Jennifer Westendorf, Ph.D., receives pilot project award from Mayo Clinic Center for Biomedical Discovery and Women’s Health Research Center

Jennifer Westendorf, Ph.D. (IMM ’96), Division of Orthopedic Research at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, received a pilot project award from the Mayo Clinic Center for Biomedical Discovery and Women’s Health Research Center for her research to address gaps in knowledge and experimental models of osteoarthritis. She and her team will define the role of PH-domain and leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatases in the development of osteoarthritis in female mice and examine possible therapeutics. The team also will examine skeletal stem cells as they respond to these regulators of osteoarthritis over time to determine the ultimate fate of the stem cells and identify new drug targets.

The co-recipient is Samantha Weaver Kodet, Ph.D. (OR ’18), a research fellow in Dr. Westendorf’s lab.

The Center for Biomedical Discovery and Women’s Health Research Center pilot awards support research focused on understanding the molecular and cellular basis of sex differences in organ function and disease.

Dr. Westendorf is a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and orthopedics in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.