AIMS - Adventures in Medicine and Science

Distance Learning Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026–2027 school year!

The AIMS Virtual Anatomy Classroom is back and ready to bring high-quality, hands-on anatomy programming directly to your classroom — anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.

Our live, interactive Zoom-based sessions are designed to enhance any science curriculum and feature real human specimens and high-definition visuals for an unforgettable learning experience.

Program Offerings:
🧠 Anatomy of the Human Brain
👁️ Anatomy of the Eye / Cow Eye Dissection
❤️ Anatomy of the Human Heart / Pig Heart Dissection
🧠 Sheep Brain Dissection
🏥 Sports Medicine Cadaver Demonstration
🔍 Forensic Autopsy Cadaver Demonstration
🩻 General Cadaver Demonstration
🍻The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on the Body

Each session is packed with expert-led instruction, pathology insights, and interactive Q&A.

🔗 Registration Form: https://form.jotform.com/261884920632159

The AIMS program recently received a 2025-2026 Pinnacle Award from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). The Pinnacle Award, which is presented annually, recognizes outstanding performance by CILC content providers based on teacher evaluations submitted through the CILC website. The AIMS program has received 18 straight Pinnacle Awards since 2018.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of longtime AIMS educator Ray Vollmer. Ray began working at AIMS in 2001 and was a driving force for AIMS success for more than two decades. During his long tenure, Ray taught thousands of in-person and distance learning programs, educating students from across the region and all over North America about the human body. Ray will be remembered for his deep knowledge of human anatomy and his ability to break down complex concepts into real world understanding for middle and high school students. Ray had a remarkable ability to bring anatomy to life, making science engaging, interactive, and memorable. His plain-spoken manner and quick wit, coupled with his passion for healthy living, inspired generations of students to make better choices and pursue careers in the medical field.

Under Ray’s leadership, the AIMS Program earned 16 consecutive Pinnacle Awards from 2008 through 2024, and upon his retirement, Ray was honored with the AIMS Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his exceptional service and lasting contributions to the program. Ray's enthusiasm and unwavering dedication touched countless students, educators, colleagues, and friends. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the AIMS program and in the careers of the thousands of former AIMS students who are now physicians and medical professionals putting those long ago AIMS lessons into practice every day.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ray's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church (15 Forest Knoll Drive, Fenton, MO 63026) on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m.

https://www.schrader.com/obituary/raymond-vollmer

Mock crimes scenes were staged all over Young Hall during this week’s Forensic Science Educator Workshop. Science teachers from around the region spent the day learning about crime scene investigation through a mix of auditorium presentations and hands-on practical activities. Teachers participated in bloodstain pattern creation and analysis, shooting reconstruction, and crime scene creation and processing.

Special thanks to Erik Hall, Director of the SLU Forensic Science Department and Bill Dorsey, Adjunct Professor of Forensic Science at Saint Louis University, for sharing their knowledge and expertise with workshop attendees.

AIMS in the news! The AIMS program was featured in an article on Summer Outreach at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

https://www.slu.edu/medicine/news/2026/summer-outreach.php

From Program to Purpose: Summer Outreach at SLU School of Medicine About the Summer Scholars Program and Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS) programs offered by Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Three cheers for the behind-the-scenes ✨magic✨ of the AIMS program! We love the post-programming conversations that happen between our Saint Louis University School of Medicine students and the high schoolers that attend our programs. Whether sharing educational experiences or giving practical advice, these chats are always rich, inspiring, and substantive.

Our student health professionals panel was a hit at the AIMS Medical and Surgical Procedures Summer Workshop. Six Saint Louis University students from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy, and Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at Saint Louis University discussed their educational journeys and career goals and provided valuable advice to our campers. Thank you, Anne, India, Lizzie, Maddy, Mia, and Miguel, for inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals!

⏰⏰ June 15th is the last day to register for our AIMS Medical and Surgical Procedures Summer Workshop. Don’t let your high schooler miss out on an exciting and educational week of medicine and science adventures.

Registration link:
https://undergradapply.slu.edu/portal/summer-at-slu?tab=camps&program=65ed842e-9d6e-47d2-b95f-10349178b8a2