Biographical Sketch:
Education:
B. S, chemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
Ph. D., Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Administrative Responsibilities:
Administrative Coursemaster, Fundamentals I and II, Schools of Optometry and Dentistry
Member, UABSO Curriculum Committee
Secondary Appointments:
Senior Scientist, Vision Science Research Center
Senior Scientist, Center for Aging
Personal:
Dr. Whikehart is a native of Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to his formal education in science, he has an extensive education in liberal arts and languages. His hobbies include competitive sailing, model railroading, and music. He is a music minister at his church where he participates in both a vocal choir and a hand bell choir. In addition, he runs a business as a professional wedding and portrait photographer with his wife. He has two grown daughters who are professional teachers in graphic arts and psychological counseling.
Scholarly Activity:
Teaching:
VS 111. Biochemistry of the Eye (coursemaster and lecturer) A professional level course in ocular biochemistry for 1st year optometry students.
VS 744. Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry of the Eye (lecturer). A multi-track course in basic ocular science for graduate students registered in the Vision Science Program.
VS 745. Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry of the Eye. II (lecturer). Continuation of VS 744.
OPT 230. Ocular Pharmacology (lecturer). Theory and applications of clinical ocular pharmacology for 2nd year optometry students.
Research:
Biochemistry and molecular biology of the cornea. Currently involved in investigations of stem cells destined for the human corneal endothelium. This work involves the use of molecular markers and isolation techniques for stem cells using laser capture microdissection. The isolated cells will be characterized by genomics and proteonomics. Applications of this study will be useful in corneal transplants, eye banking techniques and in growing artificial corneas.
Publications
McGowan SL, Edelhauser HF, Pfister RR, Whikehart DR. Stem cell markers in the human posterior limbus and corneal endothelium of unwounded and wounded corneas. Mol Vis 2007; 13: 1984-2000.
Whikehart DR, Parikh CH, Vaughn AV, Mishler K, Edelhauser HF. Evidence suggesting the existence of stem cells for the human corneal endothelium. Mol Vis 2005; 11: 816-824.
Paull A, Whikehart DR. Expression of the p53 family of proteins in central and peripheral human corneal endothelial cells. Mol Vis 2005; 11: 328-334.
Additional Information:
Received the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2007.
