Our Experts

Jonathan J. Rios, Ph.D.

Director of Molecular Genetics

Dr. Jonathan Rios earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Tarleton State University and his doctorate degree in Genetics from Texas A&M University in College Station. After completing a post-doctoral fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), he joined the Division of Molecular Genetics at Scottish Rite for Children (SRC) in 2011. He is an Associate Professor in the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development and the Departments of Pediatrics and Orthopaedic Surgery at UTSW. Dr. Rios’ research interests include identifying the genetic basis of pediatric musculoskeletal and developmental conditions. Additionally, the Rios laboratory studies the role of skeletal stem cells (SSC) in bone development and fracture repair. His research is uncovering molecular mechanisms responsible for persistent fracture healing defects (pseudarthrosis) in children. By understanding the role that SSCs play in pediatric genetic bone diseases, the Rios laboratory is identifying and testing novel therapeutic strategies to improve fracture healing and skeletal development in children. He is a member of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), the Neurofibromatosis Clinical Trials Consortium (NFCTC), the Response Evaluation in Neurofibromatosis International Collaboration (REiNS), and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA).