Richard T. Libby

Richard T. Libby is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD), with joint appointments in Biomedical Genetics, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and the Center for Visual Science. He also serves as Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Post-Doctoral Affairs. His research focuses on glaucoma neurodegeneration, particularly the molecular mechanisms driving retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and axonal injury responses. Libby earned a Ph.D. in Biology from Boston College and a B.S. in Biology from Villanova University.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Biology, Boston College (1997)
  • B.S. in Biology, Villanova University

His research interests include understanding intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways in glaucoma, such as endothelin signaling, proinflammatory cytokine interactions, and compartmentalized axonal/somal degeneration. He uses genetic mouse models to identify therapeutic targets for neuroprotection and has pioneered studies on the role of microglia and astrocytes in neurodegeneration. Key findings include the identification of JUN/AP-1 transcription factors and BAX-mediated apoptosis in RGC death.

Notable awards include the Shaffer Prize for Research (2017), the Thomas R. Lee Award (2020), and multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health. His lab collaborates on projects like the ocular glymphatic system and the development of gene therapies for RGC preservation.

Libby has advised numerous graduate students and postdocs, contributing to over 90 publications. His work spans neurobiology, genetics, and translational medicine, aiming to bridge basic research with clinical glaucoma therapies.