Trainees at the Wilmer Eye Institute
Trainees at the Wilmer Eye Institute
Erika Aguzzi, MSc, Ph.D. - Johnson Lab
About:"My current research incorporates translational neuroscience studies that utilize stem cells to observe the survival and integrative capacity of transplanted RGCs in the mammalian retina. I am also interested in understanding how neuroprotective strategies can increase regeneration of RGCs and the optic nerve."
Outside of the lab: "I enjoy traveling and spending time with my two Westies, as well as supporting efforts to save Vaquita porpoise, the most endangered cetacean in the world.”
Gianni Castiglione, Ph.D. - Duh Lab
About: "My work investigates the effects of genetic variation on protein biochemistry and retinal degeneration. Inspired by extremophile animals, I use an evolutionary medicine approach to design engineered visual pigments and test their therapeutic potential within mouse models of Stargardt disease."
Outside of the Lab:“I enjoy walking/wrestling my giant Malamute, reading history and philosophy, and getting away from science”
Alexander Chin, Ph.D. - Elisseeff Lab
About:"My work in the lab asks how molecular mechanisms of intracellular stress modulate and can be modulated by aging and regenerative processes.
Outside of the lab"You might find me playing jazz piano somewhere in the city."
Laura Drew-Bear, M.D. - Behrens Lab.
About: "My current research focuses on infections of the cornea, surgery of the cornea, refractive surgery and cataract surgery including improvement of intraocular lens power calculation with the use of artificial intelligence."
Outside of the Lab: "I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, playing golf and tennis, and spending time with family and friends."
Casey Keuthan, Ph.D. - Zack Lab
About: “My research utilizes human stem cell models to understand mechanisms of retinal development and disease. I’m interested in how different mutations affect retinal ganglion cell differentiation and survival, as well as RNA splicing events that occur during retinogenesis and the progression of retinal disease.”
Outside of the Lab: “I enjoy dancing, eating good food, and watching the Boston Red Sox and Florida Gators sports.”
Wathsala Nillushi G. H. M. Liyanage, Ph.D. - Kannan Lab
About: Dr. Liyanage's current research is focused on development of dendrimer bioconjugates including siRNA, antibody, peptide, proteins and, CRISPR/Cas 9 conjugates for a) development of targeted gene delivery platform b) construction of efficacious drug delivery system for ocular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Fahd Naufal, M.D., MPH, M.Sc. Global Health - Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology
About:Use of imaging technology in trachoma prevalence surveys, vision rehabilitation services, program manager - Wilmer Biostatistics Center, retinitis pigmentosa.
Outside of the Lab:"I enjoy travelling, hiking, cooking, trying new foods, and sports."
Cornelia Peterson, D.V.M., Ph.D. – Eberhart Lab
About: “I am interested in corneal biology and comparative ocular pathology especially the characterization of both experimental and naturally-occurring animal models of human eye diseases. Currently, I am working on exploring the molecular drivers of periocular and ocular surface and adnexal neoplasms.”
Outside of the Lab: “I enjoy swimming, powerlifting, and spending time with my two pugs.”
Sydney Shannon, Ph.D. Student - Green Lab & Schneck lab
About:"I work to develop artificial antigen presenting cells for in vivo T cell activation. The goal is to develop an injectable cancer therapeutic."
Outside of the Lab:"I enjoy swimming, skiing, and hiking."
Rachel Shapiro, Ph.D. Candidate - Ensign Lab
About:"My work focuses on developing novel local drug delivery strategies and formulations for pre-term birth prevention, treating women's health diseases, and IBD and crohn's symptom alleviation."
Outside of the Lab:"I enjoy scuba diving, reading, drinking coffee, petting dogs, and travelling."
Outside of the Lab:"I enjoy scuba diving, reading, drinking coffee, petting dogs, and travelling."
Jay Thierer, Ph.D., HPS Core Manager - Mumm Lab
About:"I am a full-time researcher in the Mumm Lab in charge of managing the HPS core as well as pursuing independent research projects. My primary interests include developing new paradigms for high-throughput forward genetic screening and studying interactions between senescent and immune cells during retinal degeneration and regeneration in zebrafish."
Yuli Wang - Yi Lab
About:"My current research focuses on the development of novel microscopy techniques that use light (optics) and deep learning methods to capture information about the structure and function of living tissues."
Lingli Zhou, M.D. - Duh Lab
About: “I am interested in the role of microglia and perictyes in ischemic retinopathy.”
Outside of the lab: “I enjoy traveling and hiking.”