The basic science research in the lab of Margaret McNulty, PhD focuses on bone and joint pathology. The McNulty lab uses both advanced imaging (e.g. micro-computed tomography) and histological techniques to evaluate changes in bones and joints secondary to various diseases and treatments.
Educational research in the McNulty lab involves developing and evaluating techniques to improve learning of the anatomical sciences, most specifically gross anatomy, in professional curricula including veterinary, medical and allied health students.
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Current work in basic science involves projects focused on two specific areas: characterizing and understanding the mechanisms of arthritic changes secondary to chikungunya virus and evaluating the impact of bisphosphonate administration on the equine skeleton.
Educational Research
Current educational research asks what components of a targeted anatomy pre-course improve student success within the professional curriculum, how professional identities play a role in success within the curriculum of all professional students (e.g. veterinary, medical, and allied health), and interprofessional development between allied health student populations.
Active Research
Recent Publications
Richbourg HA, Martin MJ, Schachner ER, McNulty MA. Anatomical Variation of the Tarsus in Common Inbred Mouse Strains. Anat Rec. Epub ahead of print. doi: 10.1002/ar.23493
Mitchell CF, Richbourg HA, Goupil BA, Gillett AN, McNulty MA. Assessment of tuber coxae bone biopsy in the standing horse. Vet Surg. 2017 Apr;46(3):396-402
McNulty MA, Lazarus MD. An Anatomy Precourse Predicts Student Performance in a Professional Veterinary Anatomy Curriculum. J Vet Med Educ. In Press.
Goupil BA, McNulty MA, Martin MJ, McCracken MK, Christofferson RC, Mores CN. Novel Lesions of Bones and Joints Associated with Chikungunya Virus in Two Mouse Models of Disease: New Insights into Disease Pathogenesis. PLoS One. 2016 May 16;11(5):e0155243. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155243
Strong AL, Hunter RS, Jones RB, Bowles AC, Dutreil MF, Guapp DD, Hayes DJ, Gimble JM, Levi B, McNulty MA, Bunnell BA. Obesity inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells. J Transl Med. 2016 Jan 27;14(1)27. DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-0776-1
McNulty MA, Stevens-Sparks C, Taboada J, Daniels A, Lazarus M. Impact of a Precourse on Student Performance in Veterinary Gross Anatomy. Anat Sci Educ. 2016 Jul 8;9(4):344-56
McNulty MA, Loeser RF, Davey C, Callahan MF, Ferguson CM, Carlson CS. Histopathology of Naturally Occurring and Surgically Induced Osteoarthritis in Mice. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2012 Aug;20(8):949-56
McNulty MA, Virdi AS, Christopherson KC, Sena K, Frank RR, Sumner DR. Adult Stem Cell Mobilization to Enhance Intramembranous Bone Regeneration. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2012 Sep;470(9):2503-12
Loeser RF, Olex AL, McNulty MA, Carlson CS, Callahan M, Ferguson C, Fetrow JS. Disease Progression and Phasic Changes in Gene Expression in a Mouse Model of Osteoarthritis. PLoS ONE 8(1): e54633. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0054633
McNulty MA, Loeser RF, Davey C, Callahan MF, Ferguson CM, Carlson CS. Development of a Comprehensive Histological Grading Scheme for Osteoarthritis Lesions in Mice. Cartilage. 2011 Oct; 2(4):354-363.
