Ms. Walsh first came to MSU in 1965 and worked at the College of Veterinary Medicine as a histology technician, a specialist who prepares tissues and other samples for microscopic examination. In 1976 she came to a fledgling MSUCOM and joined its biomechanics department and has been here ever since.

Over the years Ms. Walsh has worked under four deans, weathered the inevitable budget crises, and seen the MSUCOM grow into a "nationally recognized osteopathic college with a strong, stable faculty."

Above all, Ms. Walsh’s decades of experience have made her an expert in research histology—the science of preparing tissue samples for microscopic analysis.

Although most research histologists work with soft tissues, Ms. Walsh has an unusual specialization in orthopedic histology, an area that involves working with hard tissues, including both human and animal bone, cartilage, and tendons.

Ms. Walsh’s expertise has made her an invaluable asset to researchers such as Roger Haut, PhD, a professor in the Departments of Osteopathic Surgical Specialities, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Haut’s research examines impact trauma and tissue biomechanics. Ms. Walsh has also worked with Norman J. Sauer, PhD, a professor of anthropology who heads the Forensic Anthropology Lab in East Fee Hall, and several others.

In addition, Ms. Walsh has been the OMM Residency Program assistant and the OMM clinical rotation coordinator. She has also assisted Robert C. Ward, DO, professor of osteopathic manipulative medicine, in the preparation of two editions of the widely-used Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine textbook.

"Balancing the love of science and labwork with the experience of interacting with researchers, students, and clinicians has been a wonderful career blend," Ms. Walsh says. "I have learned so much from knowing and working with all these people from MSUCOM."