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.
Sayer Vision Research Lecture & Award: "Targeting Cellular Senescence in Retinal Vascular Disease"
February 10, 2026 — 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm ET
Przemyslaw (Mike) Sapieha, Ph.D.
Professor
University of Montreal, Montreal
Dr. Sapieha is the University of Montreal Endowed Chair in Translational Vision Research, Canada Research Chair in retinal cell biology and full professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry. His team identified mechanisms implicating semaphorins, deregulation of neuronal metabolism, innate immune memory and cellular senescence in retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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.