B. Alan Rampy, a clinical instructor in UTMB's department of pathology , was named a winner of a 2010 Blackboard Catalyst Award at the July meeting for the Blackboard education and development community. Blackboard recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions within the client community by having consistent involvement in community programs, activities and initiatives. This year, the award honored practitioners who used innovative ways to engage other community members, and created and shared compelling content with others throughout the entire Blackboard community. 

Rampy received the Committee’s Choice Award for his work in developing the Anatomic Pathology Exchange (APEx): A Digital Pathology Repository for Medical Education.

APEx is an internet-based, relational database of pathology images and other resources that educators may query to identify and obtain quality material for their educational efforts. In the coming weeks, UTMB pathology faculty will begin using the database, and plans are in place to extend access to other interested users across the UT System.  

“I am extremely honored to have been recognized for this project,” Rampy said. “I must add that, during development, I have been helped immensely by our Information Systems support and particularly by Terry Janak, as well as a grant from the UTMB Academy of Master Teachers.”