end-tidal CO2. The project gave me the opportunity to explore anatomy and physiology from an educational perspective, and in doing so, I learned a lot about topics related to neural physiology and psychology that I was not exposed to in undergrad. By studying physiology on a beat-by-beat basis, I was able to witness firsthand how even the smallest changes in physiology can have a drastic effect on an individual's ability to perform tasks successfully. Overall, my entire experience with the CRIPT has been amazing, due both to the research opportunities I have been exposed to and the people that I have had the pleasure of working with. During my next two years in the Clinical Anatomy program, I hope to continue working with the CRIPT to hone my skills and further my understanding of the human body. Mark will be commencing his MSc in Clinical Anatomy in the Fall of 2016.
BSc. Senior Thesis
I was introduced to the CRIPT lab in my fourth year of undergraduate studies while pursuing my BSc specialization in Kinesiology. Dr. Wilson, with the help of other CRIPT members, supervised and aided me during my senior bioscience research project. I investigated physiological difference during a mental rotation test between individuals with high- and low- spatial ability. This experience did not only expose me to unique research techniques, such as Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography, but also welcomed me to the tight niche family known as the CRIPT lab. The way that everyone is always willing to offer a helping hand, whether it is a joke to lighten one’s day or how to use a foreign program, it is an experience that is unparalleled. Working in the CRIPT has allowed me to foster my critical thinking skills, my leadership qualities and, above all, my personality. I look forward to applying these skills in my future endeavours. Ilan is law school bound but before he moved towards the bar, he will complete a master’s of Management Sciences in the Fall of 2016.
Partners in Experiential Learning (PEL) '16
I am a Grade 12 student studying at Oakridge Secondary School. My passion lands in various fields such as medicine, philosophy, fine arts, entrepreneurship, and languages. I was enrolled in the Partners in Experiential Learning Program as a part of my co-operative education course. With great honour and appreciation, I was paired with Dr. Wilson and the C.R.I.P.T Lab for my placement.So far, I have had the opportunities to participate in a Gross Anatomy class at the Cadaver Lab as well as the journal club for Master students in Clinical Anatomy. At the C.R.I.P.T lab, I am learning to use Amira as I am using it to conduct 3D segmentation of the medial and lateral pterygoid on a specimen. Dr. Wilson, Cathy Ong Ly, and Daniel Wright have provided me with tremendous support and guidance. I am looking forward to learning more skills and knowledge as I explore different aspects of research and academics during the rest of my program here. I hope to continue research work at University of Western Ontario during the summer. I plan to enrol in Life Science Undergraduate Studies of McGill University starting the Fall of 2016.
Volunteer & Work Study ’15-16
I have currently completed my second year as a student in the Faculty of Science. I am a volunteer at the CRIPT lab assisting with a project that focuses on the muscles of mastication. I have a passion for human anatomy and physiology that originated from experiencing minor sport injuries, and through a co-op experience at a Cardiac Clinic. Volunteering at the CRIPT allows me to expand my knowledge on anatomy and learn more about the 3D digitalization of body parts. I’m ecstatic to be working with other kind and talented people at the lab, because I learn something new each time I’m there. I look forward to completing my research study with our team and collaborators in Engineering.
Volunteer & Work Study ’15-16
I have completed my fourth year of undergraduate studies working on getting my BSc specialization in Kinesiology. I am working on a project in the CRIPT that focuses on dissecting out the muscles of mastication and reproducing these models in a 3-D program called Amira. Hopefully this project will be the first of many projects which will lead to the production of a synthetic jaw. This project is made possible from the amazing people I work with: Drs. Wilson, Hosein, Ferreira, Galil, Erfun Hatam, and Cathy Ong Ly. The CRIPT and my colleagues there have taught me so much and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity! I will be starting my Masters of Science in Clinical Anatomy in the Fall of 2016 and will develop my projects further in the CRIPT lab.
Honours Kinesiology project ’14-15
I was a fourth year student in the faculty of Health Science completing my B.Sc. with Honors specialization in Kinesiology. I first became involved with the CRIPT after completing Anatomy 2221 and meeting Dr. Wilson. The following year I volunteering as a TA for Anatomy 2221 and worked along side some members of the CRIPT staff. I completed working on a senior research project course, KIN 4443, with Dr. Wilson as my faculty supervisor. With the help of Dr. Wilson and his colleague, Jay Loftus, I have been researching the relationship between mental rotation ability and blood flow in the right middle cerebral artery using an electronic mental rotation test and Transcranial Doppler from Dr. Kevin Shoemakers Brain & Heart Health Laboratory. I look forward to learning more about the inner complexities of the human body. In the coming years I will enter a field in allied health care to continue my altruistic passions.
Volunteer ’12-14
I am currently a fourth year student in the Faculty of Health Sciences and completing my Honors BA. degree with specialization in Kinesiology. My volunteering in research began after completing the course: Anatomy 2221. With the tools and experience in dissecting, I was able to prepare and present specimens to an educational Outreach program and also complete a term as a TA for Anatomy 2221. The CRIPT lab aided me in conceptualizing anatomical structures and relationships three-dimensionally. I have been fortunate to work under the supervision of Dr. Wilson, Dr. Galil and a MSc student in a research project aiming to measure and analyze TMJ discs for applications of modelling and disc replacement prosthetics. Currently I am working under the supervision of Dr. Galil and his MSc student in measuring and analyzing implications of the proximity of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve to the iliac crest in bone grafting procedures. I hope to further expand my understanding in clinical anatomy with applications in the medical field.
Partners in Experiential Learning (PEL) '13-14
I am a Grade 12 student at Oakridge Secondary School. I got involved with the PEL program through my school's co-operative education program, and I was fortunate enough to be placed with Dr. Tim Wilson in the Department of Anatomy. During my placement, I experienced first hand the life of both a student and a researcher. Attending lectures, working with groups in the lab, conducting human research trails, as well as gathering and presenting data were the main focuses of my time at the CRIPT. My time with Western has enlightened me not only in the field of anatomy but in the field of my future. Here I have learned what “science” means. Science is not a team full of people running around in lab coats. A good scientist is a well-rounded intellect. Science demands creativity, and a solid base of writing and communication skills in order to communicate discovery. I often feel torn between my passion for creative writing and literature and the more logical, scientific aspect of my studies. I’ve changed to understand that a career in the sciences can encompass both parts aspects of intellect. I accredit this enlightenment to the PEL program, Dr. Wilson, and the other graduate student researchers involved in the CRIPT like Jay Loftus, and I know it will be invaluable to my future career decisions.
UPDATE: Lauren will be attending Colgate University in the fall of 2014 where she will attend on a Volleyball scholarship.
Partners in Experiential Learning (PEL) '13-14
I am currently a high school student at London Central Secondary School in grade twelve. As a co-operative student, I was presented with the opportunity to partake in the Partners in Experiential Learning (PEL) Program, that offers a wide range of placements in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine. I was fortunate enough to be paired with Dr. Tim Wilson, who has introduced me to the CRIPT and the educational projects conducted by the volunteers. Thus far, I have assisted in the creation of 3D glomerular capillaries. My next steps in the CRIPT include creating instructions of how to work computer software (Unity) used in developing movable, 3D structures for others to use.
UPDATE: Laurin entered the University of Waterloo in the Kinesiology class of 2017.
Volunteer '11-13
While in the lab, Ali Damji was a third year Health Sciences student pursuing an Honors Specialization in Rehabilitation Sciences. This is his second year volunteering as a research assistant in the CRIPT, which he joined in order to apply his love for anatomy outside of the classroom in a meaningful way. He has been involved with numerous projects including the middle ear model development, and the creation of a 3D model of the glomerular capillaries. He is thrilled to be working with such a talented and diverse group of individuals at the CRIPT, which has provided him with experiences and skills that will last a lifetime!" UPDATE: Ali is studying Medicine for the class of 2018 at the University of Toronto. He has continued with strong leadership taking on the responsibility of class representative and is one of only 9 winners of a Leadership Education and Development scholarship at U of T Medicine valued at $25,000. The purpose of the scholarship is to fund tuition to take additional graduate level courses during all 4 years of medical school in Physician Leadership, Health Policy, Advocacy, Health Sector Management and Innovation at U of T's Schools of Business, Public Health, Public Policy & Governance, and Health Policy Management & Evaluation, and it also funds hands-on practicums during the summer months.
Volunteer '12
I am currently a second year kinesiology student attending the University of Western Ontario. I am very interested in the anatomy and physiology of the human body. I hope that the volunteering I do in the CRIPT lab will expand my knowledge for my future career within the medical field. I joined CRIPT winter term 2012 and will continue throughout the summer. I am working with Dr.Wilson and a team of students to make 3-D model of the middle ear. We hope that this model will be used as a learning tool for students.
Volunteer '12
I am a fourth year student in the faculty of Health Sciences completing an Honours BSc. degree in Kinesiology. My involvement in the C.R.I.P.T. began shortly after I competed a term as a volunteer TA in the Anatomy 2221 lab section and met several members of the C.R.I.P.T. staff. Since then I have assisted with an observational study investigating in-lab group dynamics and am currently working on a project modelling the inner and middle ear. Through these projects and those to come I strive to increase my knowledge of the human body while contributing to the future of anatomical research and education."
UPDATE: Ethan entered medical school and will graduate in the class of 2015.
Work Study ’10-11
Kamal has been a member of the CRIPT since the 2010-2011 school year. He is currently in his third year of a Health Science degree. He has always been interested in knowing more about the human anatomy and wishes to apply his knowledge and his previous previous experiences in the CRIPT. He is currently a research assistant for many of the graduates and is working his way towards a publication with the other undergrads.
Work Study ’10-11
I am a currently in fourth year of a Bachelor of Science Double Major in Medical Science and Visual Art. I have always been interested in the combination of science and art and was particularly drawn to C.R.I.P.T because of the amazing anatomical models created here. I became a volunteer at C.R.I.P.T in the summer of 2011. I am currently working on a model of the right hand.
Partners in Experiential Learning (PEL) '11-12
I am a Grade Eleven student from Mother Teresa CSS. In the CRIPT I am working as a co-operative student in the Partner’s in Experiential Learning (PEL) program, organized by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR). Through this program I am able to obtain an irreplaceable experience, create a lasting understanding of the post-secondary lifestyle, and I am able to network with several significant individuals. Under the guidance of Dr. Tim Wilson: Kamal Agarwal, Ali Damji, and I are currently working on a research project on the correlations of the middle and inner ear of males compared to females, of various ages.
UPDATE: Amanda is now at UWO in Biomedical Sciences, she will graduate in 2017.
Volunteer Summer ’11
Sarah Johnston is a health studies student from the University of Waterloo, working on a 3D model of the brain for Dr. Sandrine deRibaupierre. She's originally from London and has had several health related jobs at London Health Sciences Centre, and is now pleased to be working in the CRIPT
Volunteer Summer ’10
I am will be graduating this year from UWO's Hons. Bsc Health Sciences Program with a minor in Psychology. I was hired by Dr.Marjorie Johnson to assist Samantha Dunnigan a Masters Student here with here Project. We are working on an anatomical model of the pelvis and are in the midst of creating a interactive tutorial to teach physicians how to perform a hysterectomy. A lot of the projects people work on here is extremely interesting, the CRIPT is an amazing place to gain experience and the people here are even better.
Volunteer Summer ’10
I was hired as a Work/Study student for the CRIPT by Dr. Wilson in the summer of 2010. My job primarily is to keep the computers running smoothly as well as help with any anatomical projects in which I may be of any assistance. I am currently a second year Health Sciences student at the University of Western Ontario, and trying to do my part to earn money, and learn more about anatomy, 3D technologies as well as the Human Body for future use in the Medical Field.
Volunteer Summer ’10
I am a volunteer for the C.R.I.P.T. I helped design the new logo for this website with contributed ideas as well as a lot of the details of the overall website layout and design. I will be doing more graphic design and layout formatting for the CRIPT website in the future.
Volunteer Summer ’09
I am a Work/Study student for the CRIPT for the summer 2010 term. I am currently in Science program at Western. My job mostly consists of helping graduate students, Emily and Andrew, with their research on the morphology of Maxillae through bisections and designing the logo with Sybille’s help and others as well. Through this Work/Study program, I am trying to gain more experience in research fields and labs for future career in medical field.
Work Study '09-11
Danielle joined the CRIPT as a volunteer in May of 2010 and became a research assistant the following July. Since then, she’s worked on several projects including the development of 3D, stereoscopic eye and brain models. She is currently continuing her work with the brain through an interdisciplinary 4th year bioscience research project between Kinesiology and Clinical Anatomy. Though in its early stages, her work is focussing on the links between spatial ability, and the capacity to learn and use functional anatomy, particularly in a clinical setting. Danielle will be graduating this year from UWO’s Hons. BSc Kinesiology program and looks to continue her studies through graduate studies under Kevin Shoemaker in Kinesiology.
UPDATE: You’ll see on the graduate student’s page that she is now a doctoral student in the CRIPT and our collaborator’s lab at the Brain and Mind Institute, Adrian Owen.
Volunteer Summer ’08
I was born in Cairo, Egypt, but came to Canada with my family when I was four years old. I am currently in the Biochemical Engineering program at Western. I joined the CRIPT in 2009 and have learned many things revolving around more anatomy-based fields. Danielle and I are working on a model of the human eye, including the optic nerve, and the six main muscles that cause the movements of the eyeball. Hopefully, this model can later be used as a teaching device, or a building block for other students to expand upon for future projects.
Volunteer '07-09
Yang Ding around before the Beginning of Time Anatatorium ‘05-’07 CRIPT ’07-’09
