Role Model for Retina Researchers

Jennifer Kang-Mieler, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, a highly honored retina researcher, has recently added two more accolades to her trophy case. These awards recognize her dedication to the field and her passion for advancing vision research and the prevention and cure of disorders affecting the visual system.

ARVO Fellow

In June Professor Kang-Mieler was named a Fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). This honor recognizes current ARVO members for their individual accomplishments, leadership and contributions to the Association. In 2015, Kang-Mieler was named an ARVO Trustee Member representing the Retina section and is currently serving her five-year term where she is involved in policymaking and strategic direction for the Association.

Paul Kayser Global Award

A few weeks later, she was named the recipient of the 2017 Retina Research Foundation (RRF) Paul Kayser Global Award. She was honored with the accolade for her research project, ”A novel microsphere-hydrogel ocular drug delivery system for anti- vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs).” This $50,000 award is presented every two years and will further Professor Kang-Mieler’s research into the development of a drug delivery platform that encapsulates and releases anti-VEGF agents from biodegradable microspheres and thermo-responsive hydrogels for over 6 months. The novel treatment would replace the conventional monthly intravitreal injection treatment for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Kang-Mieler will be recognized for the achievement on August 9 during the opening ceremonies of the XXXIII Pan-American Congress of Ophthalmology in Lima, Peru. She will also present her research during the event on August 11. Read more.