We had the pleasure of speaking with Brandon Battle, Program Manager for the Department of Biomedical Science at Meharry Medical College’s School of Graduate Studies. Brandon’s journey in education and healthcare is inspiring. A graduate of Albany State University with a degree in forensic science and a minor in chemistry, Brandon has taught high school chemistry, physics, and environmental science, worked as a pharmacy technician, and gained extensive experience in 9 specialties of medicine, most notably emergency medicine. He also obtained his Master of Health Sciences (MHS) from Meharry. He plans on pursuing a MD/Ph.D in the future!

Meharry Medical College, where Brandon transitioned from student to administrative support, is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) that impressively produces about 50% of Black doctors in the U.S. in conjunction with other historically black institutions.

Brandon shared, "The melting pot of personalities, nationalities, ethnicities, and races means faculty and students are from all walks of life. Our faculty is also trained across the globe from the Caribbean to India to Germany."

Key Takeaways:

• Labster is being integrated into Meharry Medical College's curriculum to enhance student engagement and retention.
• Interactive labs help students meet anatomy and physiology prerequisites for Meharry’s Physician Assistant Program.
• Brandon incorporates technology while working to improve access, reduce stress, and enable interactive learning.

Career Journey and Role at Meharry

Brandon is a key liaison between graduate students and faculty, using his expertise to streamline processes and enhance student success.

"I am very big on efficiency and making sure we get things done correctly and in a timely manner, and I do not believe in beating a dead horse or reinventing the wheel. So, I am happy to say I assisted faculty and staff in making improvements that make us operate at exceptional levels. One of those actions, I believe, was choosing Labster.”

Why Labster?

To address challenges in student engagement and information retention, particularly in a remote learning environment, Brandon and his team sought a solution that would be both innovative and user-friendly.

"Medical school has the analogy that it’s like drinking from a fire hose. Our MHS Program is also like drinking from a fire hose, but on a lower setting.” Brandon says. "We were looking for a tool that helps students retain information more efficiently while being easy to use. We found Labster."

In the spring of 2025, Meharry is officially integrating Labster into its curriculum for the Physician Assistant track students, focusing on anatomy and physiology labs.

"This program helps students who might not have had anatomy lab experiences in undergrad meet the prerequisites for PA school," Brandon explains. "Labster is an innovative way to reinforce concepts and prepare students for their future in medicine."

Transforming Education

Brandon believes technology like Labster is vital to modernizing education, offering ease of access, reducing traditional stressors, and providing interactive learning opportunities.

"The ease of sharing and using resources like Labster allows faculty to focus on teaching and students to engage more deeply with the material," he says. "It’s a win-win.”

Traditional vs. Modern Learning

As a millennial, Brandon has witnessed the shift from traditional to tech-driven education. "We had dial-up internet, and you had to read physical books and make flashcards by hand.”

While he values a good old book, he highlights how tools like Labster make learning more accessible and efficient. "Technology removes many stressors, making it easier for everyone.”

Advice for Administrators

Brandon’s advice for those considering immersive learning platforms or similar technologies is simple: "Just do it. Reach out, try a pilot, and see the benefits firsthand. You might be surprised at how much it can help your students and faculty."

Looking Ahead

As Meharry continues integrating innovative technologies, Brandon envisions a future where education becomes more accessible, efficient, and engaging for students and faculty alike.

"Technology is going to get bigger and better. It’s about making things user-friendly and ensuring everyone can benefit, whether they are students, faculty, or staff."