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Research Focus

The focus of our macular degeneration research program is on improving the function of the cells that support the chemistry of vision, the rod and cone photoreceptors. With a unique multidisciplinary team of ophthalmologists, computational chemists, cell biologists and biochemists, we are using advanced computer modeling technology to design a treatment that will protect visual pigments in the photoreceptor cells and improve visual function. The focus of the research is to identify a treatment that will stabilizing the delicate opsin proteins that activate the visual transduction cascade (a series of biochemical steps that are responsible for vision in all vertebrate species).

Education

M.D., Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1984
B.S., Chemistry, Marquette University, 1978

Professional Experience

2008-present Associate Professor, Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA. Chairman: Dr. Jeffery Kelly
2002-2008 Associate Professor, Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA. Chairman: Dr. Ernest Beutler
2000-2002: Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California. Chairman: Dr. Sandra Schmidt
1994-2000: Assistant Professor, Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California. Chairman: Dr. Sandra Schmidt
1990-present: Vitreoretinal Surgeon. San Diego Vitreoretinal Associates, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, California
1990-1994: Assistant Member and Head of Eye Research, Department of Molecular and Cellular Growth Biology, The Whittier Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology, La Jolla, California Chairman: Dr. Roger Guillemin
1990-2000: Assistant Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
1988-1990: Clinical Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery, Duke University Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina
1985-1988: Residency in Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, Maryland

Awards & Professional Activities

Hornaday Vitreoretinal Award
Heed Foundation Award
Marianna Mead Award
Kanpp Fellowship Award
Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology
Member:
     Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
     American Society of Retinal Specialists
     The Retina Society
     The Macula Society
     The Campo Society
     California Medical Association
     San Diego Medical Society


Educational Lectures and Seminars:
October 15
American Academy of Ophthalmology: Neuroprotection for Retinal Detachment

June 9
National Eye Institute (NEI): The Retinal Origin of Visual Illusions in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients.

May 4
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO): Visual Hallucinations in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients are Induced by Proton Pump Inhibitors: Clinical and Electrophysiologic Studies.

March 19
Update on Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Scripps Mericos

March 16
Vail Vitrectomy Meeting: Neuroprotection for Retinal Detachment

January 15
Macula of Paris, France: Visual Perception Abnormalities in Macular Degeneration Patients

September 3
4th International Vitreoretinal Meeting, Vienna, Austria: Flavonoids protect Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death

June 18
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Fred Jacobiak Lecture, Harvard MEEI Graduation Lecture, Boston, Mass. Listen to your patients, they will teach you

June 19
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Mass. Harvard Mariana Mead Invited Lecture: The Retinal Origin of Visual Hallucinations in Age-Related Macular Degeneration patients

April 9
Emory University Eye Center Vision Research Seminar. Atlanta, Georgia: Neuroprotection for Age-Related Macular Degeneration- a new perspective

Links

Hanneken Laboratory Website

Learn More About Macular Degeneration

Honor Roll of Sponsors