UCSF’s Dr. Ralph Marcucio has been elected president-elect of The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) for the 2025-2027 term. A leader in musculoskeletal and craniofacial biology, he will help shape the future of anatomical sciences and professional development worldwide. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.)
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2025) — The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is excited to announce that Ralph Marcucio, Ph.D., FAAA, a professor of musculoskeletal research, has been elected president-elect of The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) for the 2025-2027 term.
Dr. Marcucio will play a key role in advancing the AAA’s mission to support professionals in the anatomical sciences globally. With over 2,500 members, the AAA connects researchers and educators across disciplines to promote research, education, and professional development. Dr. Marcucio’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the organization’s future.
“Dr. Marcucio’s unwavering commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of musculoskeletal and craniofacial biology is matched only by his remarkable ability to lead and inspire those around him,” said Theodore Miclau III, MD, Professor and Director of the UCSF Orthopaedic Trauma Institute Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG). “. His vision for the future of anatomical sciences not only propels cutting-edge research but also empowers the next generation of scientists and clinicians to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.”
Dr. Marcucio has been part of the UCSF faculty since 2003, where he serves as director of the Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory and contributes to several interdisciplinary programs, including the UCSF Craniofacial and Mesenchymal Biology Program and the Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Graduate Program. As a faculty member in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, he teaches and conducts research on craniofacial development, fracture repair, aging, and mesenchymal stem cells.
Dr. Marcucio’s educational background includes a B.S. in Animal Science and a Ph.D. in Animal Science with a focus on reproductive physiology from Cornell University. He completed postdoctoral fellowships at Cornell and UCSF, further developing his expertise in musculoskeletal and craniofacial biology.
Dr. Marcucio has received numerous accolades for his contributions to science, including the 2022 David Bixler Distinguished Scientist in Craniofacial Research Award and the 2024 Henry Gray Scientific Achievement Award. His leadership within professional organizations has included serving as president of the Society for Craniofacial Genetics and Developmental Biology, chair of the AAA’s Program Committee, and as a member of several scientific advisory boards and editorial boards. He is committed to advancing anatomical sciences and supporting the development of future leaders in the field.
The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery congratulates Dr. Marcucio on this prestigious appointment.
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