2nd Annual Southwestern Vision Science Summit

Registration and Abstract Submission

The UTSW Department of Ophthalmology presents the 2nd Annual Southwestern Vision Science Summit (SVSS), a regional forum for scientists in vision-related fields to present their findings and facilitate the development of professional contacts.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND SESSION CHAIRS
Anand Swaroop, Ph.D. - Keynote Speaker
Anand Swaroop, Ph.D., is a distinguished vision scientist and founder of the Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory at the National Eye Institute. His research has advanced our understanding of retinal development, degeneration, aging, and age-related macular degeneration, while helping to drive innovative cell- and gene-based therapies for blinding diseases. An internationally recognized leader in ophthalmic research, Dr. Swaroop has published nearly 350 scientific papers, delivered more than 300 invited lectures worldwide, mentored over 500 trainees, and received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to vision science, research excellence, and mentorship.

Michelle Callegan, Ph.D., FARVO - Session Chair
Michelle C. Callegan, Ph.D., FARVO, is Vice Chair for Basic and Translational Research and Director of Vision Research in the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where she also holds multiple distinguished professorships in Ophthalmology, Microbiology, and Immunology. An internationally recognized leader in ocular infectious disease research, Dr. Callegan studies the pathogenesis, host immune response, and treatment of blinding eye infections, particularly bacterial endophthalmitis. A prolific investigator, educator, and mentor, she has made significant contributions to advancing translational vision research and been honored as a Fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (FARVO) for her outstanding achievements and service to the vision science community.

Nicholas Tran, Ph.D. - Session Chair
Nicholas M. Tran, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, where he leads a research program focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying retinal degeneration and optic nerve injury. Using advanced single-cell genomics and neurobiology approaches, Dr. Tran seeks to understand why specific retinal neurons are vulnerable to diseases such as glaucoma and identify strategies that promote neuronal survival and regeneration.

Vivien Coulson-Thomas, Ph.D. - Session Chair
Vivien J. Coulson-Thomas, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology in the Department of Vision Science at the University of Houston College of Optometry. Her research takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the role of the extracellular matrix in stem cell biology, corneal development and disease, wound healing, dry eye disease, and inflammation. Her current projects are focused on meibomian gland biology, the limbal stem cell niche, corneal wound healing, and aging-related inflammation of the lacrimal gland.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, February 26, 2027
Dinner and Networking (Venue to be announced)

Saturday, February 27, 2027
7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -- Scientific Sessions and Poster Presentations
4:30 to 5 p.m. -- Awards and Closing Remarks/Adjourn