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For Media

Connect With an Expert

BrightFocus Foundation’s in-house team of scientists are available for media interviews about Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. To arrange an interview, please contact Julia Roth at jroth@brightfocus.org.

Diane Bovenkamp, PhD

Diane Bovenkamp, PhD

Diane Bovenkamp, PhD, Vice President of Scientific Affairs, is the chief scientist at BrightFocus Foundation, overseeing global operations of the organization’s research programs. She serves as the scientific liaison in local, national, and international forums, and identifies and develops new research initiatives, partnerships, and funding policies consistent with the mission of BrightFocus.

Dr. Bovenkamp obtained her PhD in biochemistry from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, discovering and studying Eph receptors in angiogenesis and neural development in zebrafish and mice. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Vascular Biology Program at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, isolating and characterizing zebrafish neuropilins. Dr. Bovenkamp conducted further research at the Johns Hopkins University Bayview Proteomics Center in the Division of Cardiology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, using proteomic techniques for biomarker detection in human serum.

Sharyn Rossi, PhD

Sharyn Rossi, PhD, Director, Neuroscience Programs

Dr. Sharyn Rossi received her PhD in anatomy and neurobiology from the University of California, Irvine, where she studied stem cell replacement therapies for the treatment of spinal cord injury. She continued her post-doctoral work at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children studying spinal muscular atrophy, and Johns Hopkins University, using optogenetics to investigate how transplanted stem cells integrate into brain circuitry after traumatic brain injury. Prior to joining BrightFocus, Dr. Rossi was a senior research scientist at the National Institute on Aging, using neuroimaging, light-sheet microscopy, and novel interventions to investigate changes in the brain during normal cognitive aging.

Preeti Subramanian

Preeti Subramanian, PhD, Director, Vision Science Programs

Before joining BrightFocus, Dr. Preeti Subramanian was a research scientist at the National Eye Institute (NEI) of the NIH for 10+ years. Dr. Subramanian received her PhD in biochemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she identified a novel role for bioactive sphingolipid ceramide 1 phosphate (C1P) in mediating inflammation.

She completed her postdoctoral training at the NEI, performing investigations on pigment epithelium-derived factor, an ocular protein with neurotrophic activity. She continued her research in vision science at the NEI, identifying and studying potential therapeutic agents for diseases involving RPE oxidative stress (e.g., age-related macular degeneration).

Latest Research News from BrightFocus-Funded Scientists

David Lowing

BrightFocus Foundation Appoints David Lowing as Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

BrightFocus Foundation appoints David Lowing to lead corporate and foundation relations. With nearly 20 years of experience, including roles at Conquer Cancer and CHOP, he will expand partnerships and funding for research on Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Illustration of different human cells.

Could Listening in to Cellular Communication Help Treat Glaucoma?

By unlocking the secrets of how cells communicate, this first-of-its-kind BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded study could help prevent vision loss and restore sight for those living with the disease.

A microscopic image of cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells.
A microscopic image of cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells. Photo Credit: NIH Flickr

Turning Back the Biological Clock on Aged and Injured Eye Cells

A de-aging technique offers hope for halting damage in early macular degeneration.

Happy senior couple sitting on the bench in park.

A BrightFocus-Funded Non-Invasive Treatment Slows Alzheimer’s Progression in Yearlong Study

Sinaptica Therapeutics unveils breakthrough Phase 2 results for an experimental non-invasive treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

A collage of colorful brain scans.

Breaking News Dispatch: A Non-Invasive Alzheimer’s Treatment, Early Detection, and More

Get the latest in Alzheimer’s screening and treatments.

Abstract artwork of a red brain surrounded by vibrant, intertwining blood vessels and neural pathways in red, blue, and pink.

Could Finding and Treating Tiny Blood Clots in the Brain Delay Alzheimer’s?

A BrightFocus-funded scientist is investigating a novel imaging tool that could be used to find treatable blood clots in the brain and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Speakers, chairs, and event organizers of BrightFocus Foundation’s 16th annual Alzheimer’s Fast Track.

BrightFocus Workshop Helps Shape Future Alzheimer’s Leaders

Students and senior Alzheimer’s researchers gathered in Chicago for an immersive workshop hosted by BrightFocus Foundation.

BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research grant recipient Jennifer Fan Gaskin, MBChB, MD, FRANZCO (far right) with her research team in the lab. Photo courtesy Jennifer Fan Gaskin.

2024 Research Portfolios Now Available

BrightFocus proudly supports over 200 cutting-edge research grants, fueling the global fight against Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

A vibrant 3D rendering of an iris, with multicolored light strands radiating from the dark pupil. The colors range from blue and green to orange and yellow, creating a dynamic, futuristic look.

Helping the Eye Repair Itself: New Study Offers Clues to Restoring Vision Lost to Glaucoma

A new BrightFocus-funded study uncovers genetic clues that could point to new strategies for regrowing neurons in people living with glaucoma.

Press Releases

BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research grant recipient Jennifer Fan Gaskin, MBChB, MD, FRANZCO (far right) with her research team in the lab. Photo courtesy Jennifer Fan Gaskin.

2024 Research Portfolios Now Available

BrightFocus proudly supports over 200 cutting-edge research grants, fueling the global fight against Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

2024 Annual Report Cover

Today’s Investments, Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs: 2024 Annual Report Highlights Scientific Progress

BrightFocus Foundation’s 2024 annual report highlights groundbreaking research and public awareness efforts over the last year to defeat Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. 

Headshot of Herbert Drayton

BrightFocus Foundation Welcomes Three New Board Members

Global brain and vision research nonprofit BrightFocus Foundation has appointed three industry leaders to its board of directors.

A wide shot of the Concert for Cures at City Winery in Nashville

Global Brain and Vision Research Nonprofit Hosts Inaugural Concert for Cures Celebrating Science

BrightFocus Foundation hosted its inaugural Concert for Cures on Wednesday, June 26, at City Winery in Nashville.

Adam Meyers headshot
1920535,Myers,07-27-20,CCC,Dr Adam Myers,Signed Consent

Community Health Leader Joins BrightFocus Foundation Board of Directors

BrightFocus Foundation has appointed Dr. Adam Myers as a new member of its board of directors.

Dr. José Cunha-Vaz receives the 2024 Helen Keller Prize from Keller Johnson-Thompson, great-grand niece of Helen Keller.

José Cunha-Vaz Named 2024 Helen Keller Laureate by BrightFocus Foundation, Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education

Ophthalmologist recognized for over a half century of groundbreaking scientific contributions to vision research.

2024 award recipients with BrightFocus staff. From left: Diane Bovenkamp, PhD, BrightFocus; Hannah Youngblood, PhD; Miguel Flores Bellver, PhD; Samuel Herberg, PhD; John Han, PhD; Krishna Singh, PhD; and Preeti Subramanian, PhD, BrightFocus.
2024 award recipients with BrightFocus staff. From left: Diane Bovenkamp, PhD, BrightFocus; Hannah Youngblood, PhD; Miguel Flores Bellver, PhD; Samuel Herberg, PhD; John Han, PhD; Krishna Singh, PhD; and Preeti Subramanian, PhD, BrightFocus.

BrightFocus Foundation Recognizes Innovators in Vision Research

The annual BrightFocus Vision Research Awards honor outstanding scientists who are advancing macular degeneration and glaucoma research.

Current Macular Degeneration Research grant recipient Yara Lechanteur, MD, PhD

BrightFocus Foundation Announces $10M in New Funding Across Brain and Vision Research, Celebrates Historic Diversity of Grant Award Recipients

With over two-thirds (67%) of new grants awarded to women, BrightFocus Foundation is a preeminent funder of female scientists across eye and brain research.

Headshot of Jon Walsh

BrightFocus Foundation Adds Veteran Finance Executive to Leadership Team

BrightFocus Foundation welcomed Jon Walsh as its new Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration.