Dr. Heidi Reesink is a board-certified large animal surgeon with clinical interests in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. She received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by residency and PhD training at Cornell University. Dr. Reesink’s laboratory aims to unravel mechanisms underlying the development of orthopedic disease and to pioneer innovative therapies for the treatment of arthritis in equine, canine and human athletes. A major focus of the laboratory is understanding how glycans and glycoproteins, such as lubricin and hyaluronic acid, enable effective joint lubrication, mitigate inflammation and maintain joint homeostasis. The lab employs molecular biology, biochemistry, glycobiology and engineering techniques to investigate the role of glycans in osteoarthritis. A second major focus is deciphering how bone morphology, bone quality and exercise relate to catastrophic fracture in racehorses. The lab uses advanced imaging, materials science and epidemiological techniques to investigate these questions in racehorse fractures. As a PACE member, Dr. Reesink has participated in PACE Mutual Mentoring Meeting (M3) sessions, grant writing workshops, and individualized mentorship opportunities. She is looking forward to taking advantage of more professional development opportunities in 2021-22.