Alexandra Armstrong

Alexandra Armstrong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine. She holds a PhD and DVM from the University of Minnesota, with a residency in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology and a Comparative Pathology Fellowship from Johns Hopkins University.

• Educational Background:
  • PhD, University of Minnesota
  • DVM, University of Minnesota
  • Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Resident, University of Minnesota
  • Comparative Pathology Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University

Dr. Armstrong's research focuses on musculoskeletal diseases in animal models, particularly Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and osteoarthritis, using advanced MRI techniques for early detection of cartilage and bone changes. Her work bridges veterinary pathology with translational medical research, developing quantitative imaging biomarkers and exploring molecular mechanisms in osteochondral disorders.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in 10.5T MRI analysis, ischemia-induced cartilage injury, and metabolic factors in arthritis progression. She contributes to clinical research on antibiotic delivery systems in implant infections and comparative pathology in non-human primates.

Her methodological innovations include optimizing histologic grading schemes for osteoarthritis models and investigating vitamin K's role in joint aging. Research interests span veterinary clinical sciences, musculoskeletal biology, and ethical standards in animal research.

• Notable Research Areas:
  • MRI-based cartilage imaging
  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease models
  • Osteochondritis dissecans
  • Obesity- and aging-related arthritis
  • High-field MRI biomarkers
  • Comparative orthopedic pathology

Dr. Armstrong maintains affiliations with the Comparative and Molecular Biosciences program and actively contributes to clinical and academic veterinary sciences through her research, teaching, and practice.