General Overview: Dr. Marja Hurley is a UConn Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor, and tenured  Professor of Medicine and Orthopedics at the UConn School of Medicine. Dr. Hurley has made outstanding contributions as a physician scientist, educator and administrator at UConn Health and received local, national and international recognition and awards for her accomplishments in several of these domains. These include election to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering; elected Fellow of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research; Chair of the International FGF Gordon Conference; recipient of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award; recipient of the prestigious Lawrence G Raisz Esteemed Award from the American Society for Bone Mineral Research for preclinical translational research; UConn Health Board of Directors Faculty Recognition Award and the Neag Medal of Honor. She also received the University of Connecticut first Martin Luther King Award for Achievement in Science and was recognized as one of the outstanding women in 100 years at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Hurley was the winner of the Connecticut Technology Council Women of Innovation and Leadership Award and she also serves as liaison to the AAMC Group on Women in Medicine and Science. In recognition of her contributions to educational equity, Dr. Hurley has received numerous awards including the first New England Board of Higher Education Award for innovation and excellence in higher education; the West Indian Foundation Community Service Award; the Community Service Award from the Capital Area Health Consortium and the Distinguished Service Award from the Foundation for Educational Achievement at Central Connecticut State University. She was also appointed a Commissioner of the Connecticut Legislative Commission on Health Equity.

Research: Dr. Hurley is recognized nationally and internationally for her expertise on the role of fibroblast growth factor-2 in skeletal biology and maintains an active NIH funded basic research laboratory that focuses on the molecular mechanisms of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis fracture repair and the role of FGF2 in bone, cartilage and phosphate homeostasis. A new area of research focus in her laboratory seeks to determine the molecular mechanism(s) of bone loss using Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait transgenic mouse models. Dr. Hurley's outstanding research productivity is demonstrated by her 204 peer reviewed publications including 83 manuscripts, 14 invited reviews and book chapters and 107 abstracts as well as NIH and Foundation research funding since 1989. Dr. Hurley currently serves as a member of ASBMR Council and NIH/NIDCR Board of Scientific Counselors.,

Education Initiatives: Dr. Hurley has made significant contributions in medical education equity as Associate Dean and Director of the Health Career Opportunity Programs at UConn Health. She has fostered the enrollment and career development of students in biomedical science at every level of the pipeline and substantially increased the number of underrepresented and first generation students attending the UConn Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine. Dr. Hurley is the Founding Director of the Aetna Health Professions Partnership Initiative at UConn Health that now consists of 14 distinct programs for which she secured more than $14 million in extramural grants. These programs were endowed as The Aetna Health Professions Partnership Initiative with a 2-million-dollar gift from the Aetna Foundation. The success of this initiative can be assessed by the more than 700 students who have gained acceptance to U.S. Health Professions and Graduate Schools. Dr. Hurley is recognized nationally as a leader in education equity and has been an invited speaker at national meetings sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the American Dental Education Association, the Kellogg and Robert Wood Johnson Foundations, and more. She  served as Chair of the Women’s Affairs Committee of the American Dental Education Association and was an invited speaker/panelist at the Sullivan Alliance National Leadership Symposium on Health Professions Diversity. She was invited to present by the CT Governor’s Office for Workforce Development on the UConn Health Professions Partnership Initiative as a successful model of Connecticut Career Choices. She was appointed to the Connecticut State Department of Education and the Department of Higher Education College Ready Advisory Subcommittee of the Higher Education PK-16 Council. She also served as a panelist for Harvard Medical School, Biomedical Science Careers Student Conferences. Dr. Hurley recently served  as Chair of the Oversight Board of NIH, NIDDK Network of Minority Health Research Investigators.

Administration: Dr. Hurley’s commitment to education of UConn medical students is exemplified by her willingness in 2010-2011 to serve as Interim Senior Associate Dean for Education and Academic Affairs. During this period, she played a key role in establishing new UConn School of Medicine governance for medical student education; development and implementation of the LCME action plan for reaccreditation of the School of Medicine. She served as Chair of the Education Council, Chair of the Committee on Undergraduate Medical Education (CUME) and Liaison to the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Directors of UConn Health. In recognition of her outstanding administrative leadership at UCONN Health, she has served on  the Executive Vice President’s Advisory Committee; Chancellors Advisory Committee; Senior Appointments and Promotion Committee, Senior Administrative Group and Special Assistant to the Dean School of Medicine. Dr. Hurley currently serves as a voting member of the Academic Affairs Sub Committee of the UConn Health Board of Directors. 

 

 

 

Education

Degree	Institution	Major
BA	University of Connecticut	Biology
MD	University of Connecticut Health Center	Medicine

Post-Graduate Training

Training	Institution	Specialty
Residency	University of Connecticut Health Center	Internal Medicine
Fellowship	University of Connecticut Health Center	Endocrinology

Awards

Name of Award/Honor	Awarding Organization
Board Of Trustees Distinguished Professor	University of Connecticut
Elected Member Association of Osteobiology	Association of Osteobiology
Stem Achievement Award Organization Honoree	Connecticut Science Center
Elected Council Member American Society for Bone and Mineral Research	American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Scientific Session Chair FGF Fusion Conference	FGF Fusion Conference
Fellow of the American Society For Bone and Mineral Research	American Society For Bone and Mineral Research
Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award, UCONN School of Medicine	UCONN School of Medicine
Chair 2018 Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Disease Gordon Research Conference	Gordon Research Conference
Elected Vice Chair FGF Gordon Research Conference, Hong Kong, China, 2016	FGF Gordon Research Conference, Hong Kong, China,
American Society of Bone and Mineral Research Lawrence G. Raisz, Esteemed Award for outstanding achievement in preclinical translational research	American Society of Bone and Mineral Research
Spotlight SpeakerOrthopedic Research Society, Annual Meeting, March 2014	Orthopedic Research Society
Elected Chairman	American Dental Education Association Women’s Affairs Advisory Committee
Elected as a Member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering	Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering
Recipient of the Greater Hartford West Indian Lions Club Community Service Award	Greater Hartford West Indian Lions Club
University of Connecticut Health Center Board of Directors Faculty Recognition Award	University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Recipient Neag Medal of Honor	University of Connecticut Health Center
Faculty Honoree	University of Connecticut Health Center, White Coat GALA
Winner Connecticut Science and Technology Woman of Innovation and Leadership Award	Connecticut Science and Technology Council
Recipient of the West Indian Foundation Outstanding Community Service Award	West Indian Foundation
New England Higher Education Excellence Award for Innovation in Education	New England Board of Higher Education
Distinguished Service Award; Foundation for Education Advancement	Central Connecticut State University
Community Service Award	Capital Area Health Consortium
Nominated by the Chancellor and Selected for Participation in Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education	Bryn Mawr College
Award Winner, 100 Years of Women at the University of Connecticut	University of Connecticut
Martin Luther King Award for Achievement in Science	University of Connecticut
National Research Service Award, National Institutes of Health	NIH
Honoree	University of Connecticut
Recipient NIH Endocrine Student Fellowship	National Institute of Health
Mosby Publishing Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine	University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Clinical Case Conference Leader; Organ Systems 3 course for UConn first year medical and dental students;Clinical Case Conference Leader; Disorders of bone and mineral metabolism course for UConn second year medical and dental students. I supervise graduate students in the Skeletal Oral Biology area of concentration.

Name & Description	Category	Role	Type	Scope	Start Year	End Year
Board of Scientific Counselors of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)	Advisory Committee	Member	External	National	2021	2026
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Appointed Scientific Research Mentor for the AAMC/NIH Mosaic Scholars	Advisory Committee	Scientific Mentor	External	National	2021	2026
Chair Oversight Board 2021, National Institutes of Health/NIDDK/Network of Minority Research Investigators (NMRI)	Advisory Committee	Chair	External	National	2021	2022
University of Connecticut President Strategic Planning Steering Committee	Advisory Committee	Member	UConn-Storrs	State	2021	2022
Oversight Committee Network of Minority Health Research Investigators NIH/NIDDK	Advisory Committee	Chair Elect	External	National	2020	2021
American Society Bone Mineral Research Council	Advisory Committee	Member	External	National	2019	2022
Elected to American Society Bone Mineral Research Council 2019-2022	Professional/Scientific Organization	Council Member	External	International	2019	2022
The Society for Osteobiology	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	International	2019
Medical Deans Council	Advisory Committee	Member	UConn Health	University	2019
Nature Reviews Rheumatology	Other			International	2019
Fibroblast Growth Factor in Development and Disease GORDON Research Conference	Professional/Scientific Organization	Chair	External	International	2017	2018
Elected Member Publications Committee, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2017	2020
American Society of Bone and Mineral Research 2018 Annual Meeting Planning Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Chair, Translational Program	External	International	2017	2018
NIH Study Section	Study Section	Ad-Hoc reviewer	External	National	2016	2016
NIDDK, Network of Minority Health Research Investigators.	Advisory Committee	Member	External	National	2016	2019
Elected Member of the Women in Bone and Mineral Research Committee of ASBMR	Professional/Scientific Organization	Elected Member	External	National	2014	2017
Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	State	2012
American Federation for Medical Research	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2012
American Dental Education Association: Affairs Advisory Committee	Advisory Committee	Member	External	National	2012
European Calcified Tissue Society: Review Panel for the 2011-2012 Grants and Awards	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	International	2011	2012
Gene	Editorial Board	Associate Editor	External	National	2011	2013
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee, Director MD/PhD Program	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2011	2011
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research: Scientific Program Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2010	2010
University of Connecticut Health Center: LCME Action Plan Committee	Education Committee	Member	UConn Health	University	2010	2012
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee Senior Associate Dean of Education, School of Medicine	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2010	2011
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee Assistant Dean, School of Medicine	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2010	2010
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee, Student Services Director	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2010	2010
ASBMR: Membership Development Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2009	2012
University of Connecticut Health Center: Representative to the Association of American Medical Colleges Group on Women in Medicine and Science (GWIMS)	Professional/Scientific Organization	Representative	UConn Health	University	2009
University of Connecticut Health Center: DMD/MPH Advisory Committee School of Dental Medicine	Advisory Committee	Member	UConn Health	University	2009	2014
University of Connecticut Health Center: UCONN/COBB/NMA Planning Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2009	2011
University of Connecticut Health Center: School of Medicine Academic Plan Development Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Co-leader	UConn Health	University	2009	2009
University of Connecticut Health Center: Employee Philanthropy Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2009	2010
Association of American Medical Colleges Group on Women in Medicine and Science	Professional/Scientific Organization	Representative	External	National	2009
State of Connecticut Legislative Commission on Health Equity	Professional/Scientific Organization	Commissioner	External	State	2009
The Science Engineering & Health Professions Collaborative Symposium	Workshop/Conference	Leader	UConn Health	University	2009	2009
New York Academy of Sciences	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	State	2008
NIH: Skeletal Biology Development and Disease Study Section	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2008	2012
University of Connecticut Health Center: LCME Institutional Self-Study Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2008	2010
University of Connecticut Health Center: Clinical and Translational Research Training Grant Planning Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2008	2010
Biomedical Science Careers Student Conference: Harvard Medical School	Workshop/Conference	Panelist	External	University	2008	2008
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research: Bone and Cartilage	Professional/Scientific Organization	Session Co-Chair	External	National	2007	2007
University of Connecticut Health Center: Institutional Self-Study Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2007	2008
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee, Vice President/Dean School of Medicine	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2007	2008
Connecticut State Department of Education and the Department of Higher Education College Ready Advisory Sub-Committee of the Higher Education PK-16 Council	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	University	2007
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research: Scientific Program Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2006	2006
NIH Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel/Scientific Review Group	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2006
University of Connecticut Health Center: MD/PhD Steering Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2006
University of Connecticut Health Center: Senior Appointments and Promotions Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2006	2009
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee, Dean, School of Nursing	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2006	2006
American Dental Education Association: Advisory Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Chairman	External	National	2006	2006
American Dental Education Association Institutes for Policy and Advocacy: Minority Affairs Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Chair	External	National	2006	2006
Seventh Annual Diversity and Access to Dental Careers conference	Workshop/Conference	Opening Session Moderator	External	National	2006	2006
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research: Peptide Calciotropic Hormones	Professional/Scientific Organization	Session Co-Chair	External	National	2005	2005
Endocrine Society: Steering Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2005	2008
Endocrine Society: Basic Insights into Osteoporosis	Professional/Scientific Organization	Chairman	External	National	2005	2005
Association of American Medical Colleges: Building Diversity in Medicine Working Group	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2005	2005
University of Connecticut: Skeletal Craniofacial and Oral Biology Research Symposium	Professional/Scientific Organization	Session Chair	UConn Health	University	2004	2004
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research: Scientific Program Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2004	2004
MAS, Advisory Committee of the American Dental Education Association	Advisory Committee	Member	External	National	2004	2007
UCONN Center for Public Health and Health Policy: Advisory Board	Advisory Committee	Member	UConn Health	University	2004	2004
Bone	Professional/Scientific Journal	Member	External	National	2003
Cell and Tissue Research	Professional/Scientific Journal	Member	External	National	2003
Developmental Biology	Professional/Scientific Journal	Member	External	National	2003
Endocrinology	Professional/Scientific Journal	Member	External	National	2003
Gene	Professional/Scientific Journal	Member	External	National	2003
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases	Professional/Scientific Journal	Member	External	National	2003
Journal Bone and Mineral Research	Professional/Scientific Journal	Member	External	National	2003
Journal Clinical Orthopaedic and Related Research	Professional/Scientific Journal	Member	External	National	2003
Journal Cell Science	Professional/Scientific Journal	Member	External	National	2003
Osteoporosis International	Professional/Scientific Journal	Member	External	National	2003
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research: Scientific Program Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2002	2002
International Bone and Mineral Society	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	International	2001
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research: Education Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2001	2004
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research: Scientific Program Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2001	2001
NIH: Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Study Section	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	2000	2004
University of Connecticut Health Center: Graduate Program Ph.D. Strategic Planning Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	2000	2000
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research: BMP’s, TGF-Beta and Other Growth Factors	Professional/Scientific Organization	Co-Chair Scientific Session	External	National	1999	1999
University of Connecticut Health Center: Graduate Programs Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1999
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research-International Bone and Mineral Society: Scientific Program Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	1998	1998
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research: BMP’s, TGF-Beta and Other Growth Factors	Professional/Scientific Organization	Co-Chair Scientific Session	External	National	1997	1997
University of Connecticut Health Center: Chancellor’s Advisory Committee	Advisory Committee	Member	UConn Health	University	1996	1999
Connecticut State Medical Society	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	State	1995
The American Society for Cell Biology	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	1994
University of Connecticut Health Center: Institutional Accreditation Self-Study Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1994	1995
NIH: Comparative Medicine Review Committee NCRR	Professional/Scientific Organization	Study Section Member	External	National	1993	1997
University of Connecticut Health Center: Admissions Committee –College Student Summer Programs	Education Committee	Co -Chairperson	UConn Health	University	1992
University of Connecticut Health Center: Vice President’s Advisory Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1992	1996
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee Dean School of Medicine	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1992	1993
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee, Vice President and Provost for Health Affairs	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1992	1993
University of Connecticut Health Center: Institutional Self-Study Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1992	1993
University of Connecticut Health Center: MD/PhD. Combined Degree Steering Committee	Education Committee	Member	UConn Health	University	1992	1992
National Association of Advisors to the Health Profession	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	1991
The Endocrine Society	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	1991
Science Museum of Connecticut: Board of Trustees	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	State	1991	1997
National Medical Association	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	1990
University of Connecticut Health Center: Selection Committee High School Science Teacher Research Program	Professional/Scientific Organization	Chairperson	UConn Health	University	1990
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1990	1990
State of Connecticut Department of Higher Education: Peer Review Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	State	1990	1994
Association of American Medical Colleges: Focus Group on “The Selection Process of Underrepresented Students in Medical Schools”	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	1990	1990
American Lung Association of Connecticut: Research and Grants Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	1989	1991
University of Connecticut Health Center: Commencement Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1989
University of Connecticut Health Center: Board of Directors, Parent’s Association, School of Medicine	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1989	1992
University of Connecticut Health Center: Introduction to Clinical Medicine Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1989	1989
West Indian Foundation: Board of Directors	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	State	1989	1991
American Lung Association of Connecticut: Board of Directors	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	State	1989	1991
University of Connecticut School of Nursing Recruitment and Retention Campaign: Task Force-Executive Planning Group	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1989	1989
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee Assistant Dean, Minority Student Affairs	Professional/Scientific Organization	Chairperson	UConn Health	University	1988	1988
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	1987
University of Connecticut Health Center: School of Medicine Institutional Self-Study Task Force	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1987	1988
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee Assistant Dean, Dental Student Affairs	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1987	1987
University of Connecticut Health Center: Promotions Committee-School of Medicine	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1986
University of Connecticut Health Center: Predoctoral Admissions Committee-School of Medicine	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1986
University of Connecticut Health Center: Medical Student Evaluation and Appeals Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1986
University of Connecticut Health Center: Academic Performance Committees, I & II School of Dental Medicine	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1986
University of Connecticut Health Center: School of Dental Medicine Predoctoral Admissions Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1986
University of Connecticut Health Center: Elbert Powell Seminar Series	Professional/Scientific Organization	Chairperson	UConn Health	University	1986
University of Connecticut Health Center: Associate Dean and Director Health Career Opportunity Programs	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1986
University of Connecticut Health Center: Medical Deans Advisory Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1986	2006
University of Connecticut Health Center: Admissions Committee Minority Student Summer Programs	Education Committee	Chairperson	UConn Health	University	1986	1992
University of Connecticut Health Center: Affirmative Action Committee	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1986	1987
Connecticut Endocrine Society	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	State	1984
University of Connecticut Health Center: Search Committee Dean, School of Medicine	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1984	1984
Catholic Family Services Advisory Board	Advisory Committee	Member	External	State	1982	1983
Connecticut State Medical Society	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	State	1981	1981
American Medical Women’s Association	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	1981	1981
Hartford County Medical Association	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	Local	1981	1981
American Medical Association	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	1976	1991
University of Connecticut Health Center: Committee on Women and Minorities	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	UConn Health	University	1976	1976
Connecticut Women’s Career Council	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	State	1974	1974
Student National Medical Association	Professional/Scientific Organization	Member	External	National	1972	1972
University of Connecticut Health Center; Admissions Committee, School of Medicine	Education Committee	Member	UConn Health	University	1972	1972
Student National Medical Association Meeting	Professional/Scientific Organization	Representative	External	National	1972	1972
University of Connecticut Health Center: Minority and Women’s Day, Career Opportunities	Professional/Scientific Organization	Organizer	UConn Health	University	1972	1972

Dr. Hurley is a physician scientist who is recognized nationally and internationally for her expertise on the role of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) in bone. She has supervised and mentored more than fifty students in research including women and underrepresented students many of whom have gone on to outstanding careers in academic medicine, dental medicine or biomedical research. Dr. Hurley’s research laboratory has made seminal observations on the importance of FGF2 in maintaining bone mass in mice as demonstrated by her publication in the premier Journal of Clinical Investigation. She has also co-authored papers in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Nature Genetics. Dr. Hurley’s lab was the first to demonstrate that FGF2 expression in bone cells is increased by parathyroid hormone (PTH); the first anabolic agent approved by the FDA for osteoporosis treatment in the USA. Recently, Dr. Hurley’s lab demonstrated a novel role for the nuclear isoforms of FGF2 in phosphate homeostasis and was awarded a grant from NIDDK to study the potential role of these isoforms in human disorder X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets. Dr. Hurley’s outstanding research productivity is demonstrated by her 162 peer reviewed publications as well as NIH research funding since 1989. Dr. Hurley has held leadership positions and has been an invited speaker at International Gordon Conferences, European Calcified Tissue Society, International Bone and Mineral Society, Endocrine Society, the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) and the Orthopedic Research Society. She was elected Vice Chairman for the 2016 Gordon Conferences on Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Disease. Dr. Hurley has been highly sought to serve on NIH Scientific Review Panels and has served as a permanent member of several NIH Institutes. She serves as a reviewer of research proposals for the National Science Foundation and as a reviewer for several scientific journals in the field of bone research. She also serves as a reviewer of scientific articles for several specialty journals and served on the Editorial Board of Gene and currently serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. Dr. Hurley is dedicated to the training and mentoring of the next generation of biomedical scientists. She is a member of the UConn graduate faculty for the Skeletal Biology and Regeneration and the Cell Biology areas of concentration in the Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Hurley was elected Chair of the prestigious international 2018 Gordon Conferences on Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Disease.

Accepting Lab Rotation Students: Spring 1 and 2 Block 2025

Lab Rotation Projects Areas of interest; Molecular mechanisms by which members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGFs) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) families regulate bone development, remodeling and disorders of bone and cartilage. Specific projects involve use of germline and conditional Fgf2 knockout and Fgf2 isoform transgenic mice in loss and gain of function experiments to elucidate the role of FGF-2 in disorders of bone, skeletal muscle and cartilage including osteomalacia, osteoporosis, fracture healing, myopathy and osteoarthritis.

Journal Articles

Book Chapters

Abstracts

Conference Papers

Reviews

Title or Abstract	Type	Sponsor/Event	Date/Year	Location
Inhibition of FGFR Signaling Partially Rescues Osteoarthritis in Mice Overexpressing High-Molecular Weight FGF2	Talk	American Society Bone and Mineral Research	2019	Orlando, FL, USA
High Molecular Weight Isoforms of Fibroblast growth factor 2, new players in Osteoarthritis	Lecture		2019	UCONN HEALTH
High Molecular Weight Isoforms of Fibroblast growth factor 2, new players in Osteoarthritis	Lecture		2019	UCONN HEALTH
Automated Indentation of Femoral and Temporomandibular Joints for Characterization of Cartilage Tissue Quality in Fgf2 KO Mice.	Poster	American Society for Bone and Mineral Research	2019	Orlando, FL, USA
FGF23 in crosstalk of bone, kidney and hematopoiesis in sickle cell bone disease.	Talk	American Society Bone Mineral Research	2019	Orlando, FL, USA
Impaired PTH-stimulated periosteal proliferation, Wnt activity and fracture healing in Fgf2 knockout mice.	Poster	American Society Bone Mineral Research	2019	Orlando, FL, USA
Fracture Healing in Fgf2 Heterozygous and Homozygous Knockout Mice	Talk	FGF Fusion Conference	2019	Nassau Bahamas
High Molecular Weight Isoforms of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2, New Players in Osteoarthropathy”	Talk	Avioli Musculoskeletal Research Seminar	2018	Washington University, St Louis, MO
FGF2 isoforms and osteoarthritis	Talk	FGF Fusion Conference	2017	Cancun, Mexico
FGF2 Isoforms in Bone and Phosphate Homeostasis	Talk	Chinese Academy of Science	2016	Beijing, China
Impaired Fracture Healing in Fgf2 Heterozygous and Homozygous Knockout Mice. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Bone & Mineral Research.	Talk	American Society for Bone and Mineral Research	2016	Atlanta, Georgia
knockout of nuclear FGF2 isoforms modulate bone and phosphate homeostasis	Talk	Gordon Conference	2014	Ventura, CA, USA
Exported 18kDa isoform of FGF2 and low dose BMP-2 improved bone regeneration in critical size mice calvarial defects via wnt signaling	Talk	Orthopedic Research Society	2014	New Orleans, LA, USA
Role of PTH in Fgf2 mutant and WT aged mice	Talk	UCONN-Jackson Laboratory Aging Symposium	2014	Storrs, CT, USA
Nuclear FGF2 isoforms inhibit bone marrow stromal cell mineralization through FGF23/FGFR/MAPK.	Talk	Endocrine Society	2013	San Francisco California
Nuclear FGF2 isoforms inhibit bone marrow stromal cell mineralization through FGF23/FGFR/MAPK	Talk	Endocrine Society	2013	San Francisco, USA
Impaired Anabolic Action of PTH on Bone Formation in Fgf2 Knockout Mice is Mediated by Attenuated Wnt Signaling	Talk	American Society for Bone & Mineral Research	2012	Minneapolis, Minnesota
FGF2 nuclear isoforms and bone matrix mineralization	Lecture	Gordon Research Conference	2012	Les Diablerets, Switzerland
FGF2 nuclear isoforms and bone matrix mineralization	Talk	Gordon conference	2012	Switzerland
The Impaired Anabolic Effect of PTH In the Absence of Endogenous FGF2 Is Partially Due to Reduced ATF4 Expression	Talk	American Society for Bone & Mineral Research	2011	San Diego, California
FGF2 Positive Regulation of Osteoblasts Differentiation and Bone Formation is Partially Mediated by Modulation of the Wnt pathway	Talk	Extracellular Matrix in Health and Disease Symposium	2011	Boston, Massachusetts
Anabolic Action of FGF2 on Bone Formation is Mediated in Part by Modulation of Wnt Pathway	Talk	University of Connecticut Health Center	2011	Farmington, Connecticut
Osteoporosis	Lecture	University of Connecticut Health Center	2011	Farmington, Connecticut
Nuclear FGF2 Isoforms are novel regulators of phosphate Homeostasis”	Talk	FGF Gordon Conference	2010	Ventura, California
Effect Anabolic Factors on Bone and Fat Formation in Old Age”	Talk	University of Connecticut School of Medicine Center on Aging	2010	University of Connecticut Health Center
Novel Effects of FGF23 Protein Isoforms on Bone Formation and Phosphate Homeostasis	Talk	AMGEN	2009	Thousand Oaks, California
FGFs and Bone”	Talk	Endocrine Society, Annual Meeting	2009	Washington DC
Diabetes Mellitus, Diagnosis and Management	Lecture	University of Connecticut	2009	West Hartford, Connecticut
Novel Effects of FGF2 Protein Isoforms on Bone Formation and Phosphate Homeostasis”	Talk	Indiana University School of Medicine	2008	Indianapolis, Indiana
“Effects of Global Knockout or Over-Expression Of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 In Osteoblasts on Fracture Healing In Transgenic Mice	Talk	International Bone and Mineral Society	2008	Davos, Switzerland
The Exported 18kDa Isoform of FGF-2 is a Critical Determinant of Bone Mass in Mice	Talk	New England Musculoskeletal Research Symposium	2008	Farmington, Connecticut
Targeted Overexpression of the Nuclear FGF2 Isoforms in Osteoblasts Induces Hypophosphatemia via Modulation of FGF23 and Klotho in Mice	Talk	American Society for Bone & Mineral Research	2008	Montreal, Canada
FGF signaling pathways in bone formation and maintenance”	Talk	American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Research Symposium	2007	Miami, Florida
Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 in Adipogenesis	Talk	University of Connecticut Health Center	2007	Farmington, Connecticut
Diabetes Mellitus, Diagnosis and Management	Lecture	University of Connecticut	2007	Hartford, Connecticut
Osteoporosis and Cytokines	Lecture	University of Connecticut Health Center	2007	Farmington, Connecticut
Health Professions Partnership Initiative	Lecture	Connecticut State Legislature	2007
Health Professions Diversity	Lecture	Sullivan Alliance National Leadership Symposium	2007	Washington, DC
“PTH induced Osteoclastogenesis and Osteoblastogenesis is markedly impaired in bone marrow cultures of Fgf2 knockout mice”.	Talk	University of Camerino	2006	Camerino, Italy
“Disruption of the Fgf2 Gene activates the adipogenic and suppresses the osteogenic program in Marrow stromal cells.	Talk	American Society of Bone & Mineral Research Annual Meeting	2006	Philadelphia, PA
"Role of Exported and Intracellular FGF-2 Isoforms in Bone	Talk	FGF Gordon Research Conference	2006	Ventura, California
Transgenic Mice Expressing High Molecular Weight Isoforms of FGF2 Exhibits Decreased Bone Mass and Disturbed Phosphate Homeostasis	Talk	American Society for Bone & Mineral Research	2006	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
FGF-2 and Musculoskeletal Aging	Talk	University of Connecticut Health Center	2006	Farmington, Connecticut
Fibroblast Growth Factors in Bone	Talk	University of Connecticut Health Center Musculoskeletal Institute	2006	Farmington, Connecticut
Osteoporosis and Cytokines	Lecture	University of Connecticut Health Center	2006	Farmington, Connecticut
Fibroblast Growth Factor2: Paracrine and Intracrine Effects on Bone	Talk	Yale, School of Medicine	2005	New Haven, CT
Osteoporosis and Cytokines	Lecture	University of Connecticut Health Center	2005	Farmington, Connecticut
The UCHC Health Professions Partnership Initiative as a Successful Model of Connecticut Career Choices	Lecture	The Governor’s Office for Workforce Development	2005	Rocky Hill, Connecticut
The Exported 18 kDa Isoform of FGF2 is a Critical Determinant of Bone Mass in Mice	Talk	American Society for Bone & Mineral Research	2004	Seattle, Washington
Regulation of Bone Formation by the FGF2 Pathway	Talk	Annual Symposium on Calcified Tissues	2004	Nice, France
Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Bone Remodeling	Talk	NIH and The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research	2004	Washington, D.C.
Osteoporosis of Mice and Men, Anabolic Response to PTH	Lecture	University of Connecticut Health Center	2004	Farmington, Connecticut
Osteoporosis and Cytokines	Lecture	University of Connecticut Health Center	2004	Farmington, Connecticut
UCHC Health Professions Partnership Initiative	Talk	Association of American Medical Colleges	2004	Boston, Massachusetts
Sustainability of the Health Professions Partnership Initiative	Talk	Association of American Medical Colleges	2004	Scottsdale, Arizona
The Transcription Factor STAT1 is a Novel Negative Regulator of Bone Mass and Bone Formation	Talk	American Society for Bone and Mineral Research	2003	Minneapolis, Minnesota
Osteoporosis and Cytokines	Lecture	University of Connecticut Health Center	2003	Farmington, Connecticut
“Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Bone Remodeling”,	Talk	Endocrine Society, Annual Meeting	2002	San Francisco, CA
The Anabolic Effect of Parathyroid Hormone is Impaired in Bones of Fgf2 Null Mice	Talk	American Society for Bone and Mineral Research	2002	San Antonio, Texas
Osteoporosis, What is it?	Lecture	University of Connecticut Health Center	2002	Farmington, Connecticut
“Disruption of the Fgf2 gene in mice results in impaired bone formation	Talk	Wesleyan University	2001	Middletown, CT
“Disruption of the fibroblast growth factor gene in mice results in diminished formation of osteoclasts in bone marrow culture in response to Prostaglandins”.	Talk	University of Montana	2001	Missoula, Montana
Prostaglandins Regulate FGF-2 and FGF Receptor Expression and Subcellular Localization in Osteoblasts	Talk	International Bone & Mineral Society and the European Calcified Tissue	2001	Madrid, Spain
An Overall Perspective on Women’s Health	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Allied Health	2001	Farmington, Connecticut
“Disruption of the fibroblast growth factor gene in mice results in diminished formation of osteoclasts in bone marrow culture in response to RANKL”	Talk	American Society of Bone & Mineral Research Annual Meeting	2000	Toronto, Canada
Regulation of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors by Transforming Growth Factor Beta in Human Osteoblastic MG-63 Cells	Talk	International Conference on Progress in Bone and Mineral Research	2000	Vienna, Austria
Overexpression of FGF-2 in Transgenic Mice Causes Premature and Enhanced Apoptotic Chondrocyte Cell Death at the Epiphyseal Growth Plate	Talk	American Society of Bone and Mineral Research	2000	Toronto, Canada
Disruption of the Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Gene in Mice Results in Decreased Bone Mass and Bone Formation	Talk	University of Camerino	2000	Camerino, Italy
Prostaglandin Induced Osteoclastogenesis is Markedly Impaired in Bone Marrow Cultures of Fgf2 Knockout Mice	Talk	University of Camerino	2000	Camerino, Italy
Interleukin-1 and Prostaglandins Regulate Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Gene Expression in Osteoblasts	Talk	University of Connecticut Health Center	2000	Farmington, Connecticut
Disruption of the Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Gene in Mice Results in Decreased Bone Mass and Bone Formation	Talk	University of Connecticut Health Center	2000	Farmington, Connecticut
Disruption of the Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Gene in Mice Results in Decreased Bone Mass and Bone Formation	Talk	American Society of Bone and Mineral Research Meeting	1999
Fibroblast Growth Factors in Bone Remodeling	Talk	University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine	1999	Farmington, Connecticut
Bone Metabolism	Lecture	University of Connecticut Health Center	1999	Farmington, Connecticut
Osteoporosis and Cytokines	Lecture	University of Connecticut Health Center	1999	Farmington, Connecticut
Epiphysial Growth Plate Defects in Basic FGF Transgenic and FGF-2 Null Mice	Talk	American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology	1998	Taos, New Mexico
Fibroblast Growth Factors in Bone Remodeling	Talk	University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine	1998	Farmington, Connecticut
Bone Metabolism	Talk	University of Connecticut Health Center	1998	Farmington, Connecticut
Role of Prostaglandins in FGF-2 Mediated Osteoclastogenesis	Talk	University of Camerino	1998	Camerino, Italy
Prostaglandins and FGF-2 Mediated Osteoclastogenesis	Talk	University of Connecticut Health Center	1998	Farmington, Connecticut
Localization of an FGF-2 Inhibitory Element in the COL1A1 Gene in Transgenic Mice	Talk	University of Pennsylvania	1998	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Osteoporosis and Cytokines	Lecture	University of Connecticut Health Center	1998	Farmington, Connecticut
Osteoporosis The Silent Disease	Lecture	West Indian Foundation	1998	Hartford, Connecticut
Osteoporosis The Silent Disease	Lecture	WVIT-TV Channel 30	1998	New Britain, Connecticut
Regulation of FGF-2 in Bone	Talk	University of Connecticut Health Center	1997	Farmington, Connecticut
Regulation of FGF-2 in Bone	Talk	Prizm Pharmaceuticals	1996	San Diego, California
Adrenal Disorder	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1995	Farmington, Connecticut
Regulation of Inducible Prostaglandin G/H Synthase mRNA Levels and Promoter Activity by Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Osteoblastic Cells	Talk	American Society for Bone & Mineral Research	1994	Kansas City, Missouri
Osteoporosis and Growth Factors	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1994	Farmington, Connecticut
Hypoparathyroidism	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1994	Farmington, Connecticut
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Expression and Regulation in Bone Cells	Talk	University of Connecticut	1993	Farmington, Connecticut
Hirsutism	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1993	Farmington, Connecticut
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Inhibits IGF-1 mRNA in the Clonal Osteoblastic Cell Line MC3T3-E1	Talk	International Conference on Calcium Regulating Hormones	1992	Florence, Italy
Adrenal Insufficiency	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1992	Farmington, Connecticut
Mechanisms by which Heparin and Heparin Binding Growth Factors Act on Type I Collagen Synthesis in Bone	Talk	University of Connecticut Department of Medicine	1991	Farmington, Connecticut
Connective Tissue Matrix Proteins	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1991	Farmington, Connecticut
Adrenal Insufficiency	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1991	Farmington, Connecticut
Pagets Disease	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1990	Farmington, Connecticut
Cell Cycle	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1989	Farmington, Connecticut
Hirsutism	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1989	Farmington, Connecticut
Systemic Hormones	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1988	Farmington, Connecticut
Hirsutism	Lecture	University of Connecticut School of Medicine	1987	Farmington, Connecticut
Amenorrhea and Infertility	Lecture	St. Joseph’s College	1986	West Hartford, Connecticut