Joseph A. Costa PhD
Joseph A. Costa
PhD
Instructor (HS)
Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Anatomic Pathology; Molecular and Cellular Biology
Professional Summary:
Education has been central to my professional work at the University at Buffalo. I am an instructor in the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, where I teach and mentor students across multiple programs within the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and affiliated schools. While high-quality instruction remains my primary focus, my teaching is strongly informed by the application of digital technologies to enhance student learning, engagement, and anatomical understanding.
My scholarly and instructional interests center on the development and application of photogrammetry to translate physical anatomical specimens into high-resolution, photorealistic three-dimensional models. This work has recently culminated in a functional 3D atlas of the human skeleton and is part of a broader effort to digitally preserve and disseminate the department’s anatomical collection.
Graduate students under my mentorship are engaged in projects that integrate photogrammetry, 3D printing, and segmentation of medical imaging data to develop anatomically accurate surgical simulation tools. These efforts aim to bridge classroom instruction and clinical application by providing life-like, spatially precise representations of human anatomy.
I currently serve as Course Director for PAS 313 (Human Anatomy), one of the largest foundational courses in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. I am also Course Director for PAS 501 (Analytical Anatomy), a graduate-level course integrating traditional dissection with quantitative analysis, and CLD 555 (Head and Neck Anatomy), which provides dental residents with an in-depth study of craniofacial anatomy. In addition, I contribute to histology instruction for medical, dental, and graduate students.
Education and Training:
- PhD, Anatomical Science, State University of New York at Buffalo (2018)
- MA, Anthropology, State University of New York at Buffalo (2012)
- MS, Education, St. Thomas Aquinas (2006)
- Liberal Arts, Sara lawrence College (2003)
Employment:
- Director of Undergraduate Studies, Pathology and Anatomical Studies, JSMBS (2023-present)
Awards and Honors:
- Louis A. and Ruth Siegel Awards for Excellence in TeachingNomination Preclinical Faculty (2024)
- Nomination Preclinical Factulty (2023)
- Annual Life Raft Debate Winner (2022)
Research Expertise:
- Digital modeling: Development of 3D anatomical teaching tools via photogrammetry. Application of photogrammetry, image segmentation, and 3D printing to development of surgical simulation tools.
Patents:
- Hypermobility Support Brace 3D printed brace device. Prevents disarticulation of interphalangeal joints in individuals with Ehlers Danlos syndrome. (2023)
Professional Memberships:
- American Association for Anatomy; "In addition to being the primary educators of healthcare profession students in their first year of training, AAA members work in imaging, cell biology, genetics, molecular development, endocrinology, histology, neuroscience, forensics, microscopy, physical anthropology, and numerous other developing areas. " (2018–present)
Presentations:
- "International Congress for Vertebrate Morphology" International Congress for Vertebrate Morphology Symposium (2023)
Service Activities:
- Served as host for accepted students day. Hosted 20+ incoming STEM students for laboratory demonstration and Q/A session.; Tour Guide (2025–present)
- Gave presentations on various anatomical themes to middle school-aged students.; Presentation: Elmwood Franklin School (2024–present)
- Review of articles for The Anatomical Record; Peer Review (2023–present)
- I currently lead the development of an interactive public outreach project that incorporates in-house 3D models, histological cross sections, and specimen. The goal is to develop a program suitable for effective public outreach which allows the user to browse the department's anatomical collections and observe the impact of the Anatomical Gift Program.; Project leader (2023–present)
- Presented interactive lecture on human osteology to kindergarten students at Nardin Montesorri.; Presenter (2022–present)
- Guest lecturer at Holland Middle School. Topic: Form and function of vertebrate anatomy; Presenter (2022–present)
- Led demonstration of cadaveric prosection to students of SUNY Buffalo State.; Tour guide/presenter (2022–present)
- Gave interactive presentation to kindergarten class at Nardin Montessori.; Presenter (2022–present)
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences; Faculty Council alternate representative (2022–present)
- I currently maintain the PAS 3D printers and their associated computers. Additionally, I fulfill printing requests which includes both printing and post-processing.; Technician (2021–present)
- I am currently developing an anatomy-focused extra-curricular program for high school students at Nardin Academy. Proposed project includes exploration of anatomy and histology that both compliments and supplements current coursework for anatomy elective.; Program planner (2020–present)
- Responsible for 3D surface scanning of cadaveric specimen and development of three-dimensional digital models of neuroanatomical structures. Digital assets will be implemented in interactive learning tools.; Content developer: JSMBS Brain Museum (2020–present)
- Presentation at Nardin Montessori Gave presentation on animal dentition within context of my current research. Discussed tooth morphology in relation to diet as well as general cranial adaptations. Students ranged in age from 3-6. Class had opportunities to handle skulls, anatomical models, and 3-D printed objects.; Guest Lecturer (2020–present)
- Led tours of the gross anatomy lab for students of the University at Buffalo Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP); Tour guide (2020–present)
- Served as committee member of Curriculum Advisory Task Force. Engaged in discussions with other faculty regarding proposed changes to medical education. Provided suggestions for updating/modifying instructional practices.; Committee member (2020–present)
- National Biomechanics Day Presented information regarding the biomechanics of sabertooth cats. Presented at one of several individual stations, demonstrating research methods. Presented imaging technology, i.e. scanning, segmentation, 3-D mesh creation, on computer, as well as printed models.; Presentor (2019)
- Girl Scouts go to Neuro School Led scouts on tours of UB brain museum. Responsible for presentation of specimen and mini lectures on neuroanatomy and pathology.; Presentor (2014–2018)