Maria Markoulli

Dr. Maria Markoulli is an Associate Professor and Optometrist at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). She serves as Director of Learning and Teaching and previously held the position of Postgraduate Coordinator from 2017-2022. Dr. Markoulli is also the Academic Lead for the UNSW Dry Eye Clinic and serves as Deputy Editor for Clinical and Experimental Optometry.

Dr. Markoulli's research program focuses on the tear film and cornea as accessible windows to better characterize, diagnose, and monitor ocular and systemic diseases. Her primary research interests include tear film biochemistry, ocular surface disease, dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, and the impact of systemic diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and chemotherapy on corneal nerves and tear film composition. She also investigates contact lens-related adverse events and nutritional influences on ocular health.

Analysis of Dr. Markoulli's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of systemic diseases and ocular surface health, with particular emphasis on diabetes and neuropathy. Her research employs advanced techniques including in-vivo corneal confocal microscopy to examine nerve morphology and tear film biomarkers. There is a clear progression toward more translational research, with increasing focus on therapeutic interventions including pharmacological approaches (SGLT2 inhibitors, metformin), nutraceuticals, and microbiome-based treatments for dry eye disease.

• Australian Council of Graduate Research Excellence in Graduate Research Leadership: Special Commendation (2022)
• UNSW Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Higher Degree Research Leadership (2021)
• UNSW ARC Postgraduate Supervisor Award (2019)
• UNSW Women in Maths and Science Champion (2019)
• UNSW Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (2017)

Dr. Markoulli has demonstrated exceptional leadership in research supervision, receiving multiple awards for her mentorship of graduate students. She has served on numerous committees including the TFOS Young Investigator committee, TFOS International Workshop on Contact Lens Discomfort Subcommittee, and TFOS Dry Eye Workshop II Subcommittee. Her research has been supported by various grants including the UNSW Early Career Researchers grant and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation travel grant. She actively contributes to the academic community as a board member of The Optical Foundation and through editorial work as Deputy Editor of Clinical and Experimental Optometry.

Dr. Markoulli leads the Ocular Surface Research group at UNSW, which focuses on dry eye disease, contact lenses, corneal innervation, and symptoms. Her team collaborates with researchers across disciplines to investigate biomarkers of ocular surface disease related to diabetes, obesity, nutrition, multiple sclerosis, migraines, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The research group maintains strong connections with international organizations including the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) and professional associations worldwide.