A public lecture series, hosted by the NEI Intramural Research Program on the National Institutes of Health campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
Past Seminars
Recruitment of Primate Oculomotor Networks for Abstract Cognition
March 5, 2026 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET
David Freedman, PhD
Professor
University of Chicago
Dr. David Freedman and his laboratory use advanced neurophysiological and behavioral techniques, in parallel with machine learning approaches for studying cognitive computations in artificial neural networks. Together, their work is providing insights into the brain mechanisms of visual learning, recognition and decision making.
Aging RPE and Plasma Membrane Integrity
February 12, 2026 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET
Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, PhD
Associate Professor
School of Medicine, University of California
Dr. Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk's lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanism of aging in the age-related eye and brain conditions. They study processes regulating gene expression in age-related diseases, with emphasis on how aging affects cellular, metabolic, and transcriptional programs. Mechanism of senescence and polyunsaturated fatty acids metabolism are the two major areas of interest in the lab.
Decoding Neuro-Immune Crosstalk in the CNS
January 15, 2026 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET
Han-Yu Shih, PhD
Stadtman Investigator/ Chief NIRU NEI/NIH
Dr. Han-Yu Shih and the Neuro-Immune Regulome Unit (NIRU) aims to understand the mechanisms that precisely regulate gene expression in lymphoid cells through multidisciplinary genomic approaches. Lymphoid cells communicate the perturbation of homeostasis by production of cytokines, dysregulation of which results in neural and ocular inflammation in many disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, uveitis, and age-related macular degeneration.
For assistance, including the need for sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Ieva (Eve) Macionyte at ieva.macionyte@nih.gov
The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) is pleased to support the NEI for their Division of Intramural Research Seminar Series. FAES programs complement the work of NIH in accomplishing its mission of seeking and applying fundamental knowledge about the biomedical sciences. FAES is committed to supporting the academic and professional advancement of our community of learners through a constantly evolving curriculum and award-winning learner-centered approach to faculty development. Our Academic Programs department offers high quality, innovative, and flexible online continuing education and training, and we support our faculty in delivering impactful learning experiences through courses and workshops designed and taught according to research-based best practices. To learn more and to register, visit education.faes.org.
Retinal Signaling Pathways Regulating Myopia
January 8, 2026 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET
Machelle T. Pardue, PhD
Acting Professor
Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine
Dr. Machelle T. Pardue's laboratory is interested in developing treatments and therapies for retinal disease. This work includes testing electrical stimulation and other pharmaceuticals for retinal degenerations, determining the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy, and using mouse models to investigate retinal mechanisms controlling refractive development.
For assistance, including the need for sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Ieva (Eve) Macionyte at ieva.macionyte@nih.gov
The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) is pleased to support the NEI for their Division of Intramural Research Seminar Series. FAES programs complement the work of NIH in accomplishing its mission of seeking and applying fundamental knowledge about the biomedical sciences. FAES is committed to supporting the academic and professional advancement of our community of learners through a constantly evolving curriculum and award-winning learner-centered approach to faculty development. Our Academic Programs department offers high quality, innovative, and flexible online continuing education and training, and we support our faculty in delivering impactful learning experiences through courses and workshops designed and taught according to research-based best practices. To learn more and to register, visit education.faes.org.
Neural Dynamics of Decision Confidence in Visual and Multisensory Perception
December 11, 2025 — 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET
Christopher Fetsch, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, Research Chair
Zanvyl Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Christopher Fetsch's laboratory studies how neural activity gives rise to complex perceptual and cognitive functions. They investigate this multi-modal decision process using quantitative behavioral measurements, combined with modern tools for recording and manipulating neural activity in behaving nonhuman primates. Lab's goal is to uncover basic mechanisms underlying higher brain function, and to help pave the way toward developing or enhancing treatments for neurological disorders.
For assistance, including the need for sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Ieva (Eve) Macionyte at ieva.macionyte@nih.gov
The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) is pleased to support the NEI for their Division of Intramural Research Seminar Series. FAES programs complement the work of NIH in accomplishing its mission of seeking and applying fundamental knowledge about the biomedical sciences. FAES is committed to supporting the academic and professional advancement of our community of learners through a constantly evolving curriculum and award-winning learner-centered approach to faculty development. Our Academic Programs department offers high quality, innovative, and flexible online continuing education and training, and we support our faculty in delivering impactful learning experiences through courses and workshops designed and taught according to research-based best practices. To learn more and to register, visit education.faes.org.