Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher is a Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) and Director of Anatomy for the School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering. She holds affiliations at the Tempe Campus and leads initiatives in anatomical education and research. Her academic journey includes a BA from Stanford University, MPhil/PhD from Yale University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.

Research Interests: Dr. Fisher’s work focuses on functional anatomy of vertebrates and cephalopods, bio-inspired robotics, and the integration of emerging technologies (e.g., extended reality, AI) into medical education. Collaborations with engineers bridge anatomy and robotics, while her studies on regenerative biology in reptiles and alligators explore tissue repair mechanisms.

Teaching & Awards: A recipient of over 10 teaching awards, including the Basmajian Award and Gold Humanism Honors Society induction, Fisher emphasizes empathy and humanism in medical training. Her 2021 recognition as the first Latina Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy highlights her leadership in gender equity through roles in the GEMS Alliance and National Commission for Lymphatic Diseases.

Professional Contributions: Fisher served as founding faculty at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, designing anatomy curricula and leading the Gross Anatomy Laboratory. Her research group, Organismal Biology, spans vertebrate morphology, cephalopod biomechanics, and educational technology innovations.