Our Research Team
Dr. Abdel has assembled a lab team with far-ranging expertise, all committed to deepening scientific knowledge about arthrofibrosis and why it occurs in some patients after total knee arthroplasty.
Learn more about Dr. Abdel and members of his research team.
Matthew P. Abdel, M.D.
Dr. Abdel is the Andrew A. and Mary S. Sugg Professor of Orthopedic Research and a consultant in hip and knee reconstruction at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Abdel has received numerous awards for his work, including the Lawrence D. Dorr Surgical Techniques & Technologies Award from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (2020, 2019 and 2018); the Otto Aufranc Award from The Hip Society (2017); and the Mark B. Coventry Award from The Knee Society (2019 and 2014). He also received a research grant from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (2017). Dr. Abdel is a member of the member-only and prestigious The Hip Society and The Knee Society, and he currently serves on the board of directors of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Read Dr. Abdel's research publications.
Mason F. Carstens, M.S.
Mason is originally from Rochester, Minnesota, and has returned to Mayo Clinic after time away to study. He previously worked as a summer student at Mayo Clinic, where he conducted research in orthopedics and regenerative medicine. Mason attended Creighton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience and a Master of Science degree in medical science and clinical anatomy. In Dr. Abdel's lab, Mason contributes to several projects involving the research of arthrofibrosis and related pathologies. He played hockey for Creighton University and continues to play competitively.
Oliver B. Dilger
Oliver, a Rochester native, is a research assistant in the lab. Oliver attended Boston College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in history. With a special interest in the history of medicine, Oliver studied how Progressive Era understandings of health and disease informed the construction of America's greatest cities. In the lab, Oliver participates in several projects involving potential pharmacological therapies for arthrofibrosis. Outside of work, Oliver enjoys reading American history and playing golf.
Amel Dudakovic, Ph.D.
Dr. Dudakovic, originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is an assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and an assistant professor of orthopedics at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota in 2005, a doctorate in pharmacology from the University of Iowa in 2010, and extensive postdoctoral training at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Dudakovic's studies are focused on advancing pharmacologic strategies to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Specifically, his studies are aimed at identifying epigenetic events that can be targeted to prevent and treat bone, cartilage and fibrotic conditions. Outside of work, Dr. Dudakovic enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, participating and volunteering in the local community, and savoring a good cup of coffee. Read Dr. Dudakovic's research publications.
Anne M. Roesler, M.S.
Anne is the program manager for the Division of Orthopedic Surgery Research. Originally from Caledonia, Minnesota, Anne received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology-allied health from Winona State University in Minnesota in 2016 and a Master of Science degree from Winona State in applied research and management in 2022. Anne performed research in both academic and industry settings before transitioning to a management role in orthopedics at Mayo Clinic. She joined Dr. Abdel's lab in December 2020. In addition to her work, Anne enjoys hiking, camping, weightlifting and spending time in the outdoors.
Zachary T. Ryan
Zach is a student in the Graduate Research Education Program (GREP) conducting research in Dr. Abdel's laboratory. Originally from Rochester, Minnesota, Zach attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and obtained a bachelor's degree in biology. In the lab, Zach participates in many projects involving potential pharmaceutical therapies for arthrofibrosis. Before beginning his scientific career, Zach played baseball for the Rochester Youth Baseball Association for 11 years and won multiple championship tournaments. Now he enjoys video games, biking and watching sports on television.
Roman Thaler, Ph.D., M.S.
Dr. Thaler, originally from Italy, is a research associate who joined Mayo Clinic in 2014. He is also an instructor in orthopedics at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota. He received a master's degree in 2008 and a doctorate in 2011 from the University of Vienna in Austria. His studies investigated the epigenetic mechanisms controlling bone development and the interplay of the collagenous extracellular matrix in these processes. Dr. Thaler has received several honors and awards for his research, including the ASBMR John Haddad Young Investigator Award in 2019, the Mayo Clinic Patrick J. Kelly Research Award in 2017, the ASBMR Harold M. Frost Young Investigator Award in 2016, the Jakob Erdheim Research prize of the Austrian Society for Bone and Mineral Research in 2013 and others. He was also awarded grants from the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine, now the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, in 2016 and 2014. Integrating his rich research experience, Dr. Thaler's studies now focus on the elucidation of the cellular, molecular and epigenetic causes controlling arthrofibrosis development.