Kevin Baker, PhD
Musculoskeletal Therapeutics
Research in the Musculoskeletal Therapeutics section is focused on the development of stem cell- and immune-based treatment strategies for patients with osteoarthritis (post-traumatic, and primary) and degenerative disc disease (cervical and lumbar spine) by characterizing the role of endogenous stem cells, macrophages and T lymphocytes play in disease onset and progression.
Amanda Ali, PhD
Musculoskeletal Genomics
The Musculoskeletal Genomics section applies next generation sequencing technology to better understand complex musculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis and chondrosarcoma. Improving our understanding of the early genomic modifications occurring at both local and systemic levels in osteoarthritis will enable early intervention to delay or stop disease progression. Ongoing research is focused on identifying circulating microRNAs in osteoarthritis as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Joe Gardinier, PhD
Mechanobiology
The Mechanobiology section is focused on understanding how mechanical forces regulate specific cell-signaling mechanisms, and how these mechanisms are used by individual cell-types to modify the material properties and mechanical behavior of bone. Ongoing research is currently investigating how exercise, as a form of mechanical loading, can be used to improve bone adaptation as a treatment and prevention strategy for musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoporosis.
Yener Yeni, PhD
Biomechanics
The Biomechanics section is focused on improving the diagnosis of bone fracture risk associated with osteoporosis and improving techniques for preventing and treating fractures. High-resolution imaging, computer simulation, mechanical testing, and microscopy techniques are used to estimate how mechanical stress is distributed in bone, quantify the chemical and structural make-up of tissue, and estimate bone strength and fracture risk. New techniques are developed using imaging modalities such as tomosynthesis, in order to quantify bone qualities that predict fracture risk.
Michael Bey, PhD
Motion Analysis
The Herrick-Davis Motion Analysis Laboratory studies the dynamic function of human joints and the extent to which mechanical factors are associated with degenerative joint and soft-tissue diseases. On-going studies are aimed at understanding how the treatment of rotator cuff tears affects long-term shoulder function, the extent to which pre-operative imaging can predict post-operative shoulder function, and the impact of fusion and artificial disc replacement on spine motion.
