Stephen J. Moorman, PhD
Professor of Anatomy and Neuroanatomy, Associate Chair - Department of Anatomy
Dr. Moorman came to the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine from the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School where he was an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. His research interests in the past have included spinal cord regeneration, development of the vestibular apparatus in zebrafish, and the regulation of transcriptional noise in single cells. His current research interest is the use of technology to enhance learning and assessment in medical education. In addition to still being an avid runner, he is also an experienced rock climber, singer, and theatrical set designer.
Courses Taught:
Anatomy and Embryology
Neuroanatomy
Education/Training:
BS in Biology/Anatomy from Cornell University
MS in Anatomy from SUNY Stony Brook
PhD in Anatomy and Neurobiology from Colorado State University
Academic Appointments
Assistant Research Scientist - University of Michigan 1992-1993
Assistant Professor - UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 1993-1998
Assistant Professor - Case Western Reserve University, 1998-2002
Associate Professor - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 2002- 2016
Professional Affiliations
Society for Neuroscience
American Association of Anatomists
Fellowships/Honors
Rutgers Leadership Academy Fellow
Stuart D. Cook MD Master Educator
Harvard-Macy Medical Education Fellow
Research America Science Advocacy Fellow
Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory - Stephen Kuffler Fellow
Areas of Research/Interest
Medical Education
Gravitational and Space Biology
Developmental Neurobiology
Selected Publications
Moorman, S.J. and A.Z. Shorr (2008) The primary cilium as a gravity sensor and a regulator of transcriptional noise. Developmental Dynamics 237:1955-1959
Moorman, S.J., N. Shimada, G. Sokunbi, and C. Pfirrmann (2007) Simulated–microgravity induced changes in gene expression in zebrafish embryos suggest that the primary cilium is involved in gravity transduction. Gravitational and Space Biology 20:79-86
Moorman, S.J. (2006) Prof-in-a-Box: using internet-videoconferencing to assist students in the gross anatomy laboratory. BMC Medical Education 6:55
Shimada, N. and S.J. Moorman (2006) Changes in gravitational force cause changes in gene expression in the lens of developing zebrafish. Developmental Dynamics 235:2686-2694
Moorman, S.J., R. Cordova, and S.A. Davies (2002) A Critical Period for functional development of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) vestibular system. Developmental Dynamics 223:285-291.
Invited Presentations
St. George’s University, Grenada: Invited Speaker
Michigan State University School of Human Medicine: Invited Speaker
Dalhousie University School of Medicine: Invited Speaker
Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, Center for Advanced Studies in Space Life Sciences: Invited Speaker
Grants/Funding
2004-2010 NIH/NCRR “The zebrafish atlas”
2007-2008 UMDNJ Educational Technology Grant Program: “Informatics approach to student assessment”
2002-2007 NASA “Effects of microgravity on gene expression”
1999-2003 NASA “Effects of Microgravity on Zebrafish Vestibular development”
1997-2002 NIH/NIDCD “Is development of the equilibrium receptor system dependent on gravity.”
1995-1998 American Paralysis Association “Cell-cell interactions that limit regeneration after spinal cord injuries.”
Community Service/Outreach
2007 Siemens National High School Math, Science, and Technology Competition, Judge
2005-present North Jersey Regional Science Fair, Category Chair & ISEF panel
1997-1998 49th International Science and Engineering Fair, Zoology Category Co-Chair