Jesse B. Schallek

Jesse B. Schallek is Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester's Flaum Eye Institute, with joint appointments in the Department of Neuroscience and as a member of the Center for Visual Science. He also serves as Director of the Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance (ARIA). His research focuses on developing and applying adaptive optics imaging technology to study blood flow and immune cell dynamics in the living retina.

• Bachelor's in Bioengineering from Syracuse University (2003)
• PhD in Neuroscience from SUNY Upstate Medical University (2010)
• Postdoctoral training in Adaptive Optics Imaging with David Williams at University of Rochester (2010-2015)

Dr. Schallek's research centers on the neural-vascular system in the retina, which is critical for understanding the leading causes of blindness in the developed world. His lab develops specialized cameras called Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscopes (AOSLO) that correct for imperfections in the eye's optics, enabling imaging of capillaries ten times thinner than a human hair. This technology allows for visualization of single blood cells flowing through retinal vessels, providing insights into blood flow dysfunction in retinal diseases. His work spans multiple projects including Blood Cell Imaging, Blood Flow analysis, Immune Cell Imaging, Laser Lesion Models, and Retinal Vascular Structure studies.

Analysis of Dr. Schallek's recent publications reveals a strong focus on adaptive optics technology development and its application to retinal imaging. His work increasingly examines immune cell dynamics in the retina, particularly microglial and neutrophil responses to injury and disease. There's a clear progression from technical development to biological application, with recent studies utilizing primate models and exploring connections between retinal health and systemic conditions. His research bridges engineering, neuroscience, and clinical ophthalmology.

• Career Advancement Award (2022-2024)
• David Mahoney Neuroimaging Award (2017-2019)
• Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award (2016-2020)
• Ruth Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2013-2015)
• Edmund Optics Higher Education Grant Program Finalist (2013)

Dr. Schallek mentors multiple graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with several of his trainees receiving recognition for their work. His research is supported by five national competitive research grants, including an R01 award to study immune cell behaviors in the living eye. The Schallek Lab collaborates extensively across departments including Biomedical Engineering, Microbiology and Immunology, and with external institutions like Genentech and UCL. Current projects focus on blood cell imaging, immune cell dynamics, and developing 3D quantitative phase imaging techniques for single retinal cells.

The Schallek Lab is part of the Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance (ARIA), which brings together researchers from the Flaum Eye Institute, Center for Visual Science, and The Institute of Optics. The lab maintains active collaborations with researchers including Krishnan Padmanabhan (Neuroscience), Cristina Canavesi (LighTopTech), Justin Elstrott (Genentech), and Colin Chu (UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital). They utilize state-of-the-art imaging facilities and have developed multiple patented adaptive optics technologies.