Josy Augustine

My research interests are mainly focused on examining the role of neurovascular unit in the retinal homeostasis and how diabetes induced dysfunction of neurovascular unit leads to the pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy.  I am also involved in pre-clinical evaluation of novel therapeutic drugs for the treatment of retinal neurodegeneration, inflammation and vascular dysfunction using both in vivo and in vitro models. 

Research Focus

My current postdoctoral research explores the role of lipoxidation in the diabetic retina with special focus on neurodegeneration and vascular dysfunction. I am also investigating novel treatments for Diabetic retinopathy by gene therapy and novel compounds using in vivo and in vitro functional techniques.

During my PhD, I investigated the role of Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and inflammation in Müller cells, and the role it plays in the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative diseases using in vivo models and in vitro models. My PhD titled "The Role of Interleukin-33 in retinal degenerative diseases" was submitted in 2019. 

Prior to my PhD, I completed a MSc in Biomedical Science from Ulster University, UK with an integrated work experience as a Research Scholar in Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana, USA.  I am also a member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) since 2017.

Achievements

2022 Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), UK

2021 Staff Recognition (STAR) Award, Queen's University, Belfast, UK 

2020 Assistant Supervisor of PhD, Master's & Undergraduate students

2019 PhD in Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, UK

2015 MSc in Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, UK

2012 Santander Open Undergraduate Scholarship, Ulster University, UK