Research Interests

Anatomy dissection, comparative anatomy

Bio

Ariel Gubatina Jr. is an experienced anatomist, educator, and dissector. For more than a decade, he has served as an advocate for donors while teaching anatomy in graduate health programs, leading K–12 outreach initiatives, and working in the transplant industry. He earned his Master of Science in Applied Anatomy in Cleveland, OH, from the renowned Case Western Reserve University.

Working with the Microsoft HoloLens, he was instrumental in creating the digital equivalent of the anatomy lab curriculum for the pilot study preceding the 2019 launch of HoloAnatomy. These modules  formed the foundation of the mixed-reality curriculum implemented by the university to address the urgent need for anatomy education during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Immediately after graduation, his alma mater contracted him as a dissector to curate and prepare a specialized teaching collection, now used annually for the head and neck anatomy segment of their courses. After returning to California, he worked in the organ donation sector, supporting donors wishing to contribute after their passing.

Most recently, as the anatomy specialist at DMU, he contributed to instruction, research, mentorship, and anatomy outreach. In recognition of his work, he received the Staff Service Award, the Diversity Champion Award, and the Student Organization of the Year Award for the outreach group he advised. Mr. Gubatina now serves as faculty at Louisiana State University’s Baton Rouge campus, coordinating anatomy for its nationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

A prolific collaborator, Ariel is published in comparative anatomy, medicine, and education journals. His work also includes guest presentations for pre-medical high school programs, visiting faculty roles in veterinary education, and service as a research dissector for an endangered species.

Publications/Presentations

PUBLICATIONS
1. Dunn, R., Witt, B., Gubatina, A., et. al (2025) Muscular anatomy of the hindlimb of the tiger
(Panthera tigris). Journal of Mammalian Evolution.

2. Dunn, R., Beresheim, A., Gubatina, A., et. al (2022) Muscular anatomy of the forelimb of tiger
(Panthera tigris). Journal of Anatomy

3. Wish-Baratz, S., Gubatina, A. P. Jr., Enterline, R., and Griswold, M.A. (2019) A new supplement
to gross anatomy dissection: HoloAnatomy. Medical Education. 53, 522-523

POSTERS
1. Lambert, Z., A., Werning, S., Spocter, M., Gubatina, A. et. al (2025) Case study of a coiled
spinal cord secondary to liver encephalopathy, Poster Presentation at American Association for
Anatomists (March 30, 2025)

2. Li, V., Voas, A., Delaney, C., Wirth, K., Gubatina, A., Figueroa, J., Woolley, A., (2024) The
Fascial Relationships Between the Psoas and the Respiratory Diaphragm, Poster Presentation at
Des Moines University Research Symposium (Nov. 21, 2024), American Academy of
Osteopathic International Convocation (March 6, 2024)

3. Brooke, M., Spoctor, M., Gubatina, A., et. al (2023) “Even I Can Do AI!” Some examples of
machine learning in aiding medical education and clinical practice, Poster Presentation at Des
Moines University Research Symposium (November 30, 2023)

4. Hartwell, L., Rudberg-Post, L., Matz, O., Gustafson, H., Gubatina, A., Figueroa, J., (2023)
Iliolumbar Ligament Dissection with Motion Testing Emphasizing Osteopathic Relevance, Poster
Presentation at Des Moines University Research Symposium (Des Moines, IA; Dec 1, 2022),
American Academy of Osteopathic International Convocation (March 16, 2023), 2023 AOCOOHNS
(American Osteopathic College of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology- Head and Neck
Surgery) Annual Clinical Assembly (April 26, 2023)

5. Matz, O., Rudberg-Post, L., Gustafson, H., Matz, D., (2022) Superficial Approach to the
Sphenopalatine (Pterygopalatine) Ganglion, Emphasizing Relevance to Osteopathic
Manipulation, Poster Presentation at Des Moines University Research Symposium (Dec 1,
2022), American Academy of Osteopathic International Convocation (March 16, 2023), 2023
AOCOO-HNS (American Osteopathic College of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology- Head
and Neck Surgery) Annual Clinical Assembly (April 26, 2023)