Suzanne M.J. Fleiszig

Suzanne M.J. Fleiszig is a Professor of Optometry and Vision Science at the School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis of corneal infections, particularly examining how contact lens wear increases susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. She holds joint appointments in Infectious Diseases & Immunity and Microbiology.

Key research areas include:

• Microbial interactions with the ocular surface
• Corneal defense mechanisms
• Tear film antimicrobial components
• Contact lens-related infection pathogenesis
• Bacterial virulence factors
• Development of therapeutic prevention strategies

Publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection dynamics, with recurring themes in epithelial cell biology, surfactant proteins, and molecular mechanisms of bacterial invasion. Awards include the Glenn A. Fry Award Lecture (2005) and recognition for discovering keratin-derived antimicrobial peptides.