DEI Statement:
Research Interests:
Vision begins when light is captured by the rod and cone shaped outer segments of photoreceptor cells in the eye. The outer segment is the largest primary cilium in the human body and contains a unique architecture: hundreds of tightly stacked disc-shaped membranes enclosed by a ciliary membrane. Our laboratory aims to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for establishing and maintaining precise outer segment protein composition. Outer segment degeneration followed by photoreceptor cell death is a hallmark of human blindness. Elucidating the fundamental knowledge of how the light-sensitive outer segment is formed, populated and maintained will be paramount as the vision community begins to explore regenerative approaches to treat patients with retinal disease. Current research projects focus on understanding the mechanisms required for ongoing outer segment renewal, maintaining precise outer segment protein composition, and uncovering how ciliary delivery is linked to neuronal migration.