Eye disease; Glaucoma; molecular pathogenesis; therapeutic target discovery; molecular biology; neurodegeneration; in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of disease

Dr. Clark’s major research focus is to discover the molecular mechanisms involved in ocular diseases, particularly glaucoma, in order to develop disease modifying therapies for better management of ocular diseases. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness in the world and is also the leading neurodegenerative disease, affecting both the eye and brain. Dr. Clark’s research includes molecular genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, pathology, and mouse models of glaucoma. A main goal in this lab is to perform translational research that eventually will help patients with glaucoma. In addition to research, he trains and mentors graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and medical students. He also is very active in community-based vision screening events.

Cell and molecular biology; culture of ocular cells; ex vivo perfusion organ culture; in vivo rodent models of ocular diseases; molecular genetics; genome editing