Basic Science Researchers
Geoffrey Abrams, MD
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr. Abrams' research is focused on elucidating the pathobiology behind tendinoapthy and developing new treatment modalities for the disease. Specifically, his team is studying the role of micro-RNA as it relates to chronic inflammation and stem cell differentiation in the development and perpetuation of chronic tendinopathy.
D. Amanatullah, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Amanatullah specializes in hip and knee replacements for individuals with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis and avascular necrosis. He also performs revision surgeries of knee and hip implants with problems.
Nidhi Bhutani, PhD
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
The long-term goal of our research is to understand the fundamental mechanisms that govern and reprogram cellular fate during development, regeneration and disease. We are specifically interested in reprogramming approaches for musculoskeletal regeneration, mechanisms underlying stem cell self-renewal, differentiation and cancer, and epigenetic regulation in development and disease.
Constance Chu, MD
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
My research program brings the best science in cell biology, regenerative medicine, mechanics, and imaging together to restore and rejuvenate damaged joints so that people can live full and healthy lives free of joint pain. Through nearly two decades of research funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense, I have led development of new MRI color mapping techniques and refined new blood testing methods to identify joint aging before OA even starts.
Stuart Goodman, MD, PhD
The Robert L. and Mary Ellenburg Professor of Surgery and Professor, By Courtesy, of Bioengineering
Our research seeks to understand the mechanisms of various musculoskeletal conditions related to fractures and bone defects, total joint replacement, arthritis, and osteonecrosis etc. based on the cross-talk between cells in the mesenchymal and the hematopoietic lineages. In particular, the key role that macrophages play in the recruitment and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during bone regeneration has been brought to focus.
Jessica Rose, PhD
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital and the Stanford University Medical Center
Dr. Rose directs the Motion & Gait Analysis Lab at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, a multidisciplinary diagnostic service for patients with gait and upper limb movement disorders. Dr. Rose's research investigates early brain and motor development in preterm children and the neuromuscular mechanisms underlying motor deficits in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Seth Sherman, MD
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
My research focuses on ways to augment tissue healing, improve human performance, and prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Approaching these challenges through parallel basic science and clinical pathways, our team works from the “bedside to the bench and back to the bedside”, identifying areas of clinical need to deliver evidence-based solutions for patients.
Robert L. Smith, PhD
Professor (Research) of Orthopedic Surgery, Emeritus
Our group is interested in the molecular and cell biology underlying bone and cartilage metabolism in health and disease. Normal daily activities are linked to the ability of the articular cartilage to withstand normal joint forces that may reach 5-7 times body weight and bone homeostasis depends on daily mechanical loading histories. The phenotypic stability of cartilage and bone depends on a complex interplay between stimuli influencing cell metabolism, physical forces, cytokines, hormones and growth factors, and the genetic expression determining the material properties of the tissue.
Fan Yang, PhD
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and of Bioengineering
Our research focuses on the fundamental - understand how microenvironmental cues regulate stem cell fate, technological - develop controlled delivery system to direct stem cell differentiation in situ, and translational - stem cells for targeting and delivery of therapeutic factors.
Yunzhi Peter Yang, PhD
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and, by courtesy, of Materials Science and Engineering and of Bioengineering
We aim to improve understanding of tissue-like chemistry and structure of medical device design using advanced 3D printing, how these lead to tissue-like properties and functions, and the extent to which they can enhance clinical outcomes. Our research methodology includes concept design and development of medical devices and advanced 3D printing, characterization and evaluation in vitro, and in vivo validation of novel biomaterials and implant devices.
Jeffrey Yao, MD
Professor of Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Yao's research interests include (1) Minimally invasive and arthroscopic treatment alternatives for common hand and wrist disorders. I am currently exploring the safety and efficacy of an all-inside arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair technique, the arthroscopic treatment of wrist, finger and thumb arthritis, arthroscopic treatment of intercarpal ligament injuries and other disorders and (2) Biologic augmentation of tendon repair strategies utilizing stem cells. I am currently utilizing a unique model of bioactive sutures used as a delivery mechanism of stem cells for biologically augmenting current mechanical techniques of tendon repair.