Cynthia Owsley, Ph.D.Cynthia Owsley, Ph.D., the Nathan E. Miles Chair of Ophthalmology and Vice Chair of Research Administration in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, has been named to the Bioengineering of Neuroscience, Vision and Low Vision Technologies study section of the National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review.
The BNVT study section includes scientists from a number of related disciplines who review applications on developing and utilizing bioengineering and materials engineering, and computational approaches for studying the development, structure, function or pathology of the nervous system, including technologies and basic research on low vision.
“It is an honor to become part of this panel,” Owsley said. “NIH study section panels carry out a scientific review of grant applications, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and the panel weighs in on the proposed research’s potential impact on the scientific field and ultimately public health. The applications are then considered for funding by the National Eye Institute or other NIH institutes. As a scientist, I find it is a privilege to be involved in this process; but also it is a great learning experience.”
Panel member selection is based on a variety of factors, including scientific track record and experience with leading NIH-funded or other significant research efforts.
In her research at UAB, Owsley focuses on aging-related eye diseases and vision impairment. Her research program uses many research techniques, including psychophysical methods, epidemiology, clinical trials and health services research. Her work has been continuously funded by the NIH since 1983.