Mentor Research Statement

Research Interests

Microbiology, immunology, infectious disease, corneal and tear physiology

Research in the Fleiszig laboratory is primarily concerned with corneal infection and its pathogenesis associated with contact lens wear. The long-term goals include the development of strategies to reduce the incidence of this potentially blinding disease. Various approaches are being explored, including modifications to contact lenses and the way in which they are worn, and the development of new pharmaceutical methods for prevention/treatment. Current projects are focused on dissecting apart the basic biology of ocular defenses against infection and the mechanisms by which contact lens wear compromises them to allow bacteria to cause disease. Studies of the epidemiology of corneal infection and other complications during contact lens wear interface with basic research in this lab by providing rational direction for the basic research and because basic research results indicate hypotheses that then need to be tested using human subjects. Therefore, there is ample opportunity for BCSDP trainees to conduct bidirectional bench-to-bedside research based on ongoing studies in this laboratory.