Yu Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
Tadao and Akiko Maeda Lab
(216) 368-5133
yu.chen1@case.edu
Education:
Research Focus:

Hideo Kohno, M.D., Ph.D..
Tadao and Akiko Maeda Lab
(216) 368-5133
hideo.kohno@case.edu
Education: 2008 Ph.D. Graduate School of Medicine, The Jikei  University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology;
2002 M.D. The Jikei University School of Medicine
Research Focus: Investigate a regulatory role of all-trans-retinal on activation of retinal inflammation

Osamu Sawada, Ph.D.
Tadao and Akiko Maeda Lab
(216) 368-5133
osamu.sawada@case.edu
Education:
Research Focus: Retinal degeneration with mouse model using ophthalmic in vivo, biochemical, and cell biology techniques

Saida Omarova, M.D.
Irina Pikuleva Lab
(216) 368-8632
saida.omarova@case.edu
Education: BA- Emory University, Atlanta GA, 2005; MD- AUC School of Medicine, St. Maarten, NA, 2009
Research Focus: Our lab studies cholesterol metabolizing enzymes in the eye, in order to better understand the link between cholesterol and age-related macular degeneration. We use animal models to evaluate the effect of these enzymes on visual function and to gain insight into mechanisms of disease.

Sanhita Roy, Ph.D.
Eric Pearlman Lab
(216) 368-5889
sanhita.roy@case.edu
Education: Ph.D.-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, India
Research Focus: Our lab studies primarily on the role of pathogen recognition receptors in regulating corneal infections caused by bacteria and fungus. My study focuses in signaling by Toll Like Receptors in Pseudomonas keratitis.
Future Goals: I want to pursue my career as a scientist and continue research mainly on host-pathogen interactions.

Patricia Taylor, Ph.D.
Eric Pearlman Lab
(216) 368-1856
patricia.r.taylor@case.edu
Education: BS-University of Akron; MS-University of Akron; PhD in Biomedical Sciences-Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Pharmacy & Kent State University
Research Focus: Fungal Immunology
Future Goals: Continuously publish, accrue large grants, and become a tenured professor.

Rooban Nahomi, Ph.D.
Ram Nagaraj Lab
(216) 368-0363
rooban.nahomi@case.edu
Education: Ph.D. and Master of Philosophy in Biochemistry University of Kerala, India; Master of Science in Biochemistry St. Joseph's College, India; Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry Malankara Catholic College, India
Research Focus: Structure and function of small heat shock proteins, and the role of inflammatory cytokines in diabetic retinopathy

Cibin Raghavan, Ph.D.
Ram Nagaraj Lab
(216) 368-0363
cxt206@case.edu
Education: Ph.D, Master of Philosophy in Biochemistry University of Kerala India; Master and Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry University of Madras, India
Research Focus: Biochemical pathways of UV-induced cataract, and biochemical and molecular mechanisms of secondary cataract

Graduate Students

Steven Dejesus Carrion
Ph.D. Student
Eric Pearlman Lab
(216) 368-
steven.dejesuscarrion@case.edu
Education: BA- Emory University, Atlanta GA, 2005; MD- AUC School of Medicine, St. Maarten, NA, 2009
Research Focus: Test
Future Goals: Test

Casey Charvet
Ph.D. Student
Irina Pikuleva Lab
(216) 368-0193
casey.charvet@case.edu
Education: BS-Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, 2005
Research Focus: The role of post-translation modification of proteins by oxidized lipids in age-related eye diseases such as AMD
Future Goals: To become a faculty member at a top tier research institute and continue cutting edge research at the interface of vision science, pharmacology, and biochemistry

Mausita Karmakar
Ph.D. Student
Eric Pearlman Lab
(216) 368-5889
mausita.karmakar@case.edu
Education: BS in Microbiology (University of Calcutta, India) ,  MSc in Biochemistry (University of Calcutta, India)
Research Focus: Innate immune responses and host pathogen interraction during Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis
Future Goals: To be an independent scientist

Sixto Leal
M.D./Ph.D. Student, MSTP Program
Eric Pearlman Lab
(216) 368-6602
sixto.leal@case.edu
Education: B.S. Biological Sciences, Minor, Chemistry (Florida International University: 2006)
Research Focus: Immune mechanisms governing microbe survival in fungal infected cornea tissues
Future Goals: Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Fast Track Residency--> Assistant Professor--> Associate Professor--> Full Professor--> Professor Emeritus--> Florida Retirement Home--> Heaven