Empowering Tomorrow's STEM Leaders: SLU School of Medicine Champions Innovative Outreach Programs
03/14/2025
St. Louis, MO (March 14, 2025) - Homegrown talent reigns supreme as a local high school prodigy clinches the Anato-Bee Northwestern Regional Competition title.
This year's north regional winner was Bhavya Agarway, a student from the Parkway School District, marking the second consecutive year that a Missouri student has claimed the top spot.
Anato-Bee students at Young Hall on SLU's campus. Submitted photo.
This also marks the second year Saint Louis University has hosted the regional event on March 8-9, 2025, through its Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS) program.
The Anato-Bee provides high school students across the U.S. with a unique opportunity to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in a hands-on, engaging way, focusing on anatomy, embryology, and histology. By participating, students gain a deeper understanding of the biological sciences, which helps develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
“It was an honor to host this event here at SLU, where we place such a strong emphasis on STEM education as a powerful tool for transformation and understanding the critical role STEM plays in driving innovation, solving complex global challenges, and preparing students for future careers in a rapidly evolving world,” said Laura Jenkins, coordinator of the AIMS program at SLU.
Thirty-six students from the following states: Florida, Texas, Arizona, Washington, California, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Tennessee participated in the Anato-Bee. Agarway will receive a $3,000 scholarship to attend a summer program in anatomical or clinical sciences of her choice, and the runner-up will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Last year’s local winner, Michael Harkins, participated in the Harvard MEDscience Program.
AIMS Program
Since 1991, AIMS has provided anatomy, health and science education outreach for middle and high students. The AIMS program is a Practical Anatomy and Surgical Education component in SLU's School of Medicine Center for Anatomic Science and Education.
“By integrating outreach programs with STEM education, we provide opportunities for students and communities to engage in hands-on learning, foster curiosity, and develop critical skills needed for success in these fields,” Jenkins said.
One such outreach program is the AIMS Medical and Surgical Procedures Workshop for high school freshmen to incoming college students aged 15-19, which will be held from June 23 to June 27. This workshop will provide an overview of anatomy and an introduction to careers in the healthcare field. Physicians and professionals from various medical specialties will deliver programs in their areas of expertise using auditorium presentations, hands-on laboratory experiences, and group interactions. Students will also view several on-site surgical demonstrations by expert faculty and surgeons from SLU and other local hospitals and universities.
For more information, contact Laura Jenkins at laura.jenkins.1@health.slu.edu. To register for the AIMS Medical and Surgical Procedures Workshop, click here: https://cvent.me/vAWxR9
About SLU School of Medicine
Established in 1836, Saint Louis University School of Medicine has the distinction of awarding the first medical degree west of the Mississippi River. The school educates physicians and biomedical scientists, conducts medical research, and provides health care on a local, national and international level. Research at the school seeks new cures and treatments in five key areas: infectious disease, liver disease, cancer, heart/lung disease, and aging and brain disorders.
Latest Newslink
- SLU Professor's Taco Fundraiser to Support Tornado Relief EffortsSaint Louis University chef Daniel Brewer, MS, RDN, is hosting a special fundraising event at his home this weekend featuring an innovative taco menu that draws from a variety of global influences. Proceeds will benefit Action St. Louis.
- Saint Louis University Vaccine Center Recruits Healthy Participants for Flu Human Challenge StudyStudy participants will be infected with the influenza virus while under the care of a medical team in order to learn more about how healthy people’s immune systems respond to an influenza infection.
- SLU/YouGov Poll: Missouri Voters Sweet on Kansas City BBQIn February 2025, the SLU/YouGov Poll asked 900 likely Missouri voters which regional style of American barbecue was their favorite. Kansas City style came out on top, with 41 percent of voters selecting it as their favorite barbecue style, more than double the 17 percent who favored St. Louis style.
- SLU President Tells Class of 2025 to Enjoy the JourneySaint Louis University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., never planned on a career in higher education. During his commencement address Saturday morning in front of a packed crowd at Chaifetz Arena, Pestello said that when he was the one graduating from college 51 years ago, he wanted to be a radio host. Along the way, things changed, and he ended up having a lengthy career in education. As he prepares to step down as SLU's 33rd president at the end of June, he told the Class of 2025 about how his plans changed early and often.
- SLU Vaccine Center Will Enroll Healthy Volunteers in West Nile Virus Clinical TrialSaint Louis University's Center for Vaccine Development will enroll up to 30 adult volunteers in a clinical trial to study the safety and immune response elicited by a new investigational vaccine for West Nile virus. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or treatment for illness caused by West Nile virus. A previous study of an earlier version of this vaccine showed the vaccine was safe and well-tolerated. Building on these findings, this new study will assess an updated version of the vaccine.
- SLU Doctoral Student and Augustinian Friar Shares Memories of Time Spent with Pope Leo XIVWhen Cardinal Robert Prevost stepped out onto the balcony in St. Peter’s Square as Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, Saint Louis University doctoral student Fr. Jack Tierney O.S.A. cheered along with the rest of the world’s Catholics. Tierney is a member of the Midwest Augustinians, the same religious Order that produced Pope Leo XIV. Their paths frequently crossed as brother friars.
