by Emily Stembridge
Jeffry Nyman, PhD, professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and research associate professor of Biomedical Engineering, has been named director of the Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology (VCBB).
“I am thrilled Dr. Nyman has the opportunity to lead the Center for Bone Biology,” said Rick Wright, MD, Dan Spengler Professor and chair of the Department of Orthopaedics. “His collaborative nature alongside his scientific acumen will enhance the mission for the center. His skill and interest in career mentoring will serve the members of the center well.”
Nyman has been a member of the VCBB since 2006 when he was recruited by the late Greg Mundy, MD. Nyman is also a member of the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, the Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center and the Center for Musculoskeletal Research.
In his role as director of the VCBB, Nyman will manage the budget and resources of the center and advise the center’s faculty on their research directions, helping them obtain grant awards.
“I am excited to take on this new role at VCBB,” said Nyman. “I look forward to seeking out collaborations between the center and clinical faculty interested in bone health and fostering an environment where graduate and postdoctoral students can achieve their career goals in musculoskeletal research.”
Nyman received his Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Memphis before receiving a PhD in biomedical engineering at the University of California, Davis. He went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in bone mechanics at the University of Texas at San Antonio before joining VUMC.
Much of Nyman’s work is focused on lowering the number of bone fractures associated with osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, genetic diseases and aging. His lab frequently investigates ways to improve the clinical assessment of fracture risk to identify regulators of bone toughness and to identify the factors that delay fracture healing.
“Jeff has been a member of the Center for Bone Biology since its inception and has exemplified leadership, organizational skills and has performed excellent science during this time,” said David Harrison, MD, director of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology and the Betty and Jack Bailey Professor of Cardiology. “I am highly appreciative of his willingness to accept this role.”