Jason Organ, PhD
Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology
Executive Director, FACET
- Phone
- (317) 278-2404
- Address
-
MS 5035
ANAT
Indianapolis, IN - PubMed:
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Bio
Jason M. Organ, PhD, FAAA, is a Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology at the Indiana University School of Medicine and Editor-in-Chief of Anatomical Sciences Education. He earned his BA and MA in Anthropology from the University of Missouri and his PhD in Functional Anatomy & Evolution from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Dr. Organ’s research explores two key areas: the relationship between muscle and bone structure and movement and feeding, and the science of communicating complex biomedical concepts to public audiences. He led the creation of the American Association for Anatomy’s Science Communication Boot Camp in 2019, a program designed to empower scientists to engage effectively with diverse communities.
In recognition of his excellence in teaching and scholarship, Dr. Organ received the AAA Basmajian Award in 2018 for outstanding contributions to gross anatomy education and biomedical research. In 2024, he was named a Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy.
Key Publications
| Year | Degree | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | PhD | Johns Hopkins University |
| 2002 | MA | University of Missouri |
| 1999 | BA | University of Missouri |
Dr. Organ’s scholarship in teaching and learning centers on making science—and anatomy—more accessible to public audiences. His work investigates effective strategies for communicating complex scientific concepts to non-specialists, with a focus on inclusive and impactful engagement. This includes an international collaboration with researchers at the University of Edinburgh (UK) and the University of Sydney (Australia).
In parallel, Dr. Organ maintains an active research program in evolutionary biomechanics, examining how mammalian bone and muscle adapt to diverse locomotor behaviors such as bipedal walking, knuckle-walking, quadrupedal running, and prehensile tail use. His current work uses a mouse model of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease) to study the structural and functional properties of bone and muscle, in collaboration with colleagues at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.
Desc: Selected as a Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy
Scope: International
Date: 2024-03-25
Desc: Science Communication and Outreach Award
Scope: International
Date: 2024-03-25
Desc: Induction into Faculty Academy for Excellence in Teaching (FACET)
Scope: University
Date: 2021-10-22
Desc: Trustees' Teaching Award
Scope: University
Date: 2021-05-01
Desc: Seifert Anatomical Sciences Statewide Outstanding Educator Award
Scope: Department
Date: 2019-06-01
Desc: Trustees' Teaching Award
Scope: School
Date: 2018-04-01
Desc: Basmajian Award for Excellence in Education & Research
Scope: International
Date: 2018-04-01