Research seminars
Distinguished Speaker Seminar Series
This seminar series presented by the Department of Ophthalmology, Vision and Anatomical Sciences (OVAS), Wayne State University School of Medicine is one of the major platforms to enhance our knowledge base, promote innovation, stimulate new ideas and cultivate collaboration. It also emphasizes the education of the next generation of scientists.
The Distinguished Speaker Series hosts accomplished experts from all over the world to introduce their discoveries, cutting-edge technologies and translational research experience in their own words. The series covers a wide range of topics from Ophthalmology, Vision Sciences, Ocular Immunology, Neurobiology, Genetics and Imaging; from molecular mechanisms of health and pathogenesis of diseases to the development of new treatments.
All seminars will be held in the departmental conference room and broadcast live through Zoom. The Distinguished Speaker Series brings the best of the world to Detroit, and disseminates knowledge to the world. Through engaging conversations with faculty members and trainees, it stimulates new innovative ideas and collaboration, and elevates the horizon of the students and trainees.
The seminars are held on Thursdays, at noon, once a month during the academic year. Please join us in person or virtually on Zoom.
For more information or comments and suggestions, please email:
Next seminar
Understanding retinal visual function using live imaging and targeted electrophysiology

Bart Borghuis, Ph.D.
Associate professor
Anatomical Sciences & NeurobiologyInstitute: University of Louisville
December 14, 2023
3pm EST
On-site location
OVAS departmental library
Scott Hall, room #8366
Virtual attendees
Distinguished Speakers Seminar Series
Date | Speaker | Topic | WSU Host |
---|---|---|---|
Dec. 14, 2023 | Bart Borghuis, Ph.D. Associate professor Anatomical Sciences & NeurobiologyInstitute: University of Louisville | Understanding retinal visual function using live imaging and targeted electrophysiology | Tomomi Ichinose |
Jan.18, 2024 | Danielle Robertson, O.D., Ph.D. Professor Department of Ophthalmology UT Southwestern Medical Center | TBD | Fu-shin Yu |
Feb. 1, 2024 | Przemyslaw (Mike) Sapieha, Ph.D. | TBD | Ahmed Ibrahim |
March 28, 2024 | Monica Vetter, Ph.D. Professor and Chair Neurobiology University of Utah | TBD | Ryan Thummel |
April 11, 2024 | Akihiro Ikeda, Ph.D. | TBD | Nikhlesh Singh |
April 25, 2024 | Samer Hatter, Ph.D. Chief and Senior Investigator Head of the Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms (SLCR) Intramural Research Program National Institute of Mental Health | TBD | Bruce Berkowitz |
Translational research updates
Date | Speakers | Topics |
---|---|---|
Nov. 2, 2023 | Ryan Thummel, Ph.D. Renu Kowluru, Ph.D.
| Bedside to Bench: Examples of Enhanced Training Opportunities in OVAS/KEI
Diabetic macular edema: Anti-VEGF therapy and epigenetically modified mitochondrial DNA
|
Nov. 16, 2023 | Bruce Berkowitz, Ph.D. Professor Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences WSU School of Medicine | Mitigating threats to sight with translational mitochondrial biomarker imaging |
Trainee Seminars
Date | Speakers | Topics |
---|---|---|
Sept. 21, 2023 | Jeremy Bohl | Long-Distance Cholinergic Feedback- Host NAD+ Metabolism Perturbation in Bacterial Endophthalmitis |
Seminar archive
Date | Speaker | Topic | WSU Host |
---|---|---|---|
Sept 7, 2023 | Anthony St. Leger, Ph.D. | Exploiting the ocular microbiome and neuroimmune axis during blinding ocular surface disease. | Shunbin Xu |
Oct. 5, 2023 | Ning Tian, Ph.D. Professor Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of Utah | Immune proteins in RGC development and protection | Zhuohua Pan |
Oct. 19, 2023 | Justin Kenney Assistant professor Biological Sciences College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, WSU | Identifying the neural and molecular basis for individual differences in the exploratory behavior of zebrafish | Ryan Thummel |
Nov. 2, 2023 | Ryan Thummel, Ph.D. Renu Kowluru, Ph.D. | Bedside to Bench: Examples of Enhanced Training Opportunities in OVAS/KEI
Diabetic macular edema: Anti-VEGF therapy and epigenetically modified mitochondrial DNA | |
Nov. 16, 2023 | Bruce Berkowitz, Ph.D. Professor Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences WSU School of Medicine | Mitigating threats to sight with translational mitochondrial biomarker imaging | |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Mary Marquart, Ph.D. Professor Cell and Molecular Biology University of Mississippi Medical Center | Innovative Cold Atmospheric Plasma (iCAP) for the Treatment of Microbial Keratitis | Ashok Kumar |