The goal of the Myology research team is to support and integrate basic, translational and clinical skeletal muscle research. The team mission is to catalyze research projects, strengthen extramural grant applications and serve as a hub of collaboration by encouraging researchers of all career stages and backgrounds to come together to better understand muscle structure and function and relationships to systemic metabolism, physical activity and chronic disease.
Who We Are
Our mission is to advance the understanding of skeletal muscle biology in health and disease. Through multidisciplinary research, we investigate the cellular, molecular and physiological mechanisms that drive muscle development, adaptation, degeneration and regeneration — laying the foundation for innovative strategies to prevent and treat muscle-related conditions.
We envision a future where discoveries in muscle biology lead to transformative therapies that preserve strength, restore mobility and improve quality of life for individuals across the lifespan.
In 2024, team members authored 14 total publications. Four of these were in journals with an impact factor of 10 or above.
Members of the Myology Team have received major honors and received nationally recognized awards:
- President, Secretary/Treasurer and Councilor of the ASBMR
- Louis V. Avioli Founders Award
- William F. Neuman Award
- Named Fellow of the ASBMR
- IU Trustees Teaching Award
Team Leaders
Indiana University School of Medicine Faculty Investigators
Tarah J. Ballinger, MD
Vera Bradley Foundation Scholar in Breast Cancer Research
Angela Bruzzaniti, PhD
Director, PhD Training Program and Research Development, School of Dentistry
Robyn K. Fuchs, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology
Margaret A. McNulty, PhD
Associate Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology
Thomas M. O'Connell, PhD
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Fredrick M. Pavalko, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology
Lilian I. Plotkin, PhD
Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development
Stuart J. Warden, PhD
Professor of Physical Therapy, School of Health & Human Sciences
Carol A. Witczak, PhD
Associate Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology
Indiana University Members - Other Schools
Rafael Bahamonde, PhD
Founding Dean; School of Health & Human Sciences
Purdue University Members
Chad Carroll, PhD
Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology
Tim Gavin, PhD
Chair and Professor of Exercise Physiology
Shihuan Kuang, PhD
Professor of Animal Sciences