April 12, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees appointed University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) faculty member David R. Whikehart, Ph.D, as professor emeritus at its April 8 meeting.

A noted researcher in the biochemistry and molecular biology of the eye, Whikehart is among the few to have isolated and characterized stem cells that appear in the lining of the corneal endothelium. He has served as a member of the UAB School of Optometry curriculum committee, helping to plan and improve optometric training and the training of vision scientists. He has written two editions of a textbook on the biochemistry of the eye.

Whikehart received his doctorate in biochemistry from West Virginia University in 1969 He came to UAB in 1978 as an assistant professor and later was named professor in the Department of Vision of Sciences. He was presented with the UAB President's Award for Teaching Excellence in 2007.

About the UAB School of Optometry
The UAB School of Optometry is recognized nationally for its significant contributions to eye and vision care knowledge and vision science. Founded in 1969, the school is the only institution in Alabama to offer the four-year doctor of optometry degree.