Evan Buettmann, Ph.D., and Michael Friedman, Ph.D., both postdoctoral fellows in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, have won Early Investigator Awards from the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health.

Buettmann and Friedman are among 12 recipients who will attend Bone and Muscle Interactions: the Mechanical and Beyond, an international conference Aug. 16-18, 2019, at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).

They conduct research in the Bone Engineering Science Technology (BEST) Lab directed by Henry J. Donahue, Ph.D., the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Jr. Professor and Distinguished Chair of the department at VCU College of Engineering.

Buettmann will also make an oral presentation at one of the sessions. “This award represents a unique opportunity for young investigators like myself to learn from bone and muscle experts and identify the key topics that will shape the next decade of muscle-bone research,” he said. “This will greatly aid in my attempt to transition to a successful independent research career. I couldn’t have won this award without the help and wonderful work of my BEST Lab co-authors and colleagues.”

Friedman said, “The award will help me meet and learn from leaders in the emerging research field of bone and muscle interactions. This is my main field of interest and will greatly help [me] prepare for a career in academia. Thanks to all the members of the VCU BEST Lab for helping me win this award!”