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dsc00716 web announce A new exhibit on the first floor of Sterne Library explores medical items whose now frequent use belies their rich histories — from the everyday nail clipper to the testing devices used by optometrists and bottles used to contain lifesaving or quackery medications.

“Tools of the Trade” was curated by the Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences, and curatorial contributions were made by Hannah Martinez, a senior majoring in art history, who interned with the museum in summer 2026. Select items also are featured from the Reynolds-Finley Historical Library and the UAB Archives.

Displays feature historical items like inhaler masks from the early 1900s, medicine bottles from the late 1800s, a phoropter — or an eye testing device used by optometrists during eye exams — from 1925, and autoclaves and sanitizing tools from the mid- to late 1900s.

“We don’t think of nail clippers as an essential healthcare tool, but it is essential to podiatry,” said Christina McClellan, curator for the Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences. “Some are more aesthetically interesting — like our selection of vintage optometry testing tools or medicine bottles— and some are less common in healthcare practice now, like the tuning forks, some of which date to circa 1900 or before. This exhibit shows us the breadth of tools we may or may not think about as an essential to our healthcare.”

“Tools of the Trade” will be exhibit on display through the spring 2027 semester.

Get a sneak peek of the exhibit in the photos below.

Details: Category: Announcements

Details: Category: Announcements

UAB Hospiital - Highlands. Smiling Dr. Natalie Jewett, MD (Assistant Professor, Family and Community Medicine) is wearing white medical coat and stethoscope around her neck while speaking with smiling simulated patient in examination room, June 2025.

Details: Category: Announcements

alt="" Data visualization — the representation of data through charts, plots, infographics, and other visual media — can be a powerful tool in communicating research to a variety of audiences.

In this multi-part, introductory-level workshop series hosted through the Center for Clinical and Translational Science TIERS+ series, experts from UAB Libraries and the School of Public Health will introduce participants to data viz concepts, including visual data interpretation, commonly used software platforms, data integrity, reproducibility and transparency. Each session also will include strategies for achieving compliance with Title II requirements.

One-time registration enrolls participants in all four sessions; register now.

Introduction to Data Visualization: The Power of Visual Data Interpretation — 1-2:30 p.m. Aug. 19, Zoom
Presented by Ashley McGuire, Ph.D., STEM librarian and liaison to the School of Engineering and Department of Chemistry in UAB Libraries

Attendees will learn to identify and apply fundamental data visualization principles by selecting the most appropriate chart types and visualization methods to effectively communicate data insights, including creating visualizations that are broadly accessible for all.
Application of Visualization Platforms and Software — 1-2:30 p.m. Aug. 26, Zoom
Presented by Khushi Karra, applications developer for Library IT Services in UAB Libraries

Participants will learn to evaluate and select appropriate data visualization platforms based on their strengths, limitations, and suitability for different data types, as well as apply basic data cleaning and integration techniques to prepare data for visualization.
Data Ethics and Integrity for Data Visualization — 1-2:30 p.m. Sept. 2, Zoom
Presented by Megan McCabe, Ph.D., assistant professor of biostatistics and assistant director for clinical trials development in the School of Public Health

Attendees will learn to identify and mitigate ethical risks in data visualization by ensuring accurate data representation, recognizing and avoiding bias and understanding the consequences of unethical data manipulation.
Reproducibility and Transparency for Data Visualization — 1-2:30 p.m. Sept. 9, Zoom
Presented by Marla Hertz, Ph.D., research data management librarian in UAB Libraries

Participants will learn to apply reproducibility and transparency principles by implementing documented workflows, interactive dashboards, and reproducible reporting techniques while ensuring ethical data sharing and compliance with privacy and licensing standards.