Research | Orthopaedics | UC Davis Health

Advancing the Future of Musculoskeletal Care

At UC Davis Orthopaedic Surgery, our researchers are transforming discoveries into better treatments for patients. Our physician-scientists collaborate with experts in engineering, biology, regenerative medicine, and veterinary medicine to advance musculoskeletal health through basic, translational, and clinical research.

Why UC Davis Research?
Our program combines world-class scientific discovery with nationally recognized clinical expertise.

• Basic, translational, and clinical research programs
• Collaborative teams of surgeons, scientists, and engineers
• State-of-the-art research laboratories and imaging technology
• Access to leading campus-wide research centers and resources
• Research opportunities for students, residents, fellows, and faculty
• A commitment to translating discoveries into better patient care

Research Areas
Our faculty investigates a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions and treatments, including:

• Bone biology and regeneration
• Biomechanics and orthopedic implants
• Cartilage repair and osteoarthritis
• Clinical outcomes and population health
• Biomaterials and tissue engineering
• Joint replacement
• Musculoskeletal imaging
• Orthopaedic oncology
• Sports medicine
• Spine disorders

Research Facilities

Lawrence J. Ellison Musculoskeletal Research Center
The Lawrence J. Ellison Musculoskeletal Research Center provides an advanced environment for discovery and innovation. Researchers have access to specialized laboratories and equipment that support every stage of musculoskeletal research—from basic science to translational studies.

The center includes:

• Advanced microscopy
• Biomechanics laboratories
• Cell and molecular biology laboratories
• Computational modeling resources
• Histology and tissue culture facilities
• Materials testing laboratory
• Microsurgery suite

Preclinical Imaging Center
Our Preclinical Imaging Center features advanced imaging technologies that allow researchers to study bone and soft tissue with exceptional detail. These tools support both basic science discoveries and the development of new treatments.

Research Laboratories
Our investigators lead internationally recognized laboratories focused on advancing musculoskeletal science.
Explore each laboratory to learn more about ongoing research and current projects.

• Ambrosi Lab
  Skeletal stem cells and regenerative medicine
• Carr-Ascher Lab
  Molecular mechanisms that drive sarcoma development and metastasis
• Leach Lab
  Biomaterials and tissue engineering
• Loots Lab
  Bone biology and skeletal genetics
• Saiz Lab
  Advanced biomaterials and regenerative medicine

Research Funding

Our research enterprise is supported by highly competitive federal, foundation, and industry funding that advances discoveries in musculoskeletal science and accelerates innovations in patient care. These investments support research spanning basic science, translational studies, and clinical investigation.

Faculty in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery have successfully secured funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), private foundations, professional organizations, and industry partners.

Current funding includes:

• NIH R-series grants supporting innovative research programs
• NIH K Awards that develop the next generation of physician-scientists and research leaders
• NIH U-series cooperative agreements supporting collaborative, multi-institutional research
• Department of Defense (DoD) research awards
• Young Investigator Awards (YIAs) and foundation-funded research
• Industry-sponsored clinical and translational research

Training the Next Generation of Orthopaedic Scientists
The Department is proud to be home to one of only seven NIH-funded T32 musculoskeletal research training programs in the nation, reflecting UC Davis' longstanding commitment to developing future leaders in orthopaedic research.

The NIH T32 Institutional Research Training Program provides protected research training, mentorship, and career development for physician-scientists pursuing academic careers in musculoskeletal research.

The program is led by Kent Leach, Ph.D., Program Director, and R. Lor Randall, M.D., Co-Director, who oversee a multidisciplinary training environment that brings together clinicians, engineers, and basic scientists from across UC Davis.

Through structured mentorship and hands-on research experience, trainees develop the scientific skills needed to translate laboratory discoveries into advances in patient care.

Collaboration Across UC Davis
Our faculty work alongside experts throughout UC Davis, including biomedical engineering, regenerative medicine, biological sciences, materials science, and the School of Veterinary Medicine. These interdisciplinary partnerships accelerate discoveries and bring new ideas from the laboratory to the clinic.

Clinical Research
Our physician-scientists lead clinical studies that evaluate new treatments, surgical techniques, medical devices, and rehabilitation strategies. By bringing research directly into patient care, we help translate scientific discoveries into improved outcomes. 

Education and Research Training
Research is an integral part of education at UC Davis Orthopaedic Surgery. Medical students, residents, fellows, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars have opportunities to participate in meaningful research alongside nationally recognized investigators.

Through mentorship, hands-on experience, and collaborative projects, trainees develop the skills needed to become future leaders in academic orthopaedics.

Join Our Research Community
Whether you are a prospective trainee, research collaborator, industry partner, or patient interested in clinical research, we welcome opportunities to work together to advance musculoskeletal care.