Distinguished Speaker Series | Yi-Rong Peng, PhD

Yi-Rong Peng, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she leads a research program at the Jules Stein Eye Institute focused on understanding the molecular and cellular architecture of the retina. Her laboratory integrates single-cell genomics, molecular biology, and advanced imaging to uncover how retinal neurons form precise connections and maintain visual function. Prior to joining UCLA, Dr. Peng completed her doctoral studies at the Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Joshua R. Sanes at Harvard University, where she applied large-scale transcriptomic approaches to define retinal cell diversity. Her research bridges developmental neurobiology with translational vision science, providing new insights into the genetic programs and circuit mechanisms underlying sight and retinal disease. Dr. Peng’s work exemplifies a commitment to advancing basic discovery while laying the groundwork for future therapeutic strategies to preserve and restore vision.