Arthritis & Degenerative Disease
J. Kent Leach, Ph.D.
(see also: Orthopedics/Biomedical Engineering, Osteoimmunology)
Not accepting students for 2026
Research in the Leach laboratory is primarily in the broad area of TISSUE ENGINEERING. Within our research program, we seek to engineer functional replacement and temporary bridge tissues while also developing model systems to study physiological and pathophysiological tissue formation. We initially develop many of our projects with an eye toward bone tissue engineering, and these findings are subsequently applied to other areas of tissue repair including cartilage and cardiovascular engineering, as well as wound healing.
All projects in the lab are linked by the hypothesis that combinatorial approaches to tissue formation are superior to individual stimulation. More specifically, successful tissue engineering approaches will be realized upon the proper spatial and temporal presentation of cells, signaling molecules, biomaterials, and mechanical stimulation.
STAR students will participate in projects involving tissue engineering of cartilage and bone, as well as testing immunological response/contribution to tissue formation in vivo.
Website: http://bme.ucdavis.edu/leachlab/
To contact Dr. Leach, please email jkleach@ucdavis.edu.
Heidi Reesink, DVM
Professor, VM: Surgical & Radiological Sciences
(See also: Orthopedic Biomechanics/Biomedical Engineering; Translational Research/Regenerative Medicine)
Our lab investigates the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, with a special emphasis on post-traumatic osteoarthritis and tendon injury in horses, dogs, and humans. We seek to advance ‘One Health’ therapeutic design and interventional strategies aimed at restoring musculoskeletal health, improving comfort, and enhancing mobility in both veterinary patients and humans.
Current research focuses include 1) identification of shared osteoarthritis biomarkers and therapeutic targets in horses, dogs and humans; 2) development and testing of new joint disease therapeutics, including veterinary species-specific therapies; and 3) investigation of tendon injury on equine tendon mechanical function.
Our lab provides opportunities for STAR students to learn both benchtop biochemistry and cell biology skills (e.g., mammalian cell culture, western blotting, ELISAs), clinical skills (e.g., equine musculoskeletal dissection and anatomy, tendon ultrasonography), and/or engineering skills (e.g., tendon and cartilage mechanical testing), depending upon student interests.
Dr. Reesink can be reached via email at hreesink@ucdavis.edu.
Faculty Bio