Cydney Dennis, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral fellow in the Section on Mechanics and Tissue Remodeling Integrating Computational & Experimental Systems (MATRICES) in NIBIB’s intramural research program. Dr. Dennis obtained a B.S in bioengineering from George Mason University and her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Cydney Dennis’ academic background encompasses cell and hormone signaling, cancer biology and physiology, with a focus on the musculoskeletal field. Dr. Dennis’ expertise is in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and musculoskeletal mechanisms. Specifically, Dr. Dennis focuses on understanding how the skeletal microenvironment affects disease pathologies associated with bone degradation based on the overall hypothesis that biochemical signals from within the microenvironment and neighboring cells play a crucial role in the progression of these bone disorders. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease caused by a mutation in hemoglobin resulting in many musculoskeletal complications including osteonecrosis, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. The progression of these disorders is irreversible and results in an increased need for joint replacement at a young age. By understanding disease mechanisms, more effective treatments can be developed to improve the life of individuals suffering with sickle cell disease and subsequent bone disorders. The overall goal of her research is to use tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, cellular biology, and biomaterial applications to investigate, alleviate, and ultimately prevent the progression of bone degradation in patients with sickle cell disease.