LuskinOIC Establishes New Research Award to Honor Legacy of Dr. Harry A. McKellop
The Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) has announced the creation of a new research award designed to recognize and celebrate exceptional achievement and innovation in orthopaedic science. The Harry A. McKellop, Ph.D., Excellence in Research and Innovation Award was unveiled at a dinner reception on Friday, January 23, hosted by the J. Vernon Luck, Sr., M.D., Biomechanics Research Center at LuskinOIC.
The award honors the life and work of Dr. Harry A. McKellop, a pioneering scientist whose contributions to the understanding of artificial joint wear and orthopaedic biomechanics helped shape modern joint replacement research. The new honor also builds on a longstanding tradition of recognizing excellence at the JVL Research Center, following the earlier establishment of the G. June Marshall Award, named after the research center’s founding director.
A New Award to Celebrate Research Excellence
The introduction of the McKellop Award marks a significant moment for LuskinOIC’s research community. It signals a continued commitment to supporting innovative scientific inquiry, recognizing leadership in research, and encouraging the next generation of orthopaedic scientists.
The award was announced during a special dinner reception, bringing together researchers, clinicians, and supporters of the JVL Research Center. The event was hosted by the J. Vernon Luck, Sr., M.D., Biomechanics Research Center, a key pillar of LuskinOIC’s research mission.
The new award underscores the institute’s focus on honoring both historical excellence and future potential in orthopaedic research. By establishing an award in Dr. McKellop’s name, LuskinOIC is highlighting the lasting impact of his work while encouraging continued innovation and discovery.
Honoring a Pioneering Researcher
Dr. Harry A. McKellop’s legacy is deeply embedded in the history of orthopaedic research. He served at the JVL Research Center from 1980 until his retirement in 2014, holding a series of leadership roles that shaped the direction of the institution. Among his positions were Director of the Biomechanics Laboratory, Director of the Research Center, and Vice President of Research at Orthopaedic Hospital.
Throughout his career, Dr. McKellop was widely recognized for his pioneering research into wear mechanisms in artificial joints. His work led to numerous patents and garnered major awards, including the prestigious Kappa Delta Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, one of the highest honors in the field.
Under his leadership, the JVL Research Center became one of the world’s most prominent institutions for orthopaedic research, attracting top talent and contributing to foundational advances in joint replacement technology and biomechanics.
Dr. McKellop’s contributions extended beyond research discoveries; he helped build the research infrastructure and culture that allowed future generations of scientists to pursue innovative projects and translate findings into improved clinical outcomes.
Inaugural Award Recognizes Emerging Leader in Orthopaedics
The first recipient of the Harry A. McKellop Excellence in Research and Innovation Award is Dr. Jenna Wahbeh, recognized for her impactful contributions to orthopaedic science and her dedication to advancing research at LuskinOIC.
Dr. Wahbeh joined LuskinOIC as a volunteer in 2019, and since that time has developed a significant research portfolio addressing critical gaps in orthopaedics. Her work has been recognized through prestigious awards and fellowships, including the ORS Spine Section Travel Fellowship and the UCLA Dissertation Year Fellowship.
Throughout her time at LuskinOIC, Dr. Wahbeh has also played a key role in mentorship, guiding more than 30 students through research projects and academic development. Her commitment to mentoring highlights the award’s emphasis on leadership, community building, and cultivating the next generation of scientific talent.
In March 2025, Dr. Wahbeh successfully defended her dissertation, presenting research focused on cervical disc replacements with the goal of improving clinical outcomes for patients undergoing spinal surgery. Her work represents a meaningful contribution to the field, and the award recognizes her achievements as well as her potential for continued impact in orthopaedic research.
A Ceremony That Bridged Past and Present
The award ceremony served as a gathering of the LuskinOIC research community, bringing together past and present researchers from the JVL Research Center, LuskinOIC leadership and staff, and honored guests. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Dr. McKellop while recognizing the future of orthopaedic innovation.
During the reception, Dr. Edward Ebramzadeh reflected on Dr. McKellop’s contributions and highlighted the significance of the new award. “This award honors both Dr. McKellop’s extraordinary legacy and the next generation of researchers carrying that work forward,” Dr. Ebramzadeh said, emphasizing the continuity of scientific excellence and mentorship within the institution.
Dr. James Luck Jr. also shared the history of LuskinOIC and the Research Center, reinforcing the institution’s long-standing commitment to biomechanics research and clinical innovation. His remarks highlighted how the research center has evolved over the decades while maintaining a focus on advancing patient care through scientific discovery.
In a symbolic moment, Dr. McKellop introduced Dr. Wahbeh before she delivered her closing remarks. The exchange underscored the award’s purpose: to connect the pioneering achievements of the past with the innovative potential of the future.
The establishment of the Harry A. McKellop, Ph.D., Excellence in Research and Innovation Award is more than a tribute—it is a statement about the importance of sustained scientific inquiry and the role of mentorship in building a strong research community.
By recognizing leaders like Dr. Wahbeh, LuskinOIC is highlighting the critical role of emerging researchers in advancing orthopaedic science. The award is expected to become a hallmark of excellence within the institution, inspiring future recipients to pursue research that advances patient care and contributes to the broader field.
As LuskinOIC continues to grow its research capabilities, the new award will serve as a reminder of the legacy of Dr. McKellop and the ongoing commitment to innovation that defines the institute.
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