معرفی
Michael Risner, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Foundational Medical Studies at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB). He joined OUWB in September 2023, bringing extensive research experience in vision sciences and neurodegeneration.
Dr. Risner earned his Ph.D. in Vision Sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology from Western Kentucky University. He completed postdoctoral training in the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University. Prior to OUWB, he served as a Research Assistant Professor at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, from 2021 to 2023, and as a professional scientist at the same institute from 2015 to 2021.
His research focuses on glaucomatous optic neuropathy, the leading cause of irreversible vision loss. His laboratory investigates cell-intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms during disease progression, using in vivo and ex vivo models, human pluripotent stem cell-derived systems, and in vitro axonopathy models. His specialties include retinal ganglion cell physiology, optic nerve cytoarchitecture, and intercellular signaling.
Dr. Risner’s recent publications highlight emerging trends in targeting sphingomyelinase and insulin signaling pathways, astrocyte networks, and microfluidic platforms for modeling and treating glaucoma. His work combines molecular, cellular, and electrophysiological approaches to develop protective and regenerative therapies.
Dr. Risner has contributed to several review articles and original research in high-impact journals such as Cell Communication and Signaling, Cells, and Translational Vision Science & Technology, demonstrating sustained scholarly productivity and leadership in the field.
He advises a research team at OUWB, though specific student names are not listed. His lab is actively engaged in grant-funded research aimed at reducing the disease burden of age-related vision loss. Dr. Risner collaborates with experts in ophthalmology, neuroscience, and bioengineering, particularly through past affiliations with Vanderbilt University.
Dr. Risner leads a dedicated research laboratory focused on retinal neurodegeneration and repair, utilizing advanced techniques in electrophysiology, stem cell biology, and microfluidic engineering to model and treat glaucoma.
