The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences proudly announces the appointment of Paul Gamlin, Ph.D., and Rafael Grytz, Ph.D., to endowed professorships in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.
Paul Gamlin, Ph.D., has been appointed as the second holder of the White-McKee Endowed Professorship of Ophthalmology. With this appointment, UAB honors Gamlin's exceptional contributions to visual neuroscience and ophthalmology.
Gamlin, a Professor of Ophthalmology at UAB, completed his Ph.D. in Neurobiology at the State University of New York, Stony Brook, in 1984. Since joining UAB in 1989, Gamlin has held various leadership positions and made significant research discoveries. He is renowned for his work on melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells and directionally selective retinal circuits in non-human primates.
Throughout his career, Gamlin has received numerous awards for his research, teaching, and leadership. He has been recognized as an international expert in visual neuroscience and has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows. Gamlin's publications in top-tier journals and his patented inventions underscore his commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology.
Rafael Grytz, Ph.D., has been appointed as the second holder of the Dennis Endowed Professorship in Glaucoma Research. This prestigious appointment comes in recognition of Grytz's significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology and glaucoma research.
Grytz, an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at UAB, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He completed his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, in 2008, and his postdoctoral training in ocular biomechanics at Devers Eye Institute in Portland, Oregon. Since joining UAB in 2012, Grytz has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of glaucoma and ocular biomechanics.
His groundbreaking research, supported by NIH funding, focuses on the biomechanics of the optic nerve head and its role in glaucoma development and progression. Grytz's work has garnered numerous awards and recognition, including the Thomas R. Lee Award for Glaucoma Research and appointment as a Gold Fellow for the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) in 2021.
Grytz is not only a dedicated researcher but also a passionate educator. He has mentored numerous students and has been recognized for his teaching excellence. His publications in high-profile journals and his innovative approaches to understanding glaucoma have earned him international acclaim.
Congratulations to both Gamlin and Grytz on their well-deserved appointments. Their work will undoubtedly continue to make significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology and beyond.