Maria C. Edman-Woolcott

Maria C. Edman-Woolcott, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Research Ophthalmology at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the Roski Eye Institute and the USC School of Pharmacy. She holds a B.Sc. in Medical Biology from Linköping University (Sweden) and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Kalmar University (Sweden).

Her research focuses on Sjögren’s Syndrome, lacrimal gland biology, and dry eye conditions. Key projects include identifying tear protein biomarkers and developing targeted drug delivery systems for autoimmune treatments. Collaborations with Dr. Sarah Hamm-Alvarez and Dr. Mackay aim to reduce systemic toxicity of immunosuppressants in Sjögren’s patients.

Dr. Edman has received the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation Research Award (2015–2017). Her work bridges proteomics, nanomedicine, and clinical translation, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to ocular and systemic autoimmune diseases.