Jacksovnille, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, Jacksonville State University professor Dr. Jennifer Savage Burgett has received national recognition for her work incorporating interactive medical technology into graduate-level athletic training education.
Burgett, Coordinator of Clinical Education and Associate Professor in JSU’s Master’s in Athletic Training program, was named the Outstanding Teacher in the Graduate/Postgraduate category of the Anatomage Teacher Awards.
“I was honestly surprised and so incredibly honored,” Burgett said. “There are so many outstanding educators who use Anatomage technology in innovative ways, so to be selected for this award was very humbling.”
The Outstanding Teacher Award recognizes educators for their impact on students, schools and communities through classroom teaching and excellence in anatomy, science and medical education. The awards also recognize educators for innovative uses of Anatomage technology.
As an award recipient, Burgett will receive $1,000, complimentary registration to the Anatomage Conference and a commemorative certificate and trophy.
Anatomage Inc. develops 3D medical visualization technology, including interactive digital representations of human cadavers that can be used for anatomy and medical education.
For Burgett, the technology provides another way to help students connect concepts learned in the classroom with situations they may encounter as practicing athletic trainers.
“This recognition is a reflection of something I truly love, finding new and engaging ways to help my students learn,” she said. “I’m very grateful to Anatomage and the selection committee for recognizing the work we are doing in our Master’s in Athletic Training Program at Jacksonville State University.”
Burgett also expressed appreciation to Anatomage for developing technology that gives educators additional ways to make classroom instruction interactive and meaningful.
“As educators, we spend a lot of time thinking about how to best prepare our students for their future careers,” she said. “Receiving this award affirmed for me that continuing to think outside the box, embrace technology, and look for ways to make learning more interactive is worth it. It also motivates me to keep growing as an educator and continue finding new ways to challenge and inspire my students.”
According to Anatomage, this year’s recipients were selected based on their efforts to advance anatomy and science education through innovation, engagement and student success. Nominees were evaluated on their integration of Anatomage technology into curriculum, methods for enhancing learning experiences and the impact of their teaching on students.
Burgett said the Anatomage Table gives students the opportunity to explore anatomy beyond traditional textbook images and two-dimensional diagrams.
“Students can work through clinical cases, identify structures, trace muscles and nerves, and visualize how different anatomical structures relate to one another,” Burgett said.
The technology can also help instructors connect anatomy lessons with injuries and clinical conditions students may encounter during their careers.
“The biggest benefit is that students are able to actively engage with the material rather than simply memorize it,” Burgett said. “They can visualize the human body from different perspectives and make connections between anatomy, injury, and clinical decision-making.”
For graduate students preparing to become healthcare professionals, Burgett said applying their knowledge in an interactive setting can make the material more meaningful while helping prepare them to think critically in clinical practice.
Burgett said she has not made definite plans for the $1,000 included with the award. After recently moving into a new home, she said there are several possible uses for the money, although a family trip is also under consideration.
“I think a little time away with my family would be a wonderful way to celebrate,” she said. “After a busy year, a mini-vacation where I can unplug, spend time with my family, and enjoy some quality time together sounds pretty perfect to me.”
The Anatomage award marks Burgett’s second major professional recognition in 2026. Earlier this summer, she was named the 2026 College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year by the Alabama Athletic Trainers’ Association.
“I am incredibly grateful for this recognition and for the people who have supported me throughout my career,” Burgett said. “I’m especially thankful to Jacksonville State University, the College of Health Professions and Wellness, our administration, my colleagues, and my students, who inspire me every day to continue growing as an educator.”
