“StudentBody” and “StudentBody+”: Research and Translational Learning and for the Student Body Through Medical Imaging

Background: Medical imaging is a cornerstone of biomedical research and clinical practice, yet health professions students have limited opportunities to lead imaging-based research. Furthermore, traditional anatomy education rarely exploits primary imaging data to gain a comprehensive three-dimensional understanding of human structures. To address these challenges, the StudentBody initiative at Oklahoma State University offered students selfscanned MRI data for scholarly activities. StudentBody+ expanded this approach by establishing a community-based imaging repository, facilitating broader research engagement.

Methods: StudentBody enabled students to undertake MRI scans of themselves for research and educational model creation. Scanning capacity and financial constraints led to development of StudentBody+, enabling students to access the deidentified, donated medical imaging scans. Research is student-led, with faculty mentorship, guiding IRB protocol development, imaging processing, and data analysis. Privacy and security measures included pseudonymization of scans and restricted access protocols.

Results: The initiatives initially supported three student-led imaging projects. Students applied novel imaging techniques and processing pipelines. Early outcomes include multiple conference presentations and 3D-printed anatomical models for teaching dissemination. Imaging analysis tutorials and remote-access tools enhanced student autonomy. Preliminary findings suggest improved anatomical comprehension, increased research engagement, and higher research output.

Conclusions: StudentBody empowers students in health professions to investigate questions they conceive using their own MRI scans. StudentBody+ markedly expands opportunities for student research by forming a repository of donated imaging datasets. These approaches foster opportunities and a culture of independent inquiry in medical education, bridging the gap between classroom learning and biomedical research.