Paula Hernandez

Dr. Paula Hernandez is a Research Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, affiliated with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cell Biology, and Neuroscience from the University of Chile (Santiago, Chile), followed by postdoctoral training at UConn Health Center, the University of Cambridge, and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. Her research focuses on cartilage health, osteoarthritis mechanisms, and the role of sex hormones in musculoskeletal disorders. She collaborates extensively with engineers and orthopaedic surgeons to advance translational research. Key areas include sexual dimorphism in joint diseases, mechanobiological processes, and regenerative therapies. Dr. Hernandez also advocates for women's health research and participates in science education initiatives. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with a strong focus on translational outcomes.

Education History:

• Ph.D., Molecular, Cell Biology, and Neuroscience, University of Chile, 2000
• Postdoctoral Training: UConn Health Center (2000–2002), University of Cambridge (2002–2004), Feinstein Institute (2014)

Research Interests:

• Mechanobiology of articular cartilage and intervertebral discs
• Sexual dimorphism in musculoskeletal health
• Role of inflammation and growth factors in tissue repair
• Orthopaedic biomaterials and regenerative medicine
• Translational approaches for osteoarthritis treatment

Grants and Collaborations: Active collaborations with biomedical engineers, surgeons, and interdisciplinary teams. Focus on NIH-funded projects exploring sex-based differences in osteoarthritis progression.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Cartilage and Intervertebral Disc Mechanobiology Lab at UTSW, collaborating with the Orthopaedic Research Institute and the Department of Biomedical Engineering.