Kelly Santangelo

The central goal of my research career is to orchestrate an interdisciplinary research program that provides comprehensive and clinically relevant investigations of primary and post-traumatic musculoskeletal conditions in translational animal models. As a board-certified veterinary pathologist with specialized training in applied molecular biology and comparative medicine, I am well equipped to execute and lead these integrated analyses of age and injury-related skeletal tissue degeneration among multiple investigators. Our approach, which focuses on elucidating mechanisms at the molecular/cellular level in combination with advanced imaging and gait analysis, will optimize the information gained from each aim and provide data applicable to human health. Thus, the potential impact of this work, in regards to pinpointing undiscovered pathways underlying the pathogenesis of joint, muscle, bone, and tendon disorders – as well as developing innovative therapeutic protocols – is well poised to lead to continued external funding. We are confident that our designated projects will result in high impact publications and provide the foundation for an innovative and productive program.