Overview of our lab

Our vision is to be innovators and leaders in collaborative neuromusculoskeletal research, education, and clinical translation.

Our mission is to conduct high impact, translational research in the field of musculoskeletal research. Although our core focus is in skeletal muscle design and plasticity, we will continue to explore leading-edge questions in Radiology, Regenerative Medicine, and Rehabilitation.

To achieve this vision and mission we have created a collaborative, respectful and inclusive atmosphere where multidisciplinary experts converge at the forefront of innovation in research and training to advance the knowledge in the field and impact the care of patients with neuromusculoskeletal injuries and diseases.

Samuel R. Ward, P.T., Ph.D. is a Professor in the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Radiology, and Bioengineering at UC San Diego. He is also the Vice-Chair of Research in Orthopaedic Surgery, Director of the Device Acceleration Center, and Director of the Muscle Physiology Laboratory.

Current Projects

Reconstructed MRI image demonstrating muscle tractography
Imaging
Example cluster plot of RNAseq data
Regenerative Medicine
Image of fat infiltration into skeletal muscle
Shoulder Injury
Image of muscle cell surrounded by inflammatory cells
Lower Back Pain
Image of 3D printed scaffold
Tissue Engineering
Digitization of vertebral bodies in the lumbar spine
Biomechanics