Education:
2004 Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology Program Emory University, Atlanta, GA
2012 Postdoctoral Fellow, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Clinical/Research Interests:
My research focuses on uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying age-related retinal degeneration, with particular emphasis on mTOR signaling, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial homeostasis in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Using a combination of genetic models, advanced imaging, and multi-omics approaches, I aim to elucidate disease pathways and identify potential therapeutic targets for conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
My work has advanced the field’s understanding of how metabolic stress and aging compromise retinal health. Notably, I demonstrated that aberrant mTORC1 signaling contributes to RPE dysfunction, lipid accumulation, and the pathogenesis of AMD. These findings have been published in high-impact journals and supported by continuous NIH funding since 2010.
Beyond my independent research, I strongly value collaboration. I have actively contributed to the success of multiple NIH R01 grants by serving as a subcontract Principal Investigator or Co-investigator, supporting investigators both within and outside the vision science field.
In addition to research, I have served on a variety of committees at the departmental, institutional, and national levels. I have also played an active role in organizing symposia and research workshops, mentoring junior faculty and trainees, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. I served on the Annual Meeting Program Committee for the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the largest international community of vision scientists. I take great pride in contributing to the scientific community and supporting the development of the next generation of vision researchers.
Funding:
2R01 EY026999, NIH/NEI
Aberrant RPE mTORC1 signaling in dysregulation of choroid homeostasis
Role: Principal Investigator. 08/2016-06/30/2026, 50% effort
1R01 ES031980-01, NIH/NIEHS
Cadmium-potentiated metabolic reprogramming in pathogenesis of lung fibrosis (PI: Go)
Role: Subcontract PI, 09/01/2021-08/30/2026, 10% Effort
1R01HD109784-01, NIH/NICHD
Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (PI; Chaaban)
Role: Co-Investigator, 04/01/2023 – 06/30/2028, 2% Effort
|
1R01EY034510-01A1, NIH/NEI
|
Dysregulation of PPARα in RPE degeneration (PI: Ma)
Role: Subcontract PI, 09/01/2023-08/30/2028, 10% Effort
P30 EY021725: NIH/NEI
Center Core Grant for Vision Research (PI: Callegan)
Role: Core director of Ocular Immunobiology module, 09/2021-08/2026