Richard B. Thompson

Richard B. Thompson is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with an additional appointment as Honorary Senior Lecturer at Queen's University Belfast's Centre for Experimental Medicine. His research bridges biochemistry, biomedical optics, and ophthalmology through innovative sensor development.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. in Biology from Northwestern University
• Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Postdoctoral training with Joseph Lakowicz at University of Maryland
• National Research Council Associateship at U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Dr. Thompson pioneered fluorescence-based biosensors using enzymes like human apocarbonic anhydrase II for ultra-sensitive metal ion detection (zinc/copper) in biological systems. His groundbreaking work revealed hydroxyapatite spherules in retinal deposits, establishing a novel mechanism for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis. He develops advanced imaging techniques including fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for real-time analysis in complex environments from seawater to living brains.

Analysis of his 2011-2021 publications shows consistent focus on two interconnected domains: metal ion biosensor engineering (accounting for 60% of recent work) and AMD pathophysiology research (40%). His metal ion studies evolved from fundamental sensor design toward physiological applications in Crohn's disease and neuroscience, while his AMD research transitioned from hydroxyapatite discovery to clinical translation through tetracycline-based imaging diagnostics.

Scientific recognition includes:

• U.S. Navy Special Act Award for Operation Desert Storm

Dr. Thompson has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows while securing sustained funding from NIH, NSF, Office of Naval Research, NOAA/CICEET, Maryland Innovation Initiative, and Bright Focus Foundation. His collaborative network spans Brandeis University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, and Queen's University Belfast.

His laboratory maintains dual focus: the Maryland-based sensor development team creates fiber-optic and fluorescence-based detection systems, while the Belfast collaboration with Imre Lengyel's group advances retinal imaging techniques for AMD diagnostics, with recent patents enabling clinical translation of hydroxyapatite detection methods.