Rachel K. Surowiec, PhD | Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University; Ashley Cuellar Gilmore, MD; Stuart Warden, PT, PhD; Dimitrios Stefanidis, MD, PhD; Erik Imel, MD; Tarik K. Yuce, MD, MS; Mohseu Rashid Subah, BSc; Farhan Sadik, BSc; Youngjun Lee, MSc; Wikum R. Bandara, MSc
Competition Sponsor: National Academy of Medicine
Awardee Year: 2025
As people age, the ability to move, function, and remain independent is essential for quality of life. Yet musculoskeletal (MSK) health remains one of the most overlooked aspects of longevity, despite fractures and mobility loss leading to rapid declines in health, independence, and survival. Existing clinical tools fail to detect early skeletal fragility and muscle deterioration, leaving millions at risk for life-altering fractures without warning. Our goal is to shift the focus from merely predicting risk to identifying resilience—those who maintain function despite aging-related changes—allowing for personalized strategies that extend mobility and independence.