We conduct our multi-faceted research using various approaches. To accomplish our broad-based research goals, we recruit top notch biochemists, cell biologists, immunologists, virologists, developmental biologists, bioengineers, and physician/scientists from around the world. Read about our laboratories and their research.
Corneal Cell Biology Laboratory (CCBL)
James Funderburgh, PhD - Prinicipal Investigator
The Corneal Cell Biology Laboratory (CCBL) is dedicated to understanding the biological causes for corneal blindness and to developing cell-based therapies for restoration of corneal transparency.
Ophthalmic Biomaterials Laboratory
Morgan Fedorchak, Ph.D. - Principal Investigator
The Ophthalmic Biomaterials Laboratory focuses on drug delivery to the eye and the development of novel biomaterials for ophthalmic applications.
Ocular Immunology Laboratory (OIL)
Robert L. Hendricks, PhD - Principal Investigator
The Ocular Immunology Laboratory focuses on immunity to viral infections of the eye.
Visual Neuroscience Laboratory
Matthew Smith, PhD - Principal Investigator
The Visual Neuroscience Laboratory is working to understand the mysteries of vision by unlocking the secrets of the brain. They are currently analyzing the activity of several brain regions involved in coordinating how our eyes move and our brains interpret salient information in the world around us.
Ocular Biomechanics Laboratory
Ian Sigal, PhD - Principal Investigator
In the Ocular Biomechanics Laboratory we study the eye as a biomechanical structure. More specifically, we aim to understand the inter-relationship between healthy vision and ocular biomechanics, to identify the causes for ocular disease and find avenues for restoring lost vision.
Stem Cell Biology and Glaucoma Laboratory
Dr. Yiqin Du, PhD - Principal Investigator
Can stem cells eliminate a cause for glaucoma? The Stem Cell Biology and Glaucoma Laboratory is looking for an answer!
Infectious Eye Diseases: Zoster Laboratory
Paul (Kip) Kinchington, PhD - Principal Investigator
The Infectious Eye Diseases: Zoster Laboratory focuses on how the dormant Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can cause Herpes Zoster (or "shingles"), and how we can better treat the many consequences
Ocular Development, Disease and Regeneration Laboratory
Jeff Gross, Ph.D - Principal Investigator
The Ocular Development, Disease and Regeneration Laboratory focuses on development and regeneration of the retina, lens and RPE, and developing animal models of human eye diseases.
Retinal Repair and Epigenetics Laboratory
Ethan Rossi, Ph.D. - Principal Investigator
The Ocular Imaging Laboratory focuses on developed innovative imaging technologies to view the normal and diseased retina.
Ocular Surface Development Laboratory
Shivalingappa Swamynathan, PhD - Principal Investigator
The projects in The Ocular Surface Development Laboratory are expected to provide new opportunities for diagnosis, prevention and therapy of severe ocular surface disorders such as dry eye and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid.
Outflow Tract Engineering Laboratory
Nils Loewen, MD, PhD - Principal Investigator
The Outflow Tract Engineering Laboratory aims to develop novel treatments for glaucoma by enhancing natural routes of ocular outflow and developing new ones.
Retinal Development Laboratory
Xiangyun Wei, PhD - Principal Investigator
The Retinal Development Laboratory aims to unravel scientific mysteries of how our eyes, specifically our retinas are formed during our development. Understanding this process can potentially lead to treatments for blinding diseases.
Optic Nerve Regeneration Laboratory
Michael Steketee, PhD - Principal Investigator