David Ebaugh, professor of physical therapy (PT) and director of the Human Anatomy Lab, has been leading UD’s Anatomical Gift Program since 2019. The program allows students interested in health professions, from PT and athletic training (AT) to pre-med students, to learn human anatomy from a donor, discovering intricate connections among muscles, nerves and blood vessels. 

“This is the gold standard for learning anatomy,” Ebaugh said. “Every person is unique, and the program exposes students to donor variability. It makes for a more valuable learning experience.” 

Angelo Sisofo, who graduated with a master’s in athletic training in 2025 and now works as an AT for UD’s swimming, diving and golf teams, called his experience in the lab invaluable.

“We don’t have X-ray vision, but I almost feel like I do after spending time in the lab,” Sisofo said. “Now, when I see athletes, I can see beyond their skin and have a better handle on how their injury is affecting their body function.” 

UD’s Anatomical Gift Program is unique. It’s one of few — if not the only — tied to a University and a state without a medical school. 

“It’s also rare that undergraduates get to learn human anatomy in this environment — that’s a strength of UD’s kinesiology and applied physiology program,” said Saskia Richter, associate professor. 

UD’s Anatomical Gift Program is also the only way for Delawareans to donate their bodies to science, and it comes at no financial cost to donors. Interest in donations has surged in recent years. Donations more than doubled from 58 in 2019 to more than 140 in 2024. As UD’s top-ranked Department of Physical Therapy celebrates 50 years of educational excellence in 2026, the program is expected to continue to flourish.

“This is the first year we’ve met all student learning needs without seeking additional donors beyond what the Anatomical Gift Program could provide,” Ebaugh said. “That’s a huge accomplishment.” 

But the University has struggled to keep pace with this rapid growth. Last year, UD received $200,000 in one-time state supplemental funding for the Anatomical Gift Program, which helped ease space constraints. 

“That funding was vital,” Ebaugh said. “We don’t want to turn anyone away; that’s the hardest conversation to have with family members, so I’d love to see ongoing support for the program.” 

Building connections with donors

In the Human Anatomy Lab, donors are referred to by name — not a number. Donors are also recognized each April at a Service of Gratitude, where families can share memories, light candles and reflect together. 

“It was beautiful. I was very emotional,” Fleetwood said. “I still have the lavender orchid they gave me; I look at it every day and think of Charlie.”

The service helps students appreciate the individuals behind the donations.

“It’s amazing that their last wish was for me to learn,” said London Downing, a first-year PT student.  

Dale Revelant, a second-year PT student who wants to work with the amputee community, said their gift extends far beyond the lab.

“It’s such a selfless decision. It means so much to students and our future patients,” Revelant said. “When we put what we’ve learned into practice, we continue the cycle of helping people.”

Lane Caldwell, a first-year AT student, can’t wait to learn more about her donor at this year’s service. 

“I wonder what they did as a profession and what in their medical history made them want to donate their body to science,” Caldwell said. “My grandpa is in the program; he’s 95 and has had three bypasses and cancer, and figures students could learn so much by studying him.”

Fleetwood wants students to know one thing about her husband: “He was one of the good guys; he didn’t have a mean bone in his body.”

A registered organ donor since getting her driver’s license, Downing is now considering donating her body to science.

“It was a life-changing experience,” Downing said. “If I could provide this opportunity to someone else, I would absolutely love to do that.” 

Caldwell is also considering it.

“It’d be so cool to help other students learn,” she said. 

The idea that her husband’s selflessness could inspire others amazes Fleetwood.

“Charlie would be satisfied and happy,” she said. “He was always trying to help people; he never met a stranger.”