Meghan McGee-Lawrence
Department Chair
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
-
Ph.D., Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering Michigan Technological Univ, 2009
-
BS, Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering Michigan Technological Univ, 2005
Awards & Honors
-
2025 MCG Exemplary Teaching Award Medical College of Georgia, 2025
-
Regents' Professorship University System of Georgia, 2025
-
2024 MCG Exemplary Teaching Award Medical College of Georgia, 2024
-
2024 Outstanding Mentorship Award Augusta University Student Training and Research (STAR) Program, 2024
-
2023 AU/MCG Woman Who Inspires AU Office for Faculty Success, 2023
Courses Taught Most Recent Academic Year
-
ANAT 9210
Invest of a Problem
-
ANAT 9300
Research
-
BIOM 8022
Molecular Cell Biology
-
BIOM 8011
Respon Conduct of Research
-
ANAT 8050
Graduate Histology
Teaching Interests
molecular / cell biology, human gross anatomy, histology / histopathology, integrated systems biology, responsible conduct of research, physiology
Scholarship
Selected Recent Publications
- Tryptophan metabolites 3-hydroxykynurenine (3HK) and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA) increase oxidative stress and impair osteoblastic bone formation., 2026
Journal Article, Academic Journal - Microbiota-derived indole-3-propionic acid extends lifespan in Drosophila and improves muscle and bone health in mice., 2026
Journal Article, Academic Journal - Fostering Interest in Musculoskeletal Research and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Careers: Impact of the ORS Open Door Program, 2020-2025., 2026
Journal Article, Academic Journal - In C57BL/6J mice, weight loss in previously obese mice reduced bone mass and shifted the cortical bone metabolome., 2026
Journal Article, Academic Journal - The antiretroviral drug emtricitabine increases kynurenine: tryptophan ratio, aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation, and cellular senescence in female mice., 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
-
Department of Biological Sciences faculty search committee 2021 - 2022
Role: Committee Member
-
Cellular Biology and Anatomy Graduate Council 2015 - 2021
Role: Committee Member
-
Cellular Biology and Anatomy Faculty Search Committee 2017 - 2018
Role: Committee Member
College Service
-
Medical College of Georgia Research Planning Committee (RPC) 2021 - Present
Role: Committee Member
-
Augusta University Graduate Faculty Council (MCG Representative) 2018 - Present
Role: Committee Member
-
Department of Biological Sciences Faculty Search Committee 2021 - 2022
Role: Committee Member
-
Junior Faculty Representative (2016 LCME certification site visit) 2014 - 2015
Role: Committee Member
University Service
-
AU Core Charter Committee 2025 - Present
Role: Committee Member
-
AU Translational Research Building Steering Committee 2025 - Present
Role: Committee Member
-
Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (GCITC) Jaguar Team 2025 - Present
Role: Committee Member
-
AU Research Space Advisory Committee 2024 - Present
Role: Committee Member
-
Augusta University Research Animal Services Advisory Group 2021 - Present
Role: Committee Member
Professional Service
-
ASBMR Advocacy & Science Policy Committee 2025 - Present
Role: Committee Chair
-
American Federation for Aging Research National Scientific Advisory Council 2025 - Present
Role: Committee Member
-
Association of Osteobiology Councilor (Board of Directors) 2025 - Present
Role: Committee Chair
-
Calcified Tissue International 2025 - Present
Role: Editorial Review Board Member
-
ASBMR Working Group on Aging 2023 - Present
Role: Workshop Organizer
Public Service
-
Wesley UMC Adult Handbell Choir 2014 - Present
Role: Member
-
ORS Open Door 2023 and 2024 2022 - 2024
Role: Chair
-
Wesley Tutors, Lamar-Milledge Elementary School 2016 - 2019
Role: Member