Education
-
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine
-
Master of Science (M.S.), Biomedical Sciences, Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
-
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biological Sciences, Indiana University South Bend
Biography
Jordan Matz, M.S., Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Marian University. She earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Indiana University South Bend and completed her M.S. in Biomedical Sciences at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2021. Dr. Matz went on to earn her Ph.D. in Medical and Molecular Genetics with a concentration on Physiology from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis in 2026. Her primary academic interests include physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and genetics, along with disorders of mineral and bone. She is also highly enthusiastic about student mentorship.
Dr. Matz’s Doctoral work focused on chronic kidney disease – mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), studying how CKD-MBD affects bones and skeletal health. She utilized mouse models of disease to study how the transcription factor, ZHX2, influenced bone health under the lens of CKD-MBD, along with influences on ectopic calcification, particularly within the heart. This work was funded through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) / National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) T32 Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Training Program and Fellowship.
She was competitively awarded multiple travel grants and opportunities through the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) to present her work at annual, international conferences. During the 2025 ASBMR Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA, Dr. Matz was competitively selected to present her work at the NIH, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) 75th Anniversary Plenary Session.
Research and Scholarship
Research Interests:
Investigating skeletal health and disease and potential roles of novel factors in these processes. Dr. Matz is also interested in pedagogical research, exploring effective mentorship and its ties to student outcomes and successes, particularly in the graduate and professional STEM and medical fields.
Selected Publications & Presentations:
(See Jordan A. Matz’s Google Scholar Page or ORCiD for a full list of publications and scholarly activities)
-
Miller C, Segvich DM, Wanner J, Mahmood H, Kirschner KM, Matz JA, Santangelo S, Wallace JM, Clinkenbeard EL. Effects of spermine on osteoblasts during iron deficiency in vitro and in vivo during chronic kidney disease. Bone. 2026 Apr 2;208:117867.
-
Matz, JA. Oral Plenary Presentation and Panel Discussion, “Zinc Fingers and Homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) Exerts Sex-Specific Differences in Chronic Kidney Disease – Associated Skeletal Adaptations.” Abstract, Poster Presentation, and Plenary Symposium: NIH- NIDDK 75th Anniversary Session; American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA. September 2024. J Bone Miner Res. 40 (Suppl 1). November 2025.
-
Matz, JA. Abstract, Poster Presentation, and Oral Plenary Presentation, “Examining the Role of ZHX2 in Chronic Kidney Disease-related Bone & Cardiovascular Health.” ASBMR Annual Meeting, Vancouver, Canada. October 2023. J Bone Miner Res. 38 (Suppl 2).
-
J. Matz, M. Castañon, C. Fahrholz, K. Kruse, S. Lemmon, J. Vroegop, J. Lowery, J. Hum 2021 Kisspeptin treatment in mesenchymal bone cells induces markers of inflammation. J Bone Miner Res. 37 (Suppl 1).
Current Projects & Grants:
Awards and Honors:
-
Elite 50 Award, Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis (2026)
-
IU School of Medicine Medical and Molecular Genetics Department Student-to-Student Recognition Award (2026)
-
IU School of Medicine Medical and Molecular Genetics Department Student Service & Volunteerism Award (2025)
-
Young Investigator Travel Grant Award Recipient, Symposium on Rare Bone Diseases, ASBMR (2025)
-
ASBMR Underrepresented Minority (URM) Travel Grant Award (2024)
-
Endocrine Fellows Forum/ASBMR Fellows Forum on Metabolic Bone Diseases (2024)
-
Outstanding Student Service Award, Indiana University South Bend (2016)
-
Excellence in Biology Peer Mentoring, Indiana University South Bend Department of Biological Sciences (2016)
-
Dr. Ann M. Grens Biology Scholarship Recipient, Indiana University South Bend Department of Biological Sciences (2015)
Professional Service and Affiliations
-
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), Member (2020–Present)
-
Doctoral Student Representative, Medical & Molecular Genetics (MMGE) Department, Indiana University School of Medicine (2025–2026)
-
Co-President, MMGE Student Government Organization, Indiana University School of Medicine (2025–2026)
-
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Institutional Doctoral Scholars Program (2022–2026)
-
Vice President, Biomedical Graduate Student Advocacy Association (BGSAA), Indiana University School of Medicine (2024–2025)
-
Risk Management Executive Officer, BGSAA, Indiana University School of Medicine (2023–2024)
-
President, IU South Bend Biology & Chemistry Club (2014–2016)
Personal Info
Dr. Matz enjoys exploring the city and nature of Indianapolis as well as spending time with her husband, son, and two very energetic Australian Shepherds. Stay tuned, as a new addition to the Matz Family will be joining Fall of 2026! When Dr. Matz isn’t working, she can usually be found with her nose deep in a novel or out for a run with her dog.
