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

Immune proteins in RGC development and protection.
Ning Tian Ph.D.
Professor
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
University of Utah
Oct. 5, 2023. 12 noon EST.
In-person location
OVAS departmental library
Scott Hall, room #8366
540 E. Canfield St.
Detroit, MI 48201
Virtual
Traninee Seminars - We are pleased to announce an additional trainee seminar series, one semilar/semester. Next Seminar, Sept, 21, 2023. See below for details.
Distinguished Speakers Seminar Series
Date | Speaker | Topic | WSU Host |
---|---|---|---|
Oct. 5, 2023 | Ning Tian, PhD 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 | TBD | Ryan Thummel |
Nov. 30, 2023 | Mary Marquart, PhD Professor Cell and Molecular Biology University of Mississippi Medical Center | TBD | Ashok Kumar |
Feb. 1, 2024 | Przemyslaw (Mike) Sapieha, Ph.D. | TBD | Ahmed Ibrahim |
Feb. 15, 2024 | Danielle Robertson, O.D., Ph.D. | TBD | Fu-shin Yu |
March 28, 2024 | Monica Vetter, PhD Professor and Chair Neurobiology University of Utah | TBD | Ryan Thummel |
April 11, 2024 | Akihiro Ikeda, PhD | TBD | Nikhlesh Singh |
April 25, 2024 | Samer Hatter, PhD 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 |
---|---|
Nov. 2, 2023 | Renu Kowluru, Ph.D. Ryan Thummel, Ph.D. |
Nov. 16, 2023 | Bruce Berkowitz, Ph.D. Professor Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences WSU School of Medicine |
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, PhD | Exploiting the ocular microbiome and neuroimmune axis during blinding ocular surface disease. | Shunbin Xu |