[2] In 1990, Young became a tenured senior investigator of the molecular biology of bones and teeth section in the MTB which subsequently became the craniofacial and skeletal diseases branch led by Pamela Robey.

Young has served on numerous committees at the NIH related to promotion and tenure action, oversight of animal facilities, and coordination of summer student research.

Young’s research explores how these ECM components control skeletal tissue function via both anabolic (through differentiation and formation) and catabolic (breakdown or resorption) mechanisms which, in some cases, work by modulating growth factor availability.

The group also investigates how stem cell fate can be regulated by the ECM in multiple skeletal sites including bones, teeth, cartilage, and tendon.

The ultimate purpose of the research is to develop practical applications for these ECM components in ameliorating diseases such as osteopenia, osteoarthritis, and ectopic bone formation in soft tissues.