Translational Orthopaedic Research Laboratory
Part of the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at NC State University and UNC-Chapel Hill
We are proud of our lab’s two newly minted PhDs. Jacob and Ricky both defended their thesis in June 2025, and are leaving the lab the same month. Both of them have been such an integral part of the lab these last few years and we’re sad to see them go.
Congratulations to Zack (Dr. Davis!), who defended his dissertation on August 1. He joined the lab as an undergrad back in January 2015, and now he’s left with his doctorate. He did an amazing job at his defense(surprising no one) and he will be very sorely missed in the lab. Outside of Matt and Steph, he is the last remaining member of TORL 1.0, and his support for his lab mates– including mentoring at least a half dozen undergrads– his leadership, and his positive attitude have played a huge role in making the lab what it is today.
Congratulations to Dr. Danielle Howe, TORL’s 4th graduate, who defended her dissertation last week. From here, she heads to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory!
Today Lewis passed his PhD defense. Lewis is co-advised by Matt and Danny Freytes. He did a great job explaining his recent work modeling cell-ECM interactions at the muscle-tendon junction. We’re all so proud of you Lewis!
Very exciting news: Zack passed his Oral Prelim today and is now officially a doctoral candidate. Congratulations to Zack!
Congratulations to Dr. Paul Warren, who successfully defended his dissertation on Tuesday! He, along with Stephanie Cone, was instrumental in setting up the lab five years ago and was a key player in establishing our awesomeness.
Stephanie Cone, one of the lab’s first two grad students, successfully defended her thesis! We’re all so proud of the lab’s first PhD, and look forward to adding another (Paul) this summer.
Does this mean we have to call you Doctor Cone now?
Congratulations are in order for the lab’s latest official Ph.D. candidate! On June 13, Paul presented his thesis proposal to his committee and passed with flying colors. Congratulations Paul!
Stephanie with her committee