Logan University proudly welcomed more than 30 high school students and incoming college freshmen to campus for its ninth annual Anatomy Centered Education & Sciences (A.C.E.S.) Workshop. Throughout the week, students explored potential careers in healthcare, anatomy, sports science and more, learning from physicians and professionals in each specialty.
“Coming into the week, I had an idea of which field I was interested in, but the A.C.E.S. Workshop gave me information on careers I hadn’t considered,” said Trevor, a rising senior from Seckman High School in Imperial, Missouri. “I made a chart as we learned about each specialty highlighting my personal interest in it. It’s really guiding my decision-making.”
Utilizing Logan’s state-of-the-art facilities and technology—including anatomy labs, anatomage tables, cadaver lab and simulation center—students gained valuable experience in dissection, radiology and more.
“They didn’t just talk about chiropractic care. They taught us about bacteria, the heart, the brain and provided a thorough overview of general anatomy,” said Greenlee, a freshman at Greenville University in Greenville, Illinois. “My favorite part is that it was so hands-on.”
The A.C.E.S Workshop was established in 2017 by Dana Underkofler-Mercer, DC (’98), MS (’10), CPhT, Logan’s director of strategic partnerships and professor in the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program. Recognizing the importance of early exposure to real-world healthcare environments, Dr. Underkofler-Mercer created the workshop to help students make informed decisions about their future.
“The A.C.E.S. Workshop continues to get better as we enhance the experience with expanded specialty sections,” Dr. Underkofler-Mercer said. “Students love it. It’s one of the most engaging and hands-on programs in St. Louis.”
A highlight of the week was the guided dissections of organs such as kidneys, hearts, brains and eyes.
“The opportunity to work with cadavers drew me to the program,” said Arrow, an incoming sophomore from Marquette High School in Chesterfield, Missouri. “How many other 15-year-olds can say that they have been in one of the top cadaver labs in the country?”
This year’s workshop welcomed students from across the United States and even around the world, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to campus. Mariana, a 16-year-old student from Brazil, learned about the program from her aunt in St. Louis.
“I’m really into biology, so this helped me explore career options,” Mariana said. “I see myself working in research, vaccines, embryology or IVF.”
For many, the workshop is more than just a summer program—it’s a glimpse into a future career in healthcare.
“Chiropractic interests me because it involves helping people be their best possible selves,” said Joshua, a rising senior from Mequon, Wisconsin. “Helping people is important to me, and the A.C.E.S. Workshop introduced me to various ways to do that.”
At the conclusion of the workshop, students receive a certificate of completion outlining the 27 hours of academic skills and concepts they explored, which can be used on college applications.
Planning for the 2026 A.C.E.S. Workshop is already underway. Scheduled to take place July 13-17, 2026, on Logan’s campus, registration will open October 15, 2025.
To learn more about A.C.E.S. and register for next year’s workshop, visit https://www.logan.edu/admissions/visit/aces/.