BMRC is proud to announce the 2025 class of Bethel/Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) Fellows. Following a highly competitive application process, these outstanding early-career researchers have demonstrated remarkable potential in advancing musculoskeletal science. 

Congratulations to the following individuals on their selection as 2025 Bethel/ORS Fellows!

Postdoctoral/Resident Fellows ($20,000 each) 

• Madhu Baghel, PhD, postdoctoral fellow, Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, “Novel miRNA 2 is a Potential Therapeutic Candidate to Target Early-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis” 
• Mark (Min Kyu) Kim, PhD, postdoctoral research scientist, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, “Uncoupling the Disc-Macrophage Crosstalk in Aging and Degeneration of the Intervertebral Disc”
• Shirley (Nina) Tang, PhD, postdoctoral research fellow, Washington University, Saint Louis, “Generational and Environmental Epigenetic Accumulation in Obesity and Osteoarthritis”

Junior Faculty Fellows ($30,000 each) 

• Kristine Godziuk, PhD, assistant professor of physical therapy and rehabilitation science, University of California, San Francisco, “Risk Factors for Poor Muscle Health in Older Women Using GLP-1 RA Medications for Weight Loss in Osteoarthritis Management” 
• Peter Mittwede, MD, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, “Bacterial Load Reduction Techniques in Contaminated Open Fracture and Early Implant-Related Infection Models” 

BMRC Executive Director Joon Y. Lee, MD, shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to welcome the 2025 class of Bethel/ORS Fellows. Each of these researchers brings unique expertise and innovative approaches that will shape the future of musculoskeletal science. Their work exemplifies the vision of the BMRC and our commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in orthopaedic research.” 

The fellowship program, now in its second year, continues to attract outstanding applicants from across the country, underscoring the critical need for early-career research funding in musculoskeletal science. 

Matthew Loeb, interim chief staff executive and CEO of ORS, emphasized the program’s impact: “ORS has supported orthopaedic research for over 70 years. It’s my privilege to congratulate the 2025 Bethel/ORS Fellows on receiving this prestigious award. Their research holds promise to deliver innovative solutions that contribute to shaping a world without musculoskeletal limitations. ORS is proud to partner with BMRC in supporting this important initiative.” 

MaCalus V. Hogan, MD, MBA, David Silver Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, noted, “With the second class of Bethel/ORS Fellows, we are building momentum in advancing orthopaedic and musculoskeletal research. This award and the BMRC represent a cornerstone in our department’s mission to lead the way in research and patient care innovation.”