Hamed Massoumi is a biomedical engineering Ph.D. student at
Jalilian’s lab, University of Illinois at Chicago. He plays a key role as the
lab manager, overseeing daily operations and ensuring the lab runs smoothly. He
received his BS in Materials Science and Engineering from the Iran University
of Science and Technology (IUST) in 2014. He also earned a Master of
Engineering in Tissue Engineering from the University of Tehran (UT) in 2017,
and a Master of Science in Biological Engineering from the University of
Georgia (UAG) in 2021. His research is focused on developing extracellular
vesicle (EV)-based therapies for ocular surfaces and nerve regeneration.
Deepshikha Tewari is a Senior Postdoc at Jalilian Lab, University
of Illinois at Chicago, where she conducts scientific research focused on
investigating the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the function and
interactions of corneal nerves within the ocular surface. Her research
endeavors aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex network of
signaling pathways and cellular interactions that contribute to the maintenance
and regeneration of corneal nerves. Prior to her current position, she worked
as an independent scientist at the renowned Indian Institute of Technology,
Kanpur, focusing on stem cell research projects related to osteoporosis
treatment and bone regeneration. During her Ph.D., she specialized in molecular
genetics, specifically studying hematological disorders and mutation detection.
She has been the recipient of prestigious fellowships, including the Women
Scientist Fellowship and Young Scientist Fellowship from the Department of
Science and Technology, Government of India, as well as the Research
Associateship from the Department of Biotechnology and the Senior Research
Fellowship from the Indian Council of Medical Research.
Madhurima Chaudhuri is a Research Fellow at Jalilian Lab,
University of Illinois at Chicago, where she investigates the impact of environmental
stressors on corneal nerve regeneration in vivo. She earned her MBBS from KPC
Medical College and Hospital, her Master of Surgery in Ophthalmology from NRS Medical College
and Hospital, and her MRCS in Ophthalmology from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.
She has worked on VEP changes in patients with blunt ocular trauma and type 2
diabetes and photodynamic therapy as the treatment modality for circumscribed
choroidal hemangioma. She is further involved in a project with the aim of
characterization of extracellular vesicles from 2D and 3D cultured human
mesenchymal cells and their effects on corneal wound healing and nerve regeneration.
Mohammad Soleimani has a clinical fellowship in Ocular Regenerative Medicine at the University of Illinois, Chicago, where he also collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of dry eye syndrome and ocular surface diseases. He is passionate about advancing the field of cornea and Anterior Segment diseases, including Ocular Surface Disease, through research, education, and clinical practice. He has over 10 years of experience as an ophthalmologist, cornea sub-specialist, and associate professor. He has a lot of experience in teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows and provides high-quality care to patients with corneal disorders. He holds the FICO and ECFMG certifications and has received multiple honors and grants for my academic and clinical achievements.
Dr. Victor H. Guaiquil is an Assistant Research Professor of Ophthalmology at the Corneal Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Medicine. He received his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the State University of New York and served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Hospital for Special Surgery. His research is focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in angiogenesis and neurogenesis in the retina and cornea.
Mark I. Rosenblatt is G. Stephen Irwin's executive dean at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He is a corneal surgeon and a highly accomplished physician-scientist with a National Institutes of Health-sponsored research program exploring mechanisms to regenerate corneal nerves following corneal injury. He received his M.D. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Miami School of Medicine. His primary focus is innovation and the translation of basic discoveries in the laboratory into relevant therapies for patients. His clinical practice focuses on laser vision correction surgery and the treatment of cataracts and corneal disease. He is also the Illinois Lions/Charles I Young Endowed Chair in Ocular Research. He has published numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters and has presented at national and international academic meetings. He is the Cornea Section Editor for the Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Journal and serves on the Editorial Board of Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science.
Ali R. Djalilian is the Searls-Schenk Professor of
Ophthalmology at the Department of Ophthalmology, University
of Illinois College of Medicine. He earned his MD from the University of
Minnesota and completed his Residency at the University of Minnesota Medical
School, his Fellowship in Cornea Research at the University of Minnesota, his Fellowship
in Cornea and Ocular Surface Disorders at Cincinnati Eye Institute, and his Fellowship
in Ocular Immunology and Uveitis at the National Eye Institute. He specializes
in the cornea, particularly ocular surface diseases and immunologic diseases of the
cornea and anterior segment. He is a leading expert on ocular surface
reconstruction and has developed innovations in the surgical techniques for
limbal stem cell transplantation.
Elmira Jalilian is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine. She earned her BSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Tehran University, her MSc in Medical Genetics from Newcastle University, and her Ph.D. in Stem Cell and Developmental Biology from the University College London (UCL). She was previously a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, developed 3D co-culture systems to generate cortical brain organoids, and studied mechanisms of brain development during embryogenesis. Prior to this, she worked at Harvard Medical School and studied 3D bio-printing technology to generate pre-vascularized muscle fibers with the aim of designing the next generation of scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering constructs. Her long-term research goal is to pursue a comprehensive understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms associated with corneal sensory nerve behavior in both healthy and pathological states.
