Rachel A. Menegaz, PhD, Graduate Advisor for Structural Anatomy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Research and Education Building 232
Phone: 817-735-0126
E-mail: rachel.menegaz@unthsc.edu
Structural Anatomy and Rehabilitation Sciences (SARS) focuses on the integration of anatomical form with biomechanical function using advanced experimental, computational, and clinical tools. Major research foci in the SARS discipline include: (1) functional morphology or the study of formfunction relationships, evolutionary/adaptive significance, and mechanical behaviors of musculoskeletal tissues; (2) biomechanics, movement science, and neuromuscular integration; (3) clinical anatomical studies linked to applications in orthopedics and physical therapy; (4) the analysis, design, and/or development of rehabilitation protocols, assessment tools and techniques, assistive devices, and instrumentation used in rehabilitation practice; and (5) studies of educational pedagogy in anatomy/movement science through the development of unique educational tools, techniques, and assessment strategies. SARS offers research opportunities, coursework, and teaching experiences that will develop and train students who will be qualified to serve as faculty members, researchers, and clinicians in various departments at health science centers, universities, and other research organizations.
All students entering the discipline will complete an integrated biomedical science core curriculum that includes fundamental principles of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology and immunology, pharmacology, physiology, and neurobiology. Beginning with the second semester, students will enroll in additional advanced courses for the discipline such as Applied Biomechanics, Structural Anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System, Structural Neuroscience, and other advanced elective courses, to be completed during their graduate career. Students are required to participate in seminars, work in progress (WIP) presentations, and journal club for the duration of their graduate career. Students will conduct original, publishable research and will be expected to present their results at the annual HSC Research Appreciation Day (RAD) and at national scientific conferences.
The completion of the M.S. degree typically requires two to three years; the Ph.D. degree is generally completed in four to five years. Graduates with advanced degrees typically find employment in higher education, industry and government agencies.
Admission Requirements and Application Procedures