“My research focuses on the development of a bionic retina – a device implanted into the back of the eye that can stimulate diseased neurons with the goal of restoring sight to those blinded by retinal diseases such as macular degeneration. As the Rappaport Fellow, my team and I will continue to investigate the fundamental mechanisms by which these devices interact with retinal neurons and use this information to develop more effective stimulation strategies. We will also continue to pioneer some new technology in which tiny magnets are used to activate neurons; this approach has some marked advantages over conventional electrodes, but still needs further investigation. We have already made some important findings, and I anticipate making additional insights over the next year.”