06/02/2025 | News release | Archived content
Posted on June 02, 2025
LAKEWOOD, CO - Colorado Christian University (CCU) proudly announces that Health Sciences students Julia Primak and Amber Obbink received top national honors at the 39th Annual Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (HAPS) Conference, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The students were accompanied and mentored by Dr. Lacy Cleveland, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences.
The HAPS Conference, a nationally recognized gathering of anatomy and physiology educators and scholars, drew an estimated 1,000 attendees based on historical attendance from across North America and beyond. With a robust lineup of scientific symposia, hands-on workshops, and peer-reviewed presentations, the conference promotes professional development, innovation in teaching, and collaboration across institutions.
Competing among 100+ poster presentations from graduate students and faculty across the nation, Primak and Obbink's research - titled "Cardiac Conundrum" and "Renal Revolt" - earned HAPS Poster Awards in two separate sessions, an exceptional distinction rarely achieved by undergraduate students.
"The Lord truly used this conference to honor the students' hard work, showcase the remarkable things happening at CCU, foster new connections, and inspire continued excellence," said Dr. Lacy Cleveland, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at CCU.
Beyond the awards, Dr. Cleveland and Primak co-led a workshop titled "Flipping the Script: Helping Students Write and Publish Case Studies," which drew attention from national leaders in science education.
The team also participated in advanced dissection labs at the University of Pittsburgh and attended scientific workshops on X-ray diagnostics, team-based learning, and medical school admissions. These experiences enhanced both content knowledge and professional acumen.
"It's encouraging to see our students engaging deeply in their field and being recognized for it at a national level," said CCU President Eric Hogue. "We're grateful for the faculty mentorship that makes moments like this possible."
About Colorado Christian University:
Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University delivers Christ-centered higher education that transforms students to impact the world. With a commitment to spiritual formation and academic excellence, CCU offers 200 degree programs across traditional and online formats.