The Hamilton Eye Institute (HEI) at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center once again opened its doors to innovation, inspiration, and scientific discovery during its fourth-annual Summer Student and Resident/Fellow Symposium, held Wednesday, July 23, in the Freeman Auditorium.
Now a signature event for HEI, this year’s symposium drew strong participation from across the UT Health Science Center’s trainee community, featuring 25 presentations from medical students, undergraduate students, pre-residency fellows, and even area high school students. These young scientists and clinicians presented the outcomes of their summer research projects, covering a range of topics that reflect the future of vision science and ophthalmic care.
Each year, the symposium continues to grow, underscoring HEI’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of vision experts. The event offers trainees an invaluable platform to not only share their work but also engage with peers and mentors across disciplines.
The breadth of research presented highlighted the remarkable range of inquiry shaping the future of vision science. From cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence, such as image-based deep learning models for optic nerve health and choroidal tumor detection, to investigations of molecular and cellular mechanisms behind retinal diseases, presenters explored vision from the genetic and cellular level to real-world patient outcomes.
Several projects delved into promising therapeutic strategies, including the use of engineered exosomes and glycan-based treatments. Others examined clinical and educational issues, such as the impact of glaucoma surgery techniques, wellness in residency training, and disparities in surgical education. Topics also spanned neurodegenerative models in zebrafish, virtual reality in ophthalmic education, and large-scale data analysis from national cohorts like the All of Us Research Program. Altogether, the symposium captured a dynamic blend of translational science, innovative technology, and clinical insight, showcasing the diverse interests and talents of UT Health Science Center’s next generation of vision scientists and ophthalmic leaders.
“I am incredibly proud of our trainees and the quality of science that they produce in a very short period of time.”
Monica M. Jablonski, PhD
The symposium was lead and organized by T.J. Hollingsworth, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, and Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Biochemistry. Monica M. Jablonski, PhD, HEI vice chair and director of Research, co-organized the event. Dr. Jablonski holds appointments across five departments—Ophthalmology, Anatomy & Neurobiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genetics, Genomics & Informatics, and Physiology—and also serves as the associate dean of Postdoctoral Affairs. Together, their leadership ensures that the symposium remains a rich, interdisciplinary learning experience for all involved.
“Every year since its inception, my goal for the symposium has been to get as many trainees in ophthalmological research to participate, as the opportunity to stand in front of an audience of experts and present on the work you are doing, especially as medical students, undergraduates, and high school students, really puts the trainees on an upward trajectory for their future careers,” Dr. Hollingsworth said. “Public speaking, especially in science and the medical field, is a critical aspect of both personal and professional growth and it makes me both proud and happy that I get to participate in that growth.”
“I am incredibly proud of our trainees and the quality of science that they produce in a very short period of time,” Dr. Jablonski said. “Kudos, also, to our mentors for providing the creative and supportive environment that makes this possible.”