Project Description
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the developed world. Current existing interventions are only able to preserve remaining retinal cells and cannot restore vision. Cell transplantation is a promising regenerative strategy that can supplement the injured retina with functional retinal cells to promote integration with the existing host circuitry. However, these replacement strategies have been hindered by poor cell survival and integration. Our approach is to enhance photoreceptor cell delivery with the use of a hyaluronan and methylcellulose hydrogel.
Education
Western University
Bachelor of Medical Sciences (2013-2017)
Honours Specialization, Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity
Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Ze-Chun Yuan
Awards
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2017-2018)
Barbara and Frank Milligan Graduate Fellowship (2017-2018)
NSERC CREATE in Manufacturing Materials and Mimetics (2017-Present)
Dean’s Honour List (2014-2017)
Microbiology/Immunology Summer Undergraduate Fellowship (SURF) Program (2016)
Western Scholarship of Excellence (2013)
Publications
Ho MT, Weselowski B, Yuan Z-C. 2017. Complete genome sequence of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus CA16, a bacterium capable of degrading diesel and lignin. Genome Announc 5:e00494-17.
PhD Candidate, 2018- Present