Cheryl Lynne Ackert Bicknell PhD

Dr. Ackert-Bicknell’s research focus is on the study of the genetic regulation of healthy bone formation, age-related bone loss, and inherited causes of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. She is particularly interested in phenotypes that contribute to overall bone strength, but are cannot be captured by measuring bone mineral density. She uses rat and mouse models to conduct both forward and reverse genetics studies both to inform and augment Genome-Wide Association studies of human populations. Towards this end, she collaborates with investigators from around the world as part of the Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis Consortium. She is currently the principal investigator or co-investigator on a number of grants from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).