BCTVR Board Members Home About Us External Advisory Board and The Internal Advisory Committee To advance the Brunson Center for Translational Vision Research's mission, our governance structure includes both an External Advisory Board and an Internal Advisory Committee. Together, these groups provide strategic guidance, administrative oversight, and expert counsel to strengthen the Center's programs, foster collaboration, and support the successful implementation of its research, education, and outreach initiatives. External Advisory Board The BCTVR External Advisory Board Roles and Responsibilities Provide strategic advice on the overall goals and direction of the Center. Offer insights into emerging trends, technologies, and advancements in translational vision research. Review and provide feedback on research programs, ensuring alignment with the Center's mission and objectives. Assess the relevance and potential impact of proposed research initiatives. Leverage personal and professional networks to identify potential collaborators, partners, and sponsors. Facilitate connections with other research institutions, industry stakeholders, and relevant organizations. Assist in identifying funding opportunities and potential donors. Act as ambassadors for the Center, promoting its work and achievements. Advocate for the importance of translational vision research in relevant forums. Review and ensure adherence to ethical standards in research activities. Participate in an annual review of the Center's progress and achievements. Attend advisory board meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions. Stay informed about the Center's activities and progress between meetings. Anthony Adamis, MD Co-Founder, Director, CSO, EyeBio, a Merck Company Deborah Ferrington, PhD Chief Scientific Officer, Doheny Eye Institute, UCLA Stein Eye Institute John Donello, PhD Chief Science Officer (CSO), Syndeio Biosciences Constance Cepko, PhD Bullard Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School; Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator José-Alain Sahel, MD, FARVO Distinguished Professor and Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Russell Van Gelder, MD, PhD Boyd K. Bucey Memorial Professor And Chair, UW Medicine Department of Ophthalmology; Director, Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center; Director, UW Vision Science Center Patsy Nishina, PhD Professor, Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Senior Investigator/Principal Investigator, The Jackson Laboratory Bela Anand-Apte, MBBS, PhD, MBA Department Chair, The Llura and Gordon Gund Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology Research, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Internal Advisory Committee Internal Advisory Committee Roles and Responsibilities Attend biannual committee meetings and other events/functions as requested. Review agenda and supporting materials before committee meetings. Contribute to the development and refinement of the Center's strategic plan. Advise on aligning internal activities with the overall goals and mission of the Center. Stay informed about the program(s), research projects, services/supports, and activities. Provide recommendations for enhancing the quality and impact of research initiatives. Advise CTVR Leadership on research priorities, challenges, and opportunities facing our faculty. Encourage and facilitate collaboration among different research teams and disciplines within the Center. Provide input on fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment. Help establish effective, timely communication methods between all BCTVR researchers and leadership. Address conflicts or challenges that may arise within the research teams. Facilitate resolution and promote a positive and collaborative working environment. Monitor and ensure adherence to ethical standards in all research activities. Guide ethical considerations and potential challenges. Advise on the adoption of new technologies and infrastructure improvements to enhance research capabilities. Ensure alignment with the latest advancements in the field. Serve as an ambassador and advocate for the program(s), maintaining a connection and ongoing exchange of information and ideas with practitioners in the field and other external contacts. Assist in the identification and recruitment of new committee members. Be available for consultation in case of significant challenges or crises affecting the Center. Guide crisis response strategies and communication. Advocate for diversity and inclusion in research practices and the composition of the Center's team. Guide on creating an inclusive and supportive research environment. Provide recommendations for topic presenters at advisory committee meetings. Irmina Gradus-Pizlo, MD Professor, UC Irvine School of Medicine, UCI Health cardiologist Ivan Marazzi, PhD Professor, The Department of Biological Chemistry Chang Liu, PhD Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Marjan Farid, MD Professor, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Christine Gall, PhD Distinguished Professor and Chair, Anatomy & Neurobiology, UC Irvine School of Medicine Emiliana Borrelli, PhD Professor and Vice Chare, Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, UC Irvine School of Medicine