Julia Hum

Julia Hum, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Physiology at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Director of the M.S. in Biomedical Sciences program. She earned her B.S. in Biology from Saint Mary's College and a Ph.D. in Cellular and Integrative Physiology from Indiana University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on osteoblast/osteocyte communication, phosphate regulation via FGF23, and the effects of soft tissue manipulation on bone anabolism. She co-directs the Bone & Muscle Research Group and has been funded by the American Osteopathic Association. Her work also addresses healthcare career barriers and osteopathic medical student well-being.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Saint Mary's College
• Ph.D. in Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine

Research Interests: Dr. Hum's lab investigates mechanical and hormonal signaling pathways in bone cells, including the role of α2δ1 calcium channels and neuromedin-U. Recent projects explore cytokine regulation via soft tissue therapies and graduate education strategies to improve healthcare career accessibility. Her team combines in vivo and in vitro models to study bone's response to mechanical stimuli.

Awards:

• NSF GK-12 Urban Educators Teaching Fellowship
• ASBMR Young Investigator Award
• AHA Research Fellowship

Grants & Labs: Her lab is supported by AOA grants studying STM effects on bone. She also leads initiatives on medical student research engagement and osteopathic profession outreach through healthcare camps for high school students.

Labs/Teams: Co-Director of the Bone & Muscle Research Group at Marian University.