USC’s Chuck Murry Inspires Third Graders with Anatomy Lesson

Local third graders at Vermont Avenue Elementary School had an eye-opening experience as Chuck Murry, MD, PhD, head of USC Stem Cell, introduced them to the world of anatomy using a pig heart. The demonstration was part of USC’s Medical STEM Program (MSP), designed to spark interest in medical fields among young students.

Murry began the lesson by holding a pig heart in his gloved hand. “I want to show you some real hearts,” he stated, inviting students to decide whether they found the heart “cool” or “eew, gross.” This engaging approach set the tone for an interactive anatomy lesson that aimed to inspire the next generation of scientists and medical professionals.

The MSP is a collaborative initiative between the Joint Educational Project and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, supported by a grant from the USC Good Neighbors Campaign. Since its inception, the program has reached over 4,000 students in Los Angeles, providing a comprehensive 20-hour curriculum that engages students in hands-on learning.

Dieuwertje “DJ” Kast, EdD, and her father, W. Martin Kast, PhD, founded the program to create a family-oriented educational initiative. DJ Kast noted, “It is definitely a Trojan Family affair,” emphasizing how the whole family contributed to the program’s development.

The MSP features guest speakers from various fields, including physical therapists and cancer survivors, along with physician-scientists like Murry. Recently, W. Martin Kast honored his heritage by dressing as Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, the inventor of the microscope, and teaching students about cell imaging and the importance of vaccines.

“Our aim is to provide a spark for STEM and oncology as early as possible,” said W. Martin Kast, who holds multiple academic appointments at USC. “By inspiring kids early on, we hope they will envision themselves in these fields and contribute to a robust workforce in cancer and STEM careers.”

Many students who participate in the MSP continue their education and engage with the university through programs like the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative. W. Martin Kast reflected on the success of the program, sharing that two former MSP students are now undergraduate teaching assistants at USC, returning to the same elementary schools where their journey began.

As Murry demonstrated the anatomy of the pig heart, he sliced it in half to reveal its intricate structures, including vessels and chambers. He also showcased another heart, still attached to the lungs, illustrating how the lungs inflate using a manual air pump. Throughout the lesson, Murry shared fascinating facts about the heart, captivating the young audience with information such as how a blue whale’s heart beats only eight times per minute, while a hummingbird’s heart can exceed 1,000 beats in flight.

The students were actively involved, rotating through different stations where they could take turns inflating the lungs, examining the dissected heart, and testing their own heart rates and blood oxygen levels using pulse oximeters. According to their teacher, Elizabeth Loew, this hands-on experience was invaluable, allowing students to explore science beyond traditional classroom learning.

USC undergraduate teaching assistant Samantha Frederic expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Joining the program has been a big learning experience for me, reinforcing some of the basics I’ve learned in science.” Frederic, who is majoring in Biological Sciences, noted the joy of sharing her passion for science with younger students.

As the lesson concluded, Murry reflected on the importance of inspiring future generations in science and medicine. “I see the future of science and medicine when I look out here,” he remarked, leaving the classroom energized by the students’ enthusiasm.

The impact of the Medical STEM Program continues to grow, supported by community initiatives like the USC Good Neighbors Campaign. For more information about the program and its community partnerships, visit https://sites.usc.edu/goodneighbors.