MSc Medical Visualisation & Human Anatomy School of Innovation & Technology
Summer Skelton
Summer’s belief in the inherent connection between science and art is not just a theory, but a driving force in her career. She aspires to leverage her unique training to enhance the communication of complex anatomy, biochemistry, and medicine topics.
Summer studied biochemistry and studio art at the University of Southern Indiana before coming to Glasgow to pursue a Master’s in Medical Visualization and Human Anatomy. The culmination of her studies has resulted in a collaboration with somatosensory researchers at the University of Glasgow Center for Neuroscience for the development of her master’s thesis;
Mapping the sensory input of the mouse spinal cord:
A Methodology for Creating a Web-Based 3D Interactive Map of the Spinal Cord for Neuropathic Pain Research
The study aimed to enhance understanding of the spinal cord’s structural anatomy to improve treatments for neuropathic pain. Current anatomical guides lack comprehensive insight into primary afferent terminations within the spinal cord. The goal was to create an interactive web-based 3D application displaying the patterns of primary afferent terminations of the common peroneal and tibial nerves in the mouse spinal cord after Spared Nerve Injury (SNI). The usability of this application was evaluated by researchers.
Summer plans to use her visualization skills and passion for life sciences to advance medical research and education.
3D Spinal Cord Atlas
You and Your Colon
This development was a collaboration with two other MedVis students, Shona Cumming and Hannah Milne. The project focused on developing an app for a public health campaign to educate users about the risks of colon cancer, guide them through the importance of screening, and test their knowledge.
3D Spinal Cord Atlas
This research focuses on creating an interactive web-based 3D map of the mouse spinal cord to aid neuropathic pain research. Using fluorescence microscopy histology images from a novel triple recombinant mouse line, the study reconstructs a 3D model of the spinal cord, highlighting primary afferent terminations of the common peroneal and tibial nerves. This model is integrated into a WebGL application, allowing users to interact with the data. Usability testing with neuroscience researchers indicates the application is highly usable and offers new insights into spinal cord anatomy, enhancing current literature and suggesting future avenues for research.
Project Links
Presentation of Thesis: 3D Spinal Cord Atlas
This application was developed by Summer Skelton, a master's of medical visualization and human anatomy student with the University of Glasgow and Glasgow School of Art, under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Gregory Weir, Dr. Andrew Cooper, and Dr. Mattieu Poyade. All data generation was conducted by authorized researchers in the Weir Lab. The project aimed to reconstruct the damaged primary afferent input into the dorsal horn of the mouse spinal cord following spared nerve injury (SNI). Patterns of tibial and common peroneal afferent terminations can be visualized in 3D. In contrast to previous atlases of the spinal cord, we examine primary afferent input through serial sectioning of the entire lumbar region of the mouse. This work is vital for deepening an understanding of the anatomy of the spinal cord, specifically within the sensory systems responsible for neuropathic pain.
