Anne E. Nichols

Anne E. Nichols is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Rochester Medical Center, focusing on musculoskeletal research. She leads the Nichols Lab, which investigates tendon homeostasis, fibrosis, regeneration, and mechanobiology through genetic mouse models, single-cell sequencing, and tissue engineering.

• PhD in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences (Regenerative Medicine), Virginia Tech (2018)
• BS in Biology, James Madison University (2008)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, URMC (2018-2022)

Her research explores cellular communication in tendon pathology, epitenon progenitor roles, and therapeutic targets for fibrosis and regeneration. Recent work includes nanoparticle drug delivery systems and mechanotransduction studies to improve healing outcomes.

Key scientific awards include:

• NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00, 2022-2027)
• ORS New Investigator Recognition Award (2021)
• Orthoregeneration Network Foundation Grant (2020)
• Stamps Family Graduate Fellowship (2012-2018)

Collaborations span orthopaedic research, biomedical engineering, and musculoskeletal disease. The lab welcomes applications from undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs.