Meghan McGee-Lawrence
Department Chair
Professor
Academic Appointment(s)
Medical College of Georgia
Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy
College of Science and Mathematics
Department of Biological Sciences
Medical College of Georgia
Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Administration
Department of Biological Sciences
Medical College of Georgia
Department of Surgery: Orthopedic
Administration
Department of The Graduate School
- MMCGEELAWRENCE@augusta.edu
- (706) 446-0128
- CB 1109
Education
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Ph.D., Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
Michigan Technological Univ, 2009
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BS, Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
Michigan Technological Univ, 2005
Awards & Honors
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2024 MCG Exemplary Teaching Award
Medical College of Georgia, 2024
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2024 Outstanding Mentorship Award
Augusta University Student Training and Research (STAR) Program, 2024
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2023 AU/MCG Woman Who Inspires
AU Office for Faculty Success, 2023
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2023 TGS Outstanding Faculty Award
The Graduate School, Augusta University, 2023
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2022 MCG Exemplary Teaching Award
Medical College of Georgia, 2022
Courses Taught Most Recent Academic Year
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ANAT 9210
Invest of a Problem
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BIOM 8022
Molecular Cell Biology
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ANAT 9300
Research
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BIOM 8011
Respon Conduct of Research
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ANAT 8050
Graduate Histology
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BIOM 8230
Biology of Proteins in Disease
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ANAT 8090
Current Topics in Cellular Bio
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PSIO 6810
Medical Physio II
Teaching Interests
molecular / cell biology, human gross anatomy, histology / histopathology, integrated systems biology, responsible conduct of research, physiology
Scholarship
Selected Recent Publications
- Expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in Osterix-lineage cells regulates adult skeletal homeostasis in a compartment-specific manner. , 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- Global but not myeloid lineage-directed Girk3 deletion increases bone mass in female mice. , 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- In C57BL/6J mice, weight loss in previously obese mice reduced bone mass and shifted the cortical bone metabolome, 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- Inhibition of AhR improves cortical bone and skeletal muscle function via preservation of neuromuscular junctions., 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- Integrating 3D osteocyte culture, microgravity simulation, and fluid flow reveals mechanisms of osteocyte mechanosensation and calcium signaling altered by disuse, 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal
Research Interests
My laboratory studies topics related to musculoskeletal aging and orthopedic science. We are particularly interested in understanding processes driving maintenance / regeneration of bone structure and biomechanical strength as well as skeletal interorgan communication. My laboratory’s research program emphasizes hormonal, epigenetic, and mechano-biological therapeutic targets for skeletal treatment, mechanical competence of tissue, and pathways involved in skeletal crosstalk with other organs. This research is driven by clinical issues, incorporating direct collaboration with clinicians and other basic science researchers, focusing on primary musculoskeletal disorders like osteoporosis and other diseases that may be intertwined with skeletal biology.
Department Service
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Department of Biological Sciences faculty search committee
2021 - 2022
Role: Committee Member
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Cellular Biology and Anatomy Graduate Council
2015 - 2021
Role: Committee Member
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Cellular Biology and Anatomy Faculty Search Committee
2017 - 2018
Role: Committee Member
College Service
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Medical College of Georgia Research Planning Committee (RPC)
2021 - Present
Role: Committee Member
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Augusta University Graduate Faculty Council (MCG Representative)
2018 - Present
Role: Committee Member
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Department of Biological Sciences Faculty Search Committee
2021 - 2022
Role: Committee Member
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Junior Faculty Representative (2016 LCME certification site visit)
2014 - 2015
Role: Committee Member
University Service
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Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
2021 - Present
Role: Committee Member
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Student Training and Research (STAR) selection / organizing committee
2018 - Present
Role: Committee Member
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Orthopaedic Surgery Research Committee
2016 - Present
Role: Committee Member
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The Graduate School at Augusta University Assistant Dean search committee
2022 - 2022
Role: Committee Chair
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Course Evaluation / Faculty-Student Impact Team (OIE committee)
2020 - 2021
Role: Committee Member
Professional Service
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ASBMR Advocacy & Science Policy Committee
2022 - Present
Role: Committee Member
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Orthopaedic Research Society Advocacy Council Chair (Board of Directors)
2022 - Present
Role: Officer, Other Officer
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Scientific Advisory Board, International Musculoskeletal Biology Workshop
2022 - Present
Role: Member
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NIH Skeletal Biology Development and Disease (SBDD) review panel (standing member)
2021 - Present
Role: Reviewer
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Bone Reports
2021 - Present
Role: Editorial Review Board Member
Public Service
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Wesley UMC Adult Handbell Choir
2014 - Present
Role: Member
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ORS Open Door 2023
2022 - 2023
Role: Chair
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Wesley Tutors, Lamar-Milledge Elementary School
2016 - 2019
Role: Member
