Washington University in St. Louis (WU)
My research focuses on understanding how skeletal tissues adapt to their environment to maintain function and repair after injury. A major challenge in musculoskeletal disease is the tight link between tissue degeneration and pain, as pain alters biomechanics and can impair healing. My work aims to uncover the mechanisms connecting tissue adaptation and pain to improve functional recovery.
I combine spatial transcriptomics, advanced 3D imaging, and computational approaches to identify molecular regulators of bone and joint adaptation. My current research centers on Schwann cells (injury-responsive glial cells along peripheral nerves) as key mediators of neuro-skeletal communication. I investigate how these cells influence tissue repair, pathological remodeling, and pain following injury. Ultimately, this work seeks to define new therapeutic targets that enhance regeneration while preserving function, with the goal of restoring mobility and improving quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.