The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in our veterans puts them at elevated risk of fracture and fracture-associated death. Nearly 1 of every 3 veterans has CKD, fracture risk in persons with CKD is 4x higher than the age-matched general population, and persons who fracture with CKD have longer hospitalization and higher mortality rates than patients without CKD who fracture. The work of my laboratory throughout my career has been focused on causes of bone fragility and assessment of current and potential future approaches for strengthening bone to reduce fracture risk. Current work in my laboratory is focused on two key concepts. The first, supported through my Merit award, is testing the overall hypothesis that reversal of cortical porosity with enhanced material quality can combine to improve bone mechanical properties in CKD. Using two complementary animal models of CKD that develop robust cortical porosity, we are using combinations of clinically relevant therapies and studying the morphological, material and mechanical properties of the bone. A parallel line of work supported by an NIH-R01 grant is focused on precision medicine approaches to CKD. Specifically, we are testing the hypothesis in a clinical setting that microRNA can serve as a biomarker for differentiating the skeletal manifestation of disease. These experiments will utilize novel biomarker analyses in combination with standard (histological assessment of bone turnover) and cutting-edge (Raman/nano- indentation assessment of bone quality) approaches that have high translational potential. Collectively, this work will serve as a platform on which to build a clinical regimen for reducing the skeletal burden and improving the quality of life of veterans suffering from CKD. Complementary to my research program I have purposefully built a program focused on institutional/professional service. The goals of this program are to help the next generation of researchers. As Co-Director of Workforce Development for our Indiana Clinical and Translational Science Institute I have built/supported programs to assist the workforce ranging from high school through mid-career faculty. This work, which bridges to our local VA, includes programs to engage socioeconomically disadvantaged and/or historically under-represented populations gain research experience and programs focused on supporting early career researchers’ growth toward independence. Through both my research and service, my goal is to improve health among the Veteran population, and among the public in general, through both my own work and the work of others.