Research in my laboratory is aimed at understanding fundamental physiological properties of the eye and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying a variety of complex eye diseases. Our approaches are all founded in functional mouse genetics, and are supplemented by a variety of molecular, cellular, physiological, and neurobiological techniques. The premise for this approach is that stringently performed genetic studies with mice offer great potential for overcoming the natural biological complexity of most ophthalmic diseases, thus hastening the discovery of potential cures. As genes influencing disease progression in mice are identified, we subsequently collaborate to translate this progress into human studies.

Among current projects in the lab, some projects focus on the precise role of individual genes (for example, when knowledge of the basic biology associated with a specific mutation is needed), while other projects take a more global approach to study the action of multi-gene pathways (for example, when the trait being studied is quantitative in nature or sensitive to genetic modifiers). Through these novel, and often collaborative projects, our long-term goal is to leverage the advantages of mouse genetics in the elimination of blindness.