Dr. Bin Zhang Appointed Assistant Dean for Research at NSUCO
Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry (NSUCO) is pleased to announce that Bin Zhang, MD, PhD, professor, has been named Assistant Dean for Research.
In this newly created role, Dr. Zhang will work with faculty to support them in their research and scholarship goals. Dr. Zhang has shown a vision and commitment to growing research as a core component of NSUCO’s program. In his previous position as Director of the Research and Graduate Program, Dr. Zhang mentored many visiting scholars and faculty, helping them develop research questions and successfully publish their work.
Dr. Zhang earned his MD degree from the School of Medicine, Nanjing University in 1995. He then practiced as an ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery in Jinling General Hospital, China. In 2003, Dr. Zhang received his Ph.D. degree in Physiological Optics and Vision Science from College of Optometry, University of Houston. He dedicated the following six years to scientific research funded by National Eye Institute.
Dr. Zhang’s research interest is centered on the normal and abnormal development of visual system. He studies how the response properties of neurons in the visual cortex develop under the guidance of normal visual experience in early life. Dr. Zhang also investigates how abnormal visual experience, such as short sight, unequal refractive errors of the two eyes, and misalignment of the two eyes disrupts the smooth developing process of these properties and finally leads to lazy eye (amblyopia). His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Neuroscience; Cell; Proceedings of National Academy of Science USA, and Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science.
Dr. Zhang’s years of experience, funding and publication track record, and his involvement with students, faculty, and university committees will ensure the growth of research and scholarship as key components of NSUCO’s program.