Stewart Thompson, Ph.D. | Email Address | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
|---|---|
| Title | Assistant Professor |
| Service | Basic Science Research in Ophthalmology |
| Phone | 335-8270 |
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Education
- B.S., Biochemistry, Kingston University, Surrey, UK.
- M.S., Neuroscience, King’s College of the University of London,(U.K.)
- Ph.D., Physiology, Imperial College of the University of London, (U.K.)
Post Graduate Education
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Zoology, University of Toronto, Canada.
- Post-doctoral Research Scholar/Specialist, University of Iowa
Research Interests and Current Projects
- Detection of light in the eye serves two distinct functions: spatial awareness (vision), and regulation of physiology and behavioural state (irradiance responses). This dual role means that eye disease that disrupts vision can also adversely affect health and performance. Documented effects of abnormal irradiance detection include disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep, reduced alertness and depressed mood. It is therefore clear that in eye disease, abnormal irradiance detection can negatively affect quality of life. However, the manner in which different eye diseases affect this critical role of the eye remains virtually unexplored.
- An integrative approach primarily in genetic mouse models is being used to understand:
- (1) diseases and disease mechanisms that cause altered irradiance responses,
- (2) the retinal cellular basis of irradiance detection for distinct responses to light,
- (3) mechanisms of plasticity in retinal irradiance coding circuits, and
- (4) disruptions in physiology because of altered irradiance detection that contribute to deficits in health and performance.
- Knowledge of the effects and basis for abnormal irradiance coding will be used to develop patient disorder management and prevention rationales, such as lighting and sleep regimens.
- This is complimented by collaborative contribution to studies of eye disease pathology, disease mechanism and therapeutic efficacy.
