A Vision Research Scientific Forum featuring presentations from recipients of the 2016 Prevent Blindness Young Investigator Student Fellowship Awards for Female Scholars in Vision Research will be held on Monday, November 14, from 1-3 p.m. at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH.
Registration opens at 12:30 p.m. and the program begins at 1 p.m. The Scientific Forum is co-sponsored by Ohio’s Aging Eye Public Private Partnership and the Ohio Affiliate of Prevent Blindness and is open and free to the public. To register for the Forum, please contact Laura Schwartz or call 614.464.2020 ext. 112.
The 2016 recipients of the Prevent Blindness Young Investigator Student Fellowship Award for Female Scientists in Vision Research are:
Alexandra Castillejos from the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland. She is investigating the role of matricellular proteins and extra cellular matrix in the progression of glaucoma. Glaucoma causes the loss of peripheral or side vision. Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored. Remaining vision often can be saved with treatment. It is estimated that approximately 106,000 Ohioans have open-angle glaucoma.
Cornelia Peterson from The Ohio State University College of Optometry, Columbus. She is studying the use of insulin to help heal corneal epithelial cells and improve the integrity of the cornea. Simple corneal wounds usually heal quickly and without scarring, but people with diabetes often exhibit more fragile corneas and can experience delayed and painful wound healing. Diabetic corneal wounds can be difficult to treat and can result in persistent injuries. If proven successful, insulin will be a new therapy for corneal wounds which could benefit millions worldwide.
The Award Program is supported by a grant from The Levin Family Foundation and
The Sarah E. Slack Prevention of Blindness Fund Muskingum County Community Foundation.
The Prevent Blindness Female Fellowship Award provides training support for future generations of outstanding female scientists committed to pursuing biomedical, behavioral or clinical research careers relevant to the mission of Prevent Blindness– to prevent blindness and preserve sight.
Prevent Blindness is accepting applications for its 2017 Young Investigator Student Fellowship Awards for Female Scholars in Vision Research. Grants will be awarded for the summer 2017 session. The deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday, February 15, 2017. Applicants must be post-baccalaureate students enrolled in either a Master’s or Doctorate program, female citizens or permanent residents of the United States, and conducting their fellowship project with a recognized academic institution in the state of Ohio. For more information about the fellowship, please contact Prevent Blindness or call 800.301.2020 ext. 112.