Joseph P. Stains

Joseph P. Stains, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics with secondary appointment in Physiology at University of Maryland School of Medicine. He leads the Division of Musculoskeletal Science and maintains affiliations with multiple research centers including the Center for Research on Aging and Center for Stem Cell Biology.

• Education: B.S. in Molecular & Cell Biology (1994), PhD in Biochemistry (2000) from Penn State University
• Appointments: Postdoc at Washington University (2001-2004), then continuously at University of Maryland since 2004

Dr. Stains' research focuses on bone cell signaling through connexin43-containing gap junctions, examining how intercellular communication coordinates osteoblast differentiation and osteocyte mechanotransduction. His work mechanistically links cytoskeletal dynamics to sclerostin regulation via NOX2-ROS-TRPV4-CaMKII pathways.

His lab has produced over 65 peer-reviewed publications with recent emphasis on microtubule rheostats and Ca²⁺-dependent bone remodeling. Funding includes NIH R01 grants (2013-2025), DoD, and Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund awards.

• Scientific Leadership: ASBMR Fellow (2020), NIH Study Section Member
• Academic Service: Graduate Council, School of Medicine Council, Course Director for GPLS 645