Pauline Dmitriev, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, has received a grant from the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) to support pilot studies focused on better ways to preserve the cells used in corneal transplantation. “Our research goal is to create and test an improved corneal tissue storage solution and see how this solution affects corneal cells,” says Dr. Dmitriev. “We hypothesize that this new corneal storage solution will lead to improved quality of transplant tissue and, thus, better patient outcomes.” Corneal transplantation is an important treatment for numerous eye diseases, such as Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy, keratoconus, and corneal scarring. It helps by restoring clarity to the cornea, the transparent, dome-like structure at the front of the eye. Dr. Dmitriev is grateful for the training, partnerships, and grant support that enable new clinician-scientists like her to pursue significant research. “Most importantly, I completed my cornea fellowship at the Kellogg Eye Center. Through that experience, I was able to develop strong relationships with my mentors, the Eversight Eye Bank, and the EBAA,” she says. “Without those partnerships, it would be impossible for a new clinician-scientist like myself to get a project up and running. This support is crucial, as it not only instills confidence in me that this research question is one that’s worth chasing, but also sets me up for success in continuing to be able to do both meaningful clinical work and research."