The Virtual Cervical Spine Research Laboratory at Columbia University focuses on developing computer-based biomechanical simulations of the cervical spine in order to improve both education and treatment in spine-based neurosurgery.  A key goal of the project is to combine both low-fidelity interactive mechanical models and quantitatively accurate, but slower, computational models within a unified framework in order to allow for the creation of a wide variety of applications based on reusable software components.  Target applications include interactive 3D surgical training programs, tools for treatment planning, evaluation, and device testing, and programs designed to assist in the study of spinal physiology.