My research in the Tucker and Mullins labs primarily focuses on the molecular mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 60, with no good treatment for early stages of disease. Although AMD pathophysiology remains unclear, many of its risk factors have been well described. One major risk factor comes in the form of a commonly inherited mutation that results in dysfunction of a regulator of the complement cascade. I am interested in characterizing the mechanism of this mutation’s increased AMD risk in order to learn more about the pathophysiology of AMD. To do this, I use techniques like immunohistochemistry and single-cell RNA sequencing on iPSC-derived models as well as human donor eyes. In addition to my interest in AMD, I have research interests in various inherited retinal diseases as well as a clinical interest in ophthalmology.