Advances in chiropractic can come from surprising sources. Did you know that significant portions of the spines of rats are extremely similar to the structure of human spines? This could allow for the animals to serve as surrogates in certain cases for chiropractic research. Dorothy Trent is a chiropractic student and RISE scholar who caught the research bug after taking a research-based class and presenting in the college’s research symposium.

Today she discusses her experiences with her most recent research project comparing the C1 spinal vertebrae of rats to humans related to locomotion, which so far points to scientifically significant similarity. She recently presented on the project at the 85th Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB) in Chattanooga, TN. This special research series episode is co-hosted by Erin Gilligan, Project Coordinator for the Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning (CETL).