Drs. Staton and Boyd published in 'JAVTE'

Morehead State University’s Dr. Amy Staton, assistant professor of veterinary technology and Dr. Christine Boyd, physical education/health teacher for Warsaw Community School in Warsaw, Indiana, had an article published in the Journal of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (JAVTE.)

JAVTE is one of the most prominent publication of veterinary technician education in the United States.

The article titled, “Haptic Technology in an Academic Setting,” describes haptic technology and the advantages of implementing such technology in a veterinary technology program. The use of haptic technology provides an opportunity for students to obtain a new understanding through tactile and kinesthetic experiences. With the utilization of haptic technology, students can achieve a complete training experience without the use of live patients. Haptics allow students to experiment, make mistakes, improve techniques and practice indefinitely until they reach and exceed an appropriate level of clinical competency.

The exploration and creation of life-like simulations using haptic technology could be a great benefit to veterinary technology programs around the globe. It is hoped that with further research and investigation veterinary educators around the globe can come together, collaborate and create different forms of haptic technology to provide an educational experience like no other.

Staton and Boyd were members of the first Ed.D. cohort at MSU. It was during this time they found an interest in haptics and the impact it could have on training programs such as veterinary technology.

Staton is a member of the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners appointed by Gov. Matt Bevin.

In addition to being a licensed veterinary technologist, she also holds a doctorate of education. Her research interests include applying interactive virtual simulation to the classroom and implementing low-stress handling into academia and veterinary facilities. She teaches courses related to animal husbandry, radiology and surgical nursing.

Staton has been with MSU since 2008. In 2016, she was named as one of the top 40 veterinary technology professors in the U.S. by the educational blog VetTechColleges.com.

Additional information is available by calling Staton at 606-783-2328.

For more information about the veterinary technology program at MSU, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/vettech.