The Comparative Orthopaedics Laboratory at Cornell University was founded to foster and expand multidisciplinary research into orthopedic problems of animals and man. The laboratory provides a focus point for the dedicated study of the basic mechanisms of orthopedic diseases and the development of innovative targeted therapeutic measures. The primary species of interest are the equine and human athlete. Results of studies involving the cause and treatment of diseases in the horse have been directly applied to similar syndromes in man and companion animal species. Examples include the development of cartilage cell transplantation for acute joint injuries in the horse.  Research done by the Comparative Orthopaedics Laboratory allowed the continued application of cartilage cell transplantation to the human knee.
For shoulder injuries, a study of rotator cuff fixation techniques has paved the way for better surgical repair in people and was recognized by the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons through the Neer Award for research excellence.

• 1983     Colorado State University, MS
• 1980 - 1983     Colorado State University, Residency in Large Animal Surgery
• 1979     University of Sydney, Australia, Internship in Large Animal Surgery
• 1979     University of Sydney, Australia, BVSc (Honors)

    Please select the PubMed link for a list of Dr. Nixon's publications.

• 2013     Richard Hartley Award, BEVA, Best clinical relevant paper, EVJ 2013
• 2009     Equine Research Hall of Fame Inductee, University of Kentucky
• 2002     The Neer Award, Outstanding Clinical & Basic Research in Surgery, American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons
• 1985     Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

• 1983     Most Outstanding Scientific Article in Veterinary Surgery

• 1982     Most Outstanding Resident Presentation, Annual Scientific Meeting, ACVS, San Diego

• American Society of Gene Therapy

• International Cartilage Repair Society

• NIH, Center for Scientific Review, SBIR and STTR study section, grant review (1999-2002)

• NIH NIAMS, Center for Scientific Review, Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal study sections (SBSR, SBDD), R01 grant review (Ad Hoc)

• North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Association (Executive Board)

• Orthopedic Research Society

• Osteoarthritis Research Society