JOHN LABORATORY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant - Next
Job Titles:
- Department of Engineering
I formally joined the John lab, in 2012 after various visits. I received my Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. from Purdue University with emphasis in Biomedical Engineering. I was introduced to many different fields of study and research opportunities and settled my interest in implantable devices. During my collegiate tenure, I conducted 7 years of research including design, development, and integration of an implantable intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring device in collaboration with Dr. Simon John. I also developed a novel packaging technique using Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) as a casing for implantable devices. Through the collaboration with Dr. John, an important goal of bringing engineers and biologists/geneticist together at a single location was brought to fruition. First, I was invited to join my PhD mentor (Prof. Pedro Irazoqui) while he conducted his sabbatical at the Jackson Lab. Later I worked with Simon at the Jackson Lab while still a postdoc affiliated with Purdue. I enjoyed this time and valued the exposure and training in world-class biology and genetics while being able to bridge the gap of understanding between scientists and engineers.
Next and due to the great value of this real world experience in biomedical research, physiology and genetics, I was delighted to join Simon's group full time as a resident biomedical engineer and Research Scientist at the interface between biology and engineering. In this position, I continue my research to develop and create miniature implantable devices. The opportunity to learn and at the same time bring engineering concepts and ideas to the science that the John lab completes is amazing. Not only do I continue my research on implantable devices, but I get first hand experience and knowledge of research into glaucoma, physiology, anatomy and genetics and the use of cutting edge microscopy and imaging techniques. I exploit my engineering background to design and implement new tools and experimental setups that advance data collection and the testing of hypotheses. I introduce and teach these engineering concepts to my colleagues, while they in return teach me about genetics and biology. This furthers my knowledge and understanding of biology. I also mentor and train students and research assistants and help with grant and paper writing. This unique training is allowing me to understand diseases and their progression not only from a global view, but also down to the genetic and molecular variations that causes disease. This is making me a better trained biomedical engineer.
As a research engineer, I am in the great situation of having to run the research engineering space at the lab. Making sure that all equipment in the engineering space is organized and taken care of, as well as making sure everything is setup for other visiting engineers and scientists, allows me to learn and understand what is necessary to keep a lab and its multifaceted collaborations running. Lastly, I am learning to communicate effectively. Explaining my research to other scientists at JAX has given me the ability to explain engineering concepts and ideas to the biology community. This experience in the John Lab. is allowing me to become more effective at all aspects of research including laboratory management, personnel management and budgeting. It is a huge advantage for my progression to leadership positions in the future.
Job Titles:
- Executive Administrative Assistant
In 2007, I joined the John Lab as Simon's Executive Administrative Assistant with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Prior to the lab, I worked in management at a local YMCA, as a training coordinator for a state agency, and in numerous off-shoots of both. I am originally from Maine and have two wonderful children. Science has taken on a new role in my life, and watching the lab make great things happen has been a super opportunity.
As a child my favorite question was '"Why?" I was on a constant exploration of knowledge and my wild tree-climbing ways led me to even more fascinating things, multicolored fungi, the way trees saw in the wind (which I unfortunately discovered at the top of a 100ft pine) and much to my parent's dismay, hundreds of tadpole pets that taught me about the life cycle of frogs. This passion for exploration and knowledge led me to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) where I studied Biochemistry, delving into the chemical reactions that allow life to function. WPI's project based curriculum provided many opportunities for me to dip my toes into the scientific world. In my senior year I was granted the opportunity to complete my Major Qualifying Project (a senior research project) at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine in Worcester Massachusetts. There, I worked characterizing and confirming a novel CRISPR/Cas9 quintuple knockout of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, meant to model a protein deficiency that leads to early onset emphysema, COPD, and in some cases cirrhosis and/or carcinoma of the liver.
I joined the John lab after graduating from WPI, with the desire to expand my knowledge and skill set in the laboratory. In my first month I have already been exposed to new techniques and procedures, as well several different approaches to studying glaucoma that result from the complex nature of the disease. I am excited to continue growing and learning as a scientist, and expanding my knowledge of disease pathways.
The best part is that working JAX results in living in an amazing place. As an avid cyclist the location next to Acadia National Park offers up prime terrain for both road and mounting biking. Additionally, some of my other favorite pass times like hiking and reading next to the ocean are only a quick jaunt away from the lab. I cannot wait to explore the island further and get involved in the active community.
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant - Next
I am an associate research scientist in John Lab. I earned my Ph.D. in Developmental Biology from Fudan University in 2012 where I used different mouse models to investigate heart, kidney and retinal diseases. Since joining the John lab, my focus has been on developing inducible glaucoma mouse models as well as molecular mechanism of neural damage in glaucoma. My research is cenetered on single cell transcriptomic characteriztion of glaucoma and the role of enothelial cell dysfunction and metabolism in RGC degeneration I am also evaluating the importance of specific axon degenertaion pathways.
I have been the Lab Manager and a Research Scientist in the Simon John Lab since January of 2019. I earned my interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry with a co-discipline Cell Biology and Biophysics from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 2011. I have experience with protein biochemistry and metabolism, transformed and primary cell culture and assays, and have studied mouse and rat models of autoimmune optic neuritis, metabolic syndrome/diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and glaucoma. My current project is developing nanoCT imaging protocols to charactreize the ocular draanage structures and as a replacement/complement for conventional histology.
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant - Next
Job Titles:
- Director of Research, Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, Institute of Human Genetics, UCSF School of Medicine
Dr. Gould obtained his B.Sc. with Specialization in Genetics and his Ph.D. in Medical Genetics from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. His Ph.D. thesis, in the lab of Dr. Michael Walter, was to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie ocular developmental defects. These defects often lead to glaucoma in human families. In 2001, Dr. Gould moved to Dr. John's Lab to undergo postdoctoral training.
Doug's projects were primarily focused on using mouse models to understand the mechanisms of glaucoma. In the first of his two main projects, Doug sought to understand how mutations in the myocilin gene (Myoc) lead to primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). MYOC mutations are the most frequently identified genetic cause of POAG, but the pathogenic mechanism(s) remained elusive. Doug tested two contemporary hypotheses about MYOC pathogenesis by first characterizing a mouse model that over-expressed the MYOC protein and secondly by characterizing a mouse model that expressed a mutant Myoc allele that was analogous to a common and aggressive human mutation. Doug's data indicate that abnormal protein molecules are necessary to induce disease and show that accumulation of these molecules in ocular cells is not sufficient to induce glaucoma. These data agree with a growing literature from other groups and a recent report suggesting that the abnormal mutant proteins have to be mis-targeted to the peroxisome to cause glaucoma.
Doug's second major project was to develop new mouse models of glaucoma. A novel mutant mouse line was identified in a mutagenesis screen. Doug mapped the gene and identified a mutation in the type IV collagen alpha 1 gene (Col4a1). He showed that Col4a1 mutation can cause ocular dysgenesis in a genetic context dependent manner. On a permissive background mutant mice have severe anterior segment dysgenesis and optic nerve hypoplasia. On a resistant background both phenotypes are profoundly modified and we have identified a genetic modifier locus that is able to rescue anterior segment dysgenesis.
While identifying the gene and characterizing the ocular phenotypes, the John Lab discovered that Col4a1 mutant mice also had cerebrovascular defects including large cerebral cavities and multi-focal cerebral hemorrhages. This work led to the identification of COL4A1 mutations as a major genetic cause of a rare but severe human disease called porencephaly and the speculation that alleles of COL4A1 may contribute more broadly to hemorrhagic stroke in human patients. Importantly, Doug's experiments show that Col4a1 mutations weaken blood vessels and predispose to trauma-induced hemorrhage in mice. Important collaborations demonstrated that this is also true in some human families. This work suggests that behavioral modifications/interventions may substantially decrease the risk of severe (even lethal) hemorrhage that can be induced by trauma in individuals with these mutations at all stages of life.
Dr. Gould started his own laboratory in 2006 at UCSF School of Medicine in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy and the Institute for Human Genetics where he is continuing to study the mechanisms of Col4a1-related pathogenesis in the eye and other organs. He rapidly obtained external funding, including NIH, and has been honored by awards. His email is gouldd@vision.ucsf.edu
Job Titles:
- Cardiff University, Professor, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences
Dr. Morgan's research is aimed at understanding the structural and cellular changes occurring at the level of the optic nerve in glaucoma using clinical and laboratory based techniques. Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of vision loss in the UK population, affecting up to 2% of the population as a whole. Classically, it is associated with increased intraocular pressure, which causes the death of retinal ganglion cells and results in a slow and, if untreated, progressive loss of vision. In most cases, peripheral vision is lost first and is usually asymptomatic. By the time a patient notices restriction of visual field, advanced damage may have occurred to the optic nerve that is usually irreversible. Treatment is aimed at the reduction of eye pressure (intraocular pressure) to prevent this vision loss. Usually, this is achieved using eye drops although, in some cases, surgery or even laser treatment may be required. One of the key problems is in identifying the disease in its earliest stages and in detecting the first signs of retinal (optic nerve) damage. As a consultant ophthalmologist, Morgan runs a glaucoma service at the University Hospital of Wales. He currently chairs the Expert Working Group for the development of shared care glaucoma in Wales where they are working to develop the role of virtual clinics for the community care of patients with diagnosed glaucoma. His email address is MorganJE3@cardiff.ac.uk. Clinical studies
These are based at the Retinal Imaging Laboratory and are directed at the quantification of structural optic nerve changes in the early stages of glaucoma. Since these precede the development of visual field changes as detected using clinical perimetric techniques, their detection should enable early disease diagnosis and improve the long-term prognosis for the patient. Morgan's lab is currently assessing the value of digital stereoviewing in the quantification of these nerve head changes. In addition, his lab is assessing the value of other imaging modalities such as OCT in the determination of optic nerve head changes that occur in early glaucoma.
Using a variety of in vivo and in vitro models of glaucoma, Morgan's group is investigating the mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma. There is good evidence that these cells undergo a prolonged period of atrophy and remodeling prior to cell death, which is manifest as shrinkage and pruning in the cell body and dendritic processes. These changes will reduce the efficiency with which these cells can detect visual signals but also suggests that this damage could be reversed. They use techniques such as biolistics transfection to see if the overexpression of genes that might be beneficial for retinal neurons can result in cell rescue Retinal ganglion cell transfected with plasmid coding for GFP. Retinal Explant preparation after 24 hours in culture.
Job Titles:
- Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine
- Tufts University, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology
Dr. Marchant is a Research Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine and has been studying the vertebrate eye since graduate school. Much of the early work focused on the cornea and currently he is funded to develop a cornea replacement using silk scaffolds that have been seeded with human corneal cells. His research expanded to begin a characterization of the corneoscleral angle in the chicken and to study trabecular meshwork cells using human cell cultures. In 2005, Dr. Marchant began collaborating with Dr. John to further these studies by switching to mouse models of IOP regulation. The research has led to the discovery of a novel basement membrane specialization that appears to support Schlemm's canal giant vacuoles throughout their expansion cycle. This specialization may also serve as a dynamic modulator of aqueous outflow resistance. Through the collaboration with Dr. John,
Dr. Marchant has obtained external funding from the American Health Assistance Foundation - National Glaucoma Research. Dr. Marchant continues to spend time in Dr. John's laboratory as a Visiting Investigator each summer. At Tufts, he can be reached at jeffrey.marchant@tufts.edu.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a concentration in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the Johns Hopkins University in 2017. My main research interests are genetics and neuroscience. As an undergraduate, I worked in Seth Blackshaw's lab on a project entitled "Investigating the role of Lhx2 in the development of the ciliary body." Since graduating college, I have worked in several labs ranging from studying blood diseases to building a library of nuclear constructs to study the phase separation of nuclear proteins in vivo. I am experienced in tissue culture, mouse husbandry, cloning, and various molecular biology techniques. I joined the John lab in June of 2020 as a Research Associate. During my free time I enjoy reading, exploring new areas in New York, and spending time with my dog, Nova.
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant - Next
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor, the Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
I received a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Manchester, UK. I went on to join The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK where I studied for my Ph.D. in comparative genomics and bioinformatics. In 2003 I joined the laboratory of Dr. John Schimenti, at The Jackson Laboratory, as a Postdoctoral Fellow, gaining hands-on experience using mice to study genes contributing to developmental disease. I returned to the UK, to train with Dr. Stuart Wilson and Dr. Marysia Plazcek at The University of Sheffield, in powerful new methods for gene-silencing. I returned to The Jackson Laboratory as an Associate Research Scientist in October 2005, working closely with Simon John to understand the neurobiology of glaucoma and to develop clinically relevant neuroprotective treatments. Under the strong mentorship of Simon, I received my first independent grant in 2006 and was subsequently promoted to Research Scientist.
During my time with Simon, I have applied my bioinformatics and other experience in a number of different areas including identifying early stages of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. A second major focus is the refinement of a radiation-based neuroprotective treatment that completely prevents optic nerve damage in DBA/2J mice. More recently, because of my strong genomics background, I am leading a major initiative to identify glaucoma-relevant genes in humans. We are using cutting edge sequencing technology to identify potential disease-causing variants in human glaucoma patients. My time with Simon has been invaluable as a final training ground before beginning my independent career. My program covers both glaucoma and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). For glaucoma, I am continuing to conduct experiments to understand the role of both the complement and endothelin systems. For AD, it has become clear to me that we can harness the power of mouse genetics and genomics to contribute a great deal to the understanding of this debilitating disease.
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant - Next
Job Titles:
- Data Scientist, the Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
- Post Doctoral Fellow
I graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science at Pennsylvania State University and developed a strong interest in human disease research. This led me to enroll in a graduate program at the University of Rochester called Pathways of Human Disease. As part of my Ph.D. research I defined genes responsible for retinal ganglion cell death during development, after mechanical optic nerve injury, and in DBA/2J glaucoma. I joined the John Lab in the spring of 2013 excited by the opportunity of working with Dr. Simon John. The John Lab's record in mentoring and the success of Simon's former postdocs in obtaining faculty positions and funding was very attractive. The support of other John Lab members and the intellectual and technical expertise at The Jackson Laboratory, including excellent scientific services that would allow me to get more science accomplished, was also important in my decision. The John lab has excellent resources, expertise and organizational structure. Although glaucoma is a complex age-related disease, this environment allows me to run multiple projects. It also allows me to use a multidisciplinary approach.
Using DBA/2J mice as a model of glaucoma, my current research focuses on axon degeneration, the role of innate immunity in the central nervous system, and the role of diet in neurodegeneration. This includes studying the role of JNKs in glaucomatous injury and working to identify early signaling events that may initiate injury. For another project, I am collaborating with faculty from Dalhousie University working on defining human genes responsible for exfoliation syndrome glaucoma. I also work closely with Pete Williams and help direct two research assistants in the lab. This opportunity to collaborate and manage while working through complex projects with the mentorship of Simon is extremely valuable. It is broadening my conceptual thinking abilities both scientifically and managerially. Importantly, I am improving the array of skill sets necessary for running a lab
Science, and more specifically, life science, has been a passion of mine since an early age. I continued to foster that curiosity as an undergraduate at Colby College where I received my B.A. in Biology. I was also part of the Colby Achievement Program in the Sciences. While at Colby, I had the opportunity to participate in research in several laboratories, with projects ranging from measuring the effects of an acetylcholine rich diet on the development of the hippocampus portion of rat brains, to better understanding the mechanisms how circadian rhythm proteins cause their effects in fiddler crabs. I joined the John Laboratory team a few months after graduating and I have already learned so much during my time here. I have learned a vast array of techniques for both handling and collecting data from the mice we work with. I have also been trained to carryout genotyping, as well as optic nerve dissections. I really enjoy working in the John Laboratory and appreciate the chance to continue to develop my scientific research skills. The latter is something the John lab is invested in doing for their RAs.
When I am not in the lab I am out getting to know Bar Harbor better. Even though I am a native Mainer, I have only been to Bar Harbor a handful of times, but I truly enjoy the outdoors and I look forward to exploring more of this beautiful area.
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant - Next
I completed my undergraduate education at Colby College, majoring in molecular biology and biochemistry. While there, I published research with a variety of professors, but I discovered my passion for molecular biology work in the lab of Dr. Joshua Kavaler. The project that led to my thesis dealt with identifying putative targets of transcription factor D-Pax 2 in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Within that lab I not only learned valuable techniques and procedures, but I was fortunate enough to find others as enthusiastic about lab science as I was. I joined the Simon John Lab in October 2010, where I am currently involved with our mutagenesis screen, as well as the flow cytometry work we are pursuing for comparing glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eyes. I've enjoyed learning new procedures on mice - they're much easier to work with than flies - and the John Lab has awakened a new interest of mine in optics. There is no question that the numerous techniques I've picked up along the way will aid me as a molecular biologist. As far as location goes, who wouldn't want to live next door to Acadia National Park? I love snowshoeing and skating, and in the summer you'll find me kayaking, swimming or hiking the area trails.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Staff Member
- Graduate Student S
I am an undergraduate at UNC-Chapel Hill, majoring in Biostatistics. I worked in the John Laboratory as an intern in the JAX Summer Student Program in 2010, and returned for another summer plus a semester in 2011.
While in the John Laboratory, I have been working on two projects. The first involves identifying glaucoma-relevant genes which have been identified as important across studies in multiple species and disease models. The second project involves analysis of next generation sequencing (NGS) data using a variety of computational tools. Working in close conjunction with those in the wet lab working on the mutagenesis screen, I am responsible for identifying putative causative mutations in our mice. I also analyze sequence data from collaborators who study glaucoma in human families, in order to identify candidate genes for further study.
Job Titles:
- Laboratory Technician IV - Next
Job Titles:
- Research Scientist, the Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
I earned my Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Tennessee, Memphis where I uncovered a role for the cellular cytoskeleton in retrovirus entry. Then, during my postdoctoral studies at Duke University, I developed my skills as a Cell biologist and I identified a novel role for the membrane skeletal protein ankyrin in post-Golgi delivery of membrane proteins to the plasma membrane in epithelial cells and photoreceptors. In the summer of 2009, I came to The Jackson Laboratory because of an opportunity to work with Dr. Simon John, a pioneer in the field of glaucoma research. In the John Laboratory, I am learning to use mice to decipher causes of complex diseases. During this training I am mastering clinical and physiological ocular examinations, and the use of mouse genetics and genomics to identify genes pathways impacting glaucoma. Elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) is a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma and is caused by disruption in the drainage of aqueous humor. My aim is to identify molecular pathways regulating IOP elevation. Currently, my major focus is on understanding the molecular mechanisms of aqueous humor drainage into Schlemm's canal. As a part of this study, I am taking a holistic approach in characterizing the cells of the Schlemm's canal at a cellular as well as transcriptome level. I am also involved in the development of implantable pressure sensors that can be monitored by radio-telemetry and in understanding the role of endothelial and immune components in the progression of glaucoma and the death of retinal ganglion cell neurons. These studies are predicted to reveal a new understanding that can be used to design new therapeutic interventions.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator
I joined the John Lab in October 2019 as the team's Administrative Coordinator. I received my Master's in International Affairs from The New School in New York City, NY and previously spent 8 years at New York City Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. Since joining the lab, I have enjoyed learning about research administration and the many advances the John Lab is making in addressing the causes of glaucoma.
Job Titles:
- Research Assi Stant / Research Assocate
I joined the John lab in September of 2018 as a research assistant. I earned my BS in Physiology & Neurobiology from the University of Connecticut in 2017. I have experience with behavioral assays, ocular phenotyping of mice, immunohistochemistry, data visualization with R, and computer-aided design.
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant - Next
My scientific journey started at the University of North Carolina, Asheville where I received a B.S. in Chemistry. During my studies in Asheville I worked in an environmental quality laboratory analyzing "real world" samples (i.e. water, food, soil, and paint) for heavy metals such as Lead. Serendipitous events directed me to Bucknell University where I continued my education to the M.S. level in Chemistry. My thesis research involved studies toward improving the use of Cisplatin in cancer treatment. Upon graduation from Bucknell I made a daring move and joined the Cell and Developmental Biology department at UNC-School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC. It was a sink or swim kind of arrangement. I guess I know how to swim considering I spent six years there as a Research Technician and gained a wealth of knowledge and experience that has prepared me to work at the Jackson Laboratory (JAX).I joined the JAX community in 2007 and am proud to be working as a Research Assistant in Simon John's Lab. In addition to my histological responsibilities and mouse colony management, I am active on projects that have me utilizing Laser Capture Microscopy, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and various other techniques. I am vested in studies to understand how aqueous humor drains from the eye, including cutting edge microscopy techniques to understand the micro-anatomy of the ocular drainage structures. I also contribute to studies to understand early molecular changes in specific cell types during glaucoma. A major perk to working at The Jackson Laboratory is location, location, location. Waking up every morning to ocean breezes and scenic views as well as having Acadia National Park in my backyard is, by my standards, a great way to live.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Departments of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
- Professor, Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Iowa
Dr. Anderson performed his graduate work studying developmental neurobiology utilizing Drosophila. During his postdoctoral studies with Dr. John his research focused on the mechanisms causing glaucoma in DBA/2J mice. These mice develop a pigment liberating iris disease and a form of glaucoma resembling human pigmentary glaucoma. Using genetic approaches, two genes were identified (Gpnmb and Tyrp1) that play early roles in this disease. Both of these genes encode melanosomal proteins.
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant - Next
Job Titles:
- Manager, Research Operations, the Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
I received my undergraduate and graduate training at the North-West University in South Africa. After receiving my B.Sc. degree with majors in Biochemistry, Physiology and Psychology, I went on to complete my B.Sc. Honors, M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry. My M.Sc. thesis work focused on the screening of families with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI: Brittle Bone Disease) for possible mutations in type I collagen. This study eventually led to the identification of the mutation in a1(I) type I collagen in one family, as well as the establishment of a prenatal diagnostic test for this family. For my Ph.D. thesis I focused on delineating the cis- and trans-factors responsible for regulating the transcription of the a1(I) type I collagen gene.
After completing my Ph.D., I wanted to gain experience in genetics and developmental biology, as a knowledge base in these two areas is critical for understanding disease processes. I joined the laboratory of Dr. Barbara Knowles at The Jackson Laboratory as a Postdoctoral Fellow, and continued in her laboratory as a Research Scientist. During this time I was able to elucidate the role of specific maternal genes in the oocyte-to-embryo transition. I was fortunate to then join the John Laboratory. This move not only gave me an opportunity to work in a vibrant lab utilizing my managerial, mentoring and experimental skills, but also brought me back to my "roots". I'm once again working on a disease model using the experience I gained along my scientific journey while learning new things in a supportive and exciting environment. My major research is on the biomedical and deployment side of a project that is developing an innovative, ultra-miniature pressure-measuring device with an automated reading system. The tiny devices will permanently reside in the mouse eye providing valuable long-term data. These devices will allow experiments that are not currently possible. The technology is being designed to allow modification for human deployment to improve patient care. These devices will also improve my other projects that develop inducible models of glaucoma and that identify new mouse strains with glaucoma.
When my mother heard I was moving from South Africa to an island on the coast of Maine, she promptly started knitting sweaters! Despite the drastic change in temperature, life on MDI has suited me very well. Apart from finding a scientific home filled with excellent scientists with a wealth of knowledge, incredible resources, and an opportunity to transfer knowledge to younger generations, I also found a home in the community. I now live on the "Quiet Side" of MDI with my husband - whom I met on said island on the coast of Maine - and one slightly nutty Beagle. We love to sail and hike on and around MDI, and get away from the "crowds" by going to Moosehead Lake.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Staff Member
- Student / Research Intern Positions
I received my B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience from Connecticut College . During my time at Connecticut College, I worked on several different research projects. We studied whether Ceftriaxone and other β-lactam antibiotic compounds could attenuate morphine reward in rats by enhancing the reuptake rate of excitatory amino-acid transporters. For my honors thesis, I examined the effects of developmental lead exposure on working memory performance in rats after manipulating several elements of the animal's developmental environment.
Job Titles:
- Research Assistan T - Next Traveling the World
My interest in research science developed when, as a sophomore at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I joined a lab. There, I participated in a number of projects including a study of female garter snake (T. sirtalis) mate preference, and surveys of the local turtle populations. From there I moved to the lab of Dr. Elizabeth Jakob, where I helped with ongoing projects studying the behavior and cognitive abilities of jumping spiders (P. audax). During the summer of 2012, I was lucky enough to travel to Indonesia with Operation Wallacea and contribute to their ongoing conservation research and surveys of the local flora and fauna, both on land and in the sea. Upon returning to UMass for my senior year, I began a yearlong thesis project in Dr. Jakob's lab investigating the ability of P. audax to perceive the distinct movements of an animate object, called biological motion. I graduated in 2013 with a B.S. in Biology, and was fortunate enough to be accepted as a Research Assistant in the John lab beginning in July 2013. During my first few months in the John lab, I have learned valuable skills from every member of the lab, ranging from dissections and mouse handling, to measuring intraocular pressure using a system designed in the lab. With the guidance of two postdocs, I have been working on interesting projects involving the neurobiology of glaucoma. I continue learning something new every day, and aspire to be more independent - something that is actively encouraged in the lab. Apart from being in a productive lab, another perk of working at JAX is the location. Living right next to Acadia National Park simply cannot be beat! In my free time I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, volleyball, soccer, swimming, snowboarding, and more. I am certainly looking forward to the rest of my time here, both because of the active community and because of the invaluable opportunity to develop my scientific career at JAX.
Job Titles:
- Purdue University, Associate Head of Biomedical Engineering, Showalter Faculty Scholar, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Director, Center for Implantable Devices
Dr. Irazoqui received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire, Durham in 1997 and 1999 respectively, and the Ph.D. in Neuroengineering from the University of California at Los Angeles in 2003.Currently he is an associate professor in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University, and director of the Center for Implantable Devices pursuing research into a modular approach to the design of biological implants. Devices are applied to the clinical treatment of physiological disorders, using miniature, wireless, implantable systems. Specific research and clinical applications explored include: epilepsy, glaucoma, cardiology, and neural interfaces.He has received the Best Teacher Award from the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering (2006 & 2009), the Early Career Award from the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation (2007 & Phase II in 2009), the Marion B. Scott Excellence in Teaching Award from Tau Beta Pi (2008), and the Outstanding Faculty Member Award from the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering (2009), and has been serving as Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering since late 2006.
Research Interests
Application, design and fabrication of implantable analog integrated circuits
High speed RF circuits for wireless data and power coupling to and from biological implants
Real-time discrete-time signal processing for biological signals
Neuronal substrates of behavior, perception and locomotion
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
I received my undergraduate training at Cardiff University completing a BSc (Hons) in Neuroscience focusing primarily on molecular and sensory neuroscience. During this time I joined the laboratories of Profs. James Morgan and Marcela Votruba in the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University doing a research dissertation on retinal ganglion cell dendritic and synaptic plasticity in OPA1 mutant mice (a model of autosomal dominant optic atrophy). I continued this project into full graduate training completing my PhD in Visual Neuroscience and Molecular Biology in 2012. As well as studying the effects of OPA1 mutations on retinal ganglion cell plasticity in mice, I spent time developing novel transfection methods (in vivo magnetofection), revealed an early marker of neuronal degeneration in the APPswe Alzheimer's mouse model, and generated a library of tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) retinal ganglion cells. In the autumn of 2011, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Jackson Laboratory as part of a collaboration project between Profs. James Morgan (Cardiff University) and Simon John, studying dendritic degeneration on retinal ganglion cells during DBA/2J glaucoma. Having thoroughly enjoyed this project and seeking the mentor ship of Simon to progress intellectually as an independent scientist, I joined the John lab as a Post Doctoral Fellow in Spring, 2012.
My current research focuses on retinal and optic nerve degeneration in the DBA/2J mouse, a widely used model of glaucoma, and the protective nature of γ- and X-ray radiation in this model. I am using modern genomic tools, including RNA-sequencing, to characterize the transcriptomes of different cell types to better understand glaucomatous disease pathogenesis. I am also involved with collaborative projects with biomedical and electrical engineering faculty members from Purdue University working on novel optogenetic tools, vagus nerve stimulation as well as strategies for blocking monocyte adhesion in disease.
Under the mentorship of Simon I have been given the chance to develop my critical thinking and decision-making skills as I work through increasingly more complex problems in neurobiology. Through my RNA-sequencing dataset I have identified novel genes and pathways that may be involved in the earliest time points during glaucomatous progression. I am currently working on strategies to test these genes through targeted knockouts, by using the John Lab's vast database of ENU G1 mutant mice and by novel drug therapies. Through this I am learning to use a range of genetic and genomic tools to dissect the mechanisms of complex neurodegenerative disease.
I work closely with another Post Doctoral Fellow, Jeffrey Harder, with whom I manage two research assistants. Simon's lab is providing me with the skills to help me become an independent scientist, involving me with all aspects of lab planning.
Job Titles:
- Glaucoma Specialist and Assistant Professor
I am an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and a clinician-scientist specializing in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma. I graduated from Yale University with a BS and MS in Molecular Biophysicis and Biochemistry. I subsequently earned my MD and PhD through the Medical Scientist Training Program at Columbia University. My PhD research was on the molecular programs that distinguish different subpopulations of retinal ganglion cells during development in the laboratoryof Dr. Carol Mason. I completed my ophthalmology residency and postdoctoral research fellowship on optic nerve studies at the Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. Before returning to Columbia, I completed a glaucoma clinical fellowship at Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
My surgical expertise includes cataract and both minimally invasive and traditional glaucoma surgeries. My research aims to understanding the mechanisms causing retinal ganglion cells loss in glaucoma and developing new treatments to protect and restore these cells. My major focus in on the role of opitc nerve head astocytes, and I am leading projects to trascriptionally profile and dissect the roles of this glial cell type. I am delighted to collaborate closely with Simon, gaining from his laboratories environment and learning from his research mentorship. Reciprocally, I serve as a bridge to clinical expertise and human studies.
I am a research scientist in the John laboratory. I have a Ph.D in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester. During my Ph.D., I studied the role of LIM transcription factors in development of retina using mouse genetics. My postdoctoral research aimed at understanding the role of signaling molecules during early specification of the optic cup using mouse genetics, single cell sequencing and human and mouse organoids. In the John lab, I am studyng development of the ocular draiange tissues and dissecting the role of various pathways in glaucoma using mouse genetics and high throughput genomics. I live in NYC and have been an active member of the Columbia University Postdoc Society. I love everything the city has to offer: theater, opera, dining, public transport, and world-class institutions for collaborations.
Job Titles:
- Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center
Dr. Libby did his doctoral work in Dr. William Brunken's laboratory (Boston College), where he focused on the role of extracellular matrix in retinal development. After completion of his doctorate, he joined Dr. Karen Steel's group at the Medical Research Council's Institute for Hearing Research. There he studied the pathogenesis of Usher Syndrome. The majority of work that Dr. Libby performed in the John Laboratory focused on the DBA/2J mouse glaucoma model. The DBA/2J mouse glaucoma model mimics many human glaucomas in that it is age-related and the pressure elevation is spontaneous and variable. There is now extensive knowledge of the disease profile of DBA/2J mice and the John Lab has been successfully exploiting this model to gain fundamental insight into glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Dr. Libby's role was to identify the key molecules and pathways that are activated in response to elevated intraocular pressure, and which lead to vision loss. Furthermore, he was interested in identifying susceptibility factors underlying glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
Using DBA/2J mice deficient in the pro-apoptotic molecule BAX (a molecule that when active, triggers a cell to kill itself), he found that Bax deficiency completely protected retinal ganglion cells (RGCs; the cell bodies or soma) from apoptosis. BAX was the first molecule shown to be necessary for glaucomatous RGC death. However, BAX was not found to be required for RGC axon degeneration. (In addition to a cell body, RGCs have a long process known as an axon that connects them to the brain.) This is important because it is the first data indicating that there are distinct somal and axonal degeneration pathways in glaucoma. Furthermore, since axons degenerated even though the soma did not, these results indicate that somal death is not a prerequisite for axon degeneration in glaucoma.
Job Titles:
- Research Specialist - Retired
After fellowships at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and two years as a research associate at the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Smith joined the full-time staff of the Ophthalmology Department at Albany Medical College and Albany Medical Center Hospital in upstate New York. He served for 10 years as Chairperson of the Department of Ophthalmology with a joint appointment in the Pathology Department. Dr. Smith came to Jackson Laboratory first as a visiting scientist in 1990. He joined the scientific staff in 1993 as a research scientist. He has worked closely with Dr. John since 1995, and formally joined the John Laboratory in 1998. Dr. Smith was the first to recognize the presence of glaucoma in aging DBA/2J mice. His skills in clinical examination and ophthalmic pathology and anatomy are the focus of his work in the John Lab. His skills and experience are invaluable for many projects, and are an important resource for training other lab members.
Job Titles:
- Research Asso Ciate - Next Mediacl School, SUNY Downstate
I joined the John Lab as a research assistant after I graduated from Northeastern University in May of 2021 with a B.S. in Biology. In my previous research experience, I studied the mutational frequency of mice treated with NDMA, a water contaminant that is known to cause DNA adducts that contribute to the development of cancer in mouse models. During the pandemic, I worked at Massachusetts General Brigham's COVID-19 Diagnostic Accelerator Lab to validate alternative COVID-19 diagnostic devices. At the John Lab, I am excited to be exposed to working with animals models, studying mechanisms of ocular disease, and various molecular and physiological techniques such as IHC, ISH, dissection, and genotyping. I believe this experience will enhance my foundation in science and support my journey to pursue a career in medicine. In my free time, I enjoy cooking meals from various cultures and I plan to adopt a cat soon.
Dr. John is the Robert L. Burch III Professor of Ophthalmic Sciences at the Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and a Member of the Zuckerman Institute at Columbia. He is also Adjunct Professor at the Jackson Laboratory, Adjunct Professor in the Genetics Program at Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and an Affiliate of the New York Genome Center. He was an Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute for over 23 years. He received his B.Sc. degree - with joint honors in zoology and genetics - from University College Cardiff, South Wales and earned his Ph.D. in Biology (studying human genetics) from McGill University, where he worked with Rima Rozen and Charles Scriver on the genetics of phenylketonuria. His postdoctoral training was with Nobel Laureate Oliver Smithies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studying genes contributing to essential hypertension.
Dr. John has served on various advisory panels to the National institutes of Health and other agencies. He is a member of various professional organizations including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Society for Neuroscience. He has received various awards for his research. Dr. John was honored in both 1997 and 1998 with the Ruth Salta Junior Investigator Achievement Award from the National Glaucoma Research Program of the American Health Assistance Foundation. He received the Cogan Award in 2004 from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology to recognize his important contributions to ophthalmology and visual science. He also received the Lewis Rudin Glaucoma Prize from the New York Academy of Medicine for outstanding work in glaucoma in 2004, 2013, and 2015. In 2006, he received the Global Glaucoma Award from the Association of International Glaucoma Societies for daring, breakthrough, creative, original body of work and for most important glaucoma paper in 2005. Most recently, he was honored with the Sanford and Susan Greenberg Visionary Prize to End Blindness by 20/20, an award which honored members in the medical and scientific communities who have led exemplary and undeniable advances in the fight to end blindness.
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant - Next
I joined the John Laboratory as a Research Assistant in 2007 shortly after graduating from the University of Maine with an M.S. in Wildlife Ecology. In the John Lab, my research is focused on identifying new mouse models of glaucoma with an emphasis on open-angle glaucoma. To obtain these mutants, I manage an ENU-induced mutagenesis screen and use a variety of thorough ocular examination techniques during the screening process. These techniques include measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), and examination and photography of the anterior chamber, fundus, and optic nerve. In addition to primary open-angle glaucoma, we are also interested in closed-angle glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma, developmental glaucomas, and anterior segment dysgenesis. These efforts also provide valuable models of other ocular conditions including retinal degeneration and pediatric cataract. One of my projects recently discovered that a gene which is important for RNA granules, including stress granules, results in pediatric cataract and glaucoma. These findings are relevant for susceptibility to IOP due to oxidative stress and for susceptibility to glaucoma following cataract extraction.
I joined the John Lab as a research aide after I graduated from the University of Notre Dame in May of 2021 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavior along with a minor in Poverty Studies. During my time here, I am excited to gain in-depth knowledge into the development of glaucoma and how it is investigated in mice models while gaining experience in various techniques and procedures like genotyping, animal husbandry, immunohistochemistry, imaging, ocular examinations and physiology. My hobbies include exploring new recipes and dishes while catching up on my favorite shows and movies. I am learning a lot and gaining skills and was promoted to Staff Associate in the summer of 2022.
Job Titles:
- Professor / Investigator, Center for Human Molecular Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People 's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Dr. Zhu received his B.Sc. degree in Plant Molecular and Developmental Biology from Peking University, Beijing. He went on to study in the Institute of Microbiology, at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing and received his master degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In 2000, Dr. Zhu entered the program of Cell and Molecular Biology of the University of Texas, Austin and worked in Dr. David Stein's lab for his Ph.D. dissertation. A major component of the project was to determine the molecular mechanism that controls Drosophila dorsal-ventral polarity formation, specifically investigating the role of glycosaminoglycans in Drosophila pipe-mediated dorsal-ventral patterning.
Dr. Zhu received his Ph.D. degree in Cell and Molecular Biology in 2006. He then joined the John Lab to pursue his postdoctoral training using mammalian genetics and neurobiologic methods to study neurodegenerative disease. He gained expertise in experiments to test mechanisms of disease using mouse models of human disease, and in ocular, brain and spinal cord anatomy and pathology. His major project studied neurodegeneration in wabbler lethal (wl) mice. He determined that these mice develop a severe axonopathy affecting various nerves, the retina and parts of the brain. Interestingly, although their axons degenerate, the neuronal cell bodies survive in most affected tissues. Dr. Zhu characterized the mutant gene which affects cell membranes. Dr. Zhu also investigated the possible role of glial cells in the initiation and/or propagation of glaucoma. Dr. Zhu is currently a Professor/Investigator at The Center for Human Molecular Biology & Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant - Next
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant - Next