The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has added a post-doctoral fellow to its Biosciences research team, as well as promoted three scientists to leadership roles.

Haile Darge, Ph.D., has joined CORE as a post-doctoral fellow focused on developing biomaterials for ocular drug delivery and in vitro eye models using 3D printing technology. He earned an MSc in medicinal physiology from Addis Ababa University, School of Medicine and a Ph.D. from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech). His previous research explored the preparation of polymeric biomaterials for controlled drug delivery in cancer treatment, wound dressing and 3D cell culturing. He has authored more than two dozen peer-reviewed research articles in drug delivery for cancer treatment.

Deborah Jones, B.Sc., FCOptom FAAO, FBCLA, has been promoted to lead clinical scientist at CORE. Jones is also clinical professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo. Her primary clinical focus is on pediatric optometry and her main area of research is in myopia control. She graduated from City University, London, and is a Fellow of the British College of Optometrists. She holds a UK Diplomate in Contact Lens Practice and is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the British Contact Lens Association.

Amir Moezzi, B.Sc., Ph.D., FAAO, has been promoted to lead clinical scientist at CORE, researching ocular physiological responses to contact lens wear. He earned a B.Sc. in optometry in Iran, where he practiced optometry and worked as an instructor. He went on to work in the field of technical management for ophthalmic lens processing after training at LOH Optikmaschinen Germany. Moezzi completed his MSc in 1999 and later completed a Ph.D. in Vision Science both at the University of Waterloo. Moezzi is a registered member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Alison Ng, B.Sc.Ph.D., MCOptom, FAAO, has been promoted to lead clinical scientist at CORE. She is also an adjunct associate professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo.  Her research interests including the ocular surface response to environmental factors, contact lenses, cosmetics, dry eye disease, nutrition, and corneal neuropathic pain. She joined CORE as a post-doctoral fellow in 2014. Previously, she was a practicing optometrist in the UK and earned a Ph.D. at Cardiff University. Ng serves as a TFOS Global Ambassador for Canada and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

“CORE’s capacity to serve a range of sponsors and collaborators continues to grow with more robust needs for biosciences, clinical study, and professional education expertise from the ophthalmology, optometry, vision science, and related communities,” said Lyndon Jones, CORE’s director. “We are incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many talented people, including Haile, Debbie, Amir, and Alison. Congratulations to each of them in their new roles.”

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