SOM Student Awarded Prestigious Research Scholarship to Study Optic Nerve Regeneration

Madison Weiss, SOM Class of 2024, Joins Bascom Palmer Eye Institute to Study Optic Nerve Regeneration

May 22, 2023
Madison Weiss outside with a white coat
Madison Weiss

Madison Weiss, School of Medicine Class of 2024, has been awarded the Dr. Larry J. Singerman and Dr. Stephen G. Schwartz Research Scholarship and will spend a year conducting research at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL. Ms. Weiss will join a lab that studies the retina at the Institute and focus on optic nerve regeneration after injury with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic molecules for regrowing damaged optic nerves and ultimately restoring sight.

“Ophthalmology offers a unique blend of medicine and surgery, as well as the opportunity to directly impact patients’ quality of life by improving their vision,” said Ms. Weiss. “The eye is such a fascinating organ. The field is constantly evolving its technology and expanding its understanding of ocular diseases through biomedical research, which is very exciting." 
 
“I applied to this research fellowship because it is an incredible opportunity to work with and be mentored by leading experts in ophthalmology and to be immersed in an environment where cutting-edge research is happening,” she said. “I am deeply honored and delighted to receive this scholarship and am grateful for the opportunity to work at Bascom Palmer. I hope to play a small part in advancing our understanding of eye diseases.”