JAMESTOWN, N.D. (UJ) – What started as a rescanning of two Egyptian mummies has become a groundbreaking discovery and University of Jamestown played a crucial role. Dr. James Schanandore, Professor of Physical Therapy, has been featured in The New York Times for his contributions to research that may have identified the first documented case of neurosurgery in an Egyptian mummy. Using high-resolution CT scanning and 3D printing technology, Schanandore helped unlock anatomical details invisible to researchers for nearly three decades.
Schanandore joined a research team that combined high-resolution CT scanning with medical-grade 3D printing to conduct virtual autopsies on two Egyptian mummies. The team analyzed the mummies’ anatomical structures using advanced 320-slice CT scanning technology and created life-size 3D-printed reproductions of burial amulets and pathology found in the spine and hips for research and public exhibition-allowing researchers to study ancient anatomical structures without damaging the individual and the priceless artifacts.
The technological advancement represents a dramatic improvement over original 1995 scans. The new high-resolution scanner enabled the team to detail anatomical features more accurately, making interpretation of anatomy significantly easier. This breakthrough allowed researchers to discover and interpret anatomical features that were either invisible in the original scans or impossible to make sense of with lower resolution data. One of the mummies may have evidence of neurosurgery in the spine, and if confirmed, it would be the first documented case in an Egyptian mummy. “It’s like building with Lego blocks,” Schanandore explained. “The old scans were like using big Lego blocks-you could build something, but it would look boxy and interpretation of 3D models was challenging. With the new high-resolution scans, it’s like using tiny Lego pieces to 3D model the same anatomy and determining the presence of pathological conditions becomes much easier. In addition, the 3D printer can create bones that look exactly like the real thing.”
The University of Jamestown will be permanently recognized in the museum exhibit alongside Schanandore’s name as a contributing expert institution-marking a prestigious milestone for the university’s research profile. The national recognition highlights Schanandore’s broader leadership in 3D printing applications at UJ.
His work includes designing a custom 3D-printed hand for a child with congenital hand deficiency, published in Pediatric Physical Therapy Journal; creating tactile vestibular system models that revolutionize anatomy instruction in PT coursework; and collaborating with Assistant Professor Chelsey Asiala on 3D-printed ankle foot orthoses for clinical trials at PAM Rehabilitation Hospital.
“Dr. Schanandore is an exceptional educator and an innovative researcher who excels on multiple levels. In the classroom, he demonstrates remarkable skills in assessment design, curriculum development, and policy implementation. Students consistently praise his teaching. He balances high expectations with genuine compassion and demonstrates unwavering commitment to their success. Beyond the classroom, he’s deeply engaged in both program-level and university-level initiatives, contributing meaningfully to our institutional advancement. Simply put, Dr. Schanandore represents the very best of what it means to be both an educator and scholar,” said Dr. Tara Haj, PT, DPT, EdD, Program Director and Professor of the University of Jamestown Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
The New York Times’ article “What Do You Get When You Put a Mummy Through a CT Scan?” can be read at this link: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/
Interested in learning from innovative faculty like Dr. Schanandore? UJ offers a direct entry Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program that combines cutting-edge technology, hands-on clinical experience, and personalized mentorship. Students benefit from small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities including 3D printing labs, and faculty who are actively engaged in groundbreaking research. For more information about the DPT program, admission requirements, and application deadlines, visit https://www.uj.edu/academics/