Dr. Gregory W. Schwartz, Ph.D.

I am fascinated by how retinal circuits perform visual computations. Our lab seeks to understand visual computation at levels from neuronal biophysics up to behavior. We also work on several diseases affecting the retina, and we collaborate with engineers to design new camera sensors inspired by the retina. Supporting the development of the next generation of scientists is my passion and my most important role.

Hifsah Ahmed

Clinical treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) requires new therapeutic approaches based on a more thorough understanding of its early-stage retinal neuropathology. While basic research has pointed to several possible molecular targets, there is currently no sensitive screening platform in an animal model to measure retinal dysfunction in DR or its possible rescue by experimental compounds. I will meet this need by developing a new preparation with my subject. Critically, this preparation will allow me to measure and manipulate blood glucose and oxygen, and to deliver drugs through the vascular system over hours or even days, all while monitoring the actual neural signals responsible for vision.

Devon Greer

Direct retinal projections to the brain innervate an extensive number of brain areas. Identifying the functional selectivity RGCs projecting to the amygdala would provide crucial insights into the role of visual input into related behaviors. Thus, I am exploring the RGC subtypes and visual cues that may drive amygdala-related social behavior.

Zachary Jessen

I am interested in describing neural computations in the retina as they relate to health and disease. My main focus is on using calcium imaging and biophysical models to understand retinal neurovascular coupling and how it may be perturbed in diabetic retinopathy. Other projects with which I am or have been involved include modeling the circuit dynamics of the nNOS-2 amacrine cell, modeling the statistical properties of bipolar cell-to-RGC neurotransmission, and using our knowledge of RGC typology to improve retinal prostheses.

Xin Zhang

Retinal ganglion cells project to various downstream brain regions. I am interested in characterizing the less-known projections. What is their involvement in naturalistic behavior, such as food-seeking? And what information do those projections transmit? My research methods combine circuit tracing, behavior analysis, and ex vivo electrophysiology.

Agniva Sinha

I am working on characterizing the intrinsic electrical properties of displaced amacrine cells. Using responses to current injections and different stimulus presentations (spots multi size, drifting grating, moving bar) I am attempting to classify/group cells together. Electrophysiological data is collected in current clamp mode and is compared with qualitative and general assessments of displaced amacrine cells morphology.

Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) are highly metabolically active neurons that demand a proportionate amount of energy to function. My research aims to better understand the relationship between glucose metabolism and the intrinsic properties of RGCs using electrophysiology techniques. Currently, I am employing inhibitory factors in combination with a glucose transporter knock-out mouse line to study the effects of glucose impairment on RGC spiking ability.

Exploring retinal projections to various retinorecipient regions of the brain is essential for understanding how these areas drive specific behaviors. I am interested in exploring this relationship within the medial amygdala, using various injection techniques to understand how signals travel through the optic tract. Thus, I hope to provide a biological explanation as to how amygdala-related behaviors such as fear and aggression manifest in part due to visual cues.