Scientific Directors
Karl Csaky, MD, PhD
- Chief Strategy Officer
- Director, Molecular Ophthalmology Laboratory
- Director, Clinical Center of Innovation for AMD
- T. Boone Pickens Chair for the Clinical Center of Innovation for AMD
Dr. Karl Csaky leads a world-class team at the Retina Foundation, where he is pioneering advances that are reshaping the future of vision science. With a focus on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), inherited retinal disorders, and pediatric eye conditions, Dr. Csaky has positioned the Foundation as a global leader in cutting-edge research and patient care.
David G. Birch, PhD
- Director, Emeritus
Dr. Birch has revolutionized retinal disease research with groundbreaking achievements. He pioneered PC software for recording retinal electrical signals, advancing ERG use in measuring cone function and photoreceptor activity in macular disease. Dr. Birch enhanced perimetry devices to measure rod visual fields, now integral in clinical trial assessments. In collaboration with Dr. Gabriel Travis, he created the first model of Stargardt disease and embarked on a collaboration with Dr. Steven Daiger to identify genetic causes of inherited retinal degenerations.
Eileen E. Birch, PhD
- Senior Research Scientist, Retina Foundation
- Director, Crystal Charity Ball Pediatric Vision Laboratory
Since joining the Retina Foundation in 1982 as one of its first research scientists, Dr. Eileen Birch has been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries that have reshaped our understanding of children’s vision and development. She also holds a faculty appointment as adjunct professor of ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Yi-Zhong Wang, PhD
- Director, Macular Function Laboratory
Dr. Yi-Zhong Wang specializes in visual science and physiological optics, concentrating his research on shape perception, perceptual organization, aging, amblyopia and macular degeneration. His work benefits numerous Retina Foundation labs as he is uncovering improved diagnostic tools for multiple eye issues.
Srinivasa R. Sripathi, PhD
- Director, Henderson Ocular Stem Cell Laboratory
Dr. Srinivasa R. Sripathi leads stem cell research to provide innovative solutions for vision restoration. He is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Mark Pennesi, MD, PhD, FARVO
- Chief Medical Officer
- Director, Ophthalmic Genetics
- Debbie and Steve Gray Inherited Retinal Degeneration Endowed Chair
Amy Johnson
- Chief Development Officer
An esteemed leader in philanthropy, Amy Johnson has implemented transformational change in development practices and community engagement across North Texas and beyond, furthering the missions of the organizations she has served.
Naomi Emmett, MBA
- Chief Financial and Business Officer
Naomi Emmett is an esteemed financial executive with extensive experience in finance, accounting, and operations. With a focus on educational and nonprofit sectors, Ms. Emmett currently serves as CFO/Chief Business Officer for the Retina Foundation of the Southwest.
Adnin Ashrafi, PhD
- Staff Scientist
Alison Takacs
- Staff Scientist
Amr Hassan, MD
- Physician
Amy Johnson
- Chief Development Officer
Ann Mungioli
- Director, Clinical Trial Contracts
Charlene Nwajei
- Clinical Research Coordinator
Christina Patel
- Clinical Research Assoc
Cindy Baillie
- Business Operations Mgr
David Birch, PhD
- Emeritus
Destiny Coleman
- Ophthalmic Technician
Dhiraj Dokwal, PhD
- Staff Scientist
Doris Washington, PhD
- Sr. Staff Scientist
Eileen Birch, PhD
- Chief Scientific Director
Eli Trauner
- Accounting Associate
Eric Vasquez
- Clinical Research Coordinator
Grant Koenigsman
- Ophthalmic Technician
Jadan Crow
- Clinical Research Coordinator
Jency John
- Senior Staff Accountant
Jennifer Herrera
- Ophthalmic Technician
Jessica Clark
- Clinical Research Coordinator
Karl Csaky, MD, PhD
- Chief Strategy Officer
Katherine Juroch
- Research Assistant II
Kaylie Jones
- Sr Research Associate
Lisa Causey
- Dev & Events Project Manager
Luke Dodson
- Ophthalmic Technician
Manvi Shah
- Clinical Research Coordinator
Maria Yadarola, MD
- Clinical Research Fellow
Mark Pennesi, MD, PhD
- Chief Medical Officer & Director
Martin Klein
- Lab Manager
Nancy Renteria
- Ophthalmic Technician
Naomi Emmett
- Chief Financial & Business Officer
Naresh Rajendran, PhD
- Staff Scientist
Natalia Feliz
- Clinical Research Coordinator
Natalie Gilbert, CPA
- Finance Director
Neha Tandon, PhD
- Clinical Staff Scientist
Paige Kennedy
- Clinical Trial Coordinator
Reed Jost
- Research Associate
Shana Risinger
- Finance & Administration Assistant
Shelby Crookall
- Ophthalmic Technician
Sonali
- Research Assistant
Sri Sripathi, PhD
- Director
William Housh
- Clinic Assistant
Yi-Zhong Wang, PhD
- Director
- Chief Scientific Director
Reed Jost
- Research Associate
Christina Patel
- Clinical Research Assoc
- Chief Strategy Officer
Doris Washington, PhD
- Sr. Staff Scientist
Alison Takacs
- Staff Scientist
Neha Tandon, PhD
- Clinical Staff Scientist
Jessica Clark
- Clinical Research Coordinator
Katherine Juroch
- Research Assistant II
Paige Kennedy
- Clinical Trial Coordinator
Natalia Feliz
- Clinical Research Coordinator
Abigail Hernandez
- Ophthalmic Technician
Cindy Baillie
- Business Operations Mgr
- Chief Medical Officer & Director
Martin Klein
- Lab Manager
Kaylie Jones
- Sr Research Associate
Eric Vasquez
- Clinical Research Coordinator
Jennifer Herrera
- Ophthalmic Technician
Development
Amy Johnson
- Chief Development Officer
Business Operations
Cindy Baillie
- Business Operations Mgr
Shana Risinger
- Finance & Administration Assistant
Naomi R. Emmett
Chief Financial Officer / Chief Business Officer
I can help with:
- Financial Planning & Budget Management
- Human Resources & Employee Support
- Operational Strategy & Process Improvement
- Contracts, Procurement & Vendor Relations
- Information Technology & Business Systems
Natalie Gilbert
Director of Finance
I can help with:
- Financial reporting
- Budget development and monitoring
- Monthly financial statements
- Audit preparation
- Account reconciliation
- Finance department support
Jency John
Senior Accountant
I can help with:
- General accounting support
- Accounts payable and receivable
- Financial reconciliations
- Journal entries and month-end close
- Expense tracking
Eli Trauner
Accounting Associate
I can help with:
- Accounts Payable
Ann Mungioli
Director of Clinical Trial Contracts
I can help with:
- Clinical Trial Contracts
- Clinical Trial CMS
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