Embedded Files
Lindee Wilson Awarded 3rd Place at Mississippi Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting
Lindee Wilson Awarded 3rd Place at Mississippi Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting
May 17, 2025
We are proud to announce that Lindee Wilson received 3rd Place in the Undergraduate Student Oral Presentation category within the Health Sciences Division at the 89th Annual Meeting of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences, held March 20–21, 2025, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Congratulations to Lindee on this well-deserved recognition!
Research Spotlight: Elevated Eye Pressure Linked to Early Vision Loss
Research Spotlight: Elevated Eye Pressure Linked to Early Vision Loss
May 14, 2025
A new collaborative study by the University of Mississippi and the University of Pittsburgh reveals that even mild increases in intraocular pressure (IOP)—a key risk factor for glaucoma—can deform blood vessels in the optic nerve head and impair oxygen delivery. These findings shed light on how early biomechanical changes may contribute to the development of glaucoma, the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness.
The study was featured by University Marketing & Communications at the University of Mississippi.
Read the full article
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
May 2, 2025
We are pleased to announce that our paper, titled "Lamina Cribrosa Hypoxia Sensitivity to Variations of Anatomy and Vascular Factors," has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. This study, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Ian A. Sigal and his lab at the University of Pittsburgh, examines how variations in vessel radius, oxygen consumption rate, and arteriole perfusion pressure affect the sensitivity of lamina cribrosa (LC) oxygenation. [Link]
Lindee Wilson Successfully Defends Honors Thesis on Computational Modeling of Lamina Cribrosa Microarchitecture
Lindee Wilson Successfully Defends Honors Thesis on Computational Modeling of Lamina Cribrosa Microarchitecture
April 30, 2025
Congratulations to Lindee on the successful defense of her Honors Thesis, titled "Computational Modeling of Lamina Cribrosa Microarchitecture: Assessing the Impact of Architectural Variations on Deformation under Elevated Intraocular Pressure." This achievement marks the first Honors thesis completed since the establishment of the Vision Laboratory at Ole Miss, and we are incredibly proud of her dedication and hard work.
Dylan Dexter Joins the Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant
Dylan Dexter Joins the Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant
April 14, 2025
We are excited to welcome Dylan Dexter to the Vision Lab as an undergraduate research assistant! Dylan will be working on an exciting project that uses light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) to image the collagen architecture within the lamina cribrosa of the optic nerve head. Mapping this collagen structure is crucial for understanding the biomechanical environment within the lamina cribrosa under elevated intraocular pressure. This research aims to shed light on why retinal ganglion cell axons initiate in the lamina cribrosa in glaucoma, contributing to our understanding of the disease's underlying mechanisms.
Quinn Johnson Joins the Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant
Quinn Johnson Joins the Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant
April 11, 2025
We are excited to welcome Quinn Johnson to the Vision Lab! As an undergraduate research assistant, Quinn will work on a project focused on both the quantitative and qualitative analysis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the sclera. His work aims to advance our understanding of how GAGs contribute to ocular biomechanics.
Quinn will optimize biochemical assays for GAG quantification and use imaging-based techniques to examine the structural distribution and integrity of GAGs within the scleral tissue. The ultimate goal of his research is to investigate how changes in GAG content influence scleral stiffness and eye shape — factors that play a critical role in ocular diseases such as myopia and glaucoma.
Lydia Miller Named Outstanding Master’s Student by School of Engineering
Lydia Miller Named Outstanding Master’s Student by School of Engineering
April 10, 2025
Lydia Miller has been named the recipient of the School of Engineering's Outstanding Master's Student Award. This prestigious honor is awarded to a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional scholastic achievement and made outstanding, original, and significant research contributions. Congratulations, Lydia! Well done!
Our Proposal Awarded Funding from the ORED Small Grants Program
Our Proposal Awarded Funding from the ORED Small Grants Program
January 28, 2025
We are excited to announce that our proposal, "The Effect of Experimental and Simulated Blast on Rodent Brain and Behavior," has been awarded funding through the University of Mississippi Office for Research and Economic Development (ORED) Small Grants Program. Our project is one of only seven selected for funding from a competitive pool of thirty-seven submissions.
This collaborative effort brings together expertise from multiple disciplines, including Dr. Brenton Laing from the Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Dr. Damian Stoddard from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. We look forward to advancing this research and contributing valuable insights into the impact of blast exposure on brain function and behavior.
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
January 27, 2025
Our paper, titled "Impact of Elevated IOP on Lamina Cribrosa Oxygenation: A Combined Experimental-Computational Study on Monkeys," has been accepted for publication in Ophthalmology Science. This study, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Ian A. Sigal and his lab at the University of Pittsburgh, integrates experimental and computational approaches to investigate how intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced deformations affect oxygenation in the lamina cribrosa (LC). [Link]
Lindee Wilson's Abstract Accepted for Oral Presentation at the Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting
Lindee Wilson's Abstract Accepted for Oral Presentation at the Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting
January 20, 2025
We are excited to announce that Lindee’s abstract has been accepted for an oral presentation at the 89th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting. The conference will take place on March 20-21, 2025, at the Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi, MS. The title of her abstract is "Computational Modeling of Lamina Cribrosa Microarchitecture: Assessing the Impact of Pore Variations on Deformation under Elevated Intraocular Pressure." Congratulations!
Aarzu Joshi Joins the Lab as An Undergraduate Research Assistant
Aarzu Joshi Joins the Lab as An Undergraduate Research Assistant
January 19, 2025
We are excited to welcome Aarzu Joshi to the Vision Lab! Aarzu’s research project focuses on understanding the hemodynamics of the optic nerve head and its relationship with intraocular pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Investigating these interactions is essential for gaining insight into the mechanisms underlying glaucoma and spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS).
Isen Furr's Abstract Accepted for Poster Presentation at the 2025 ARVO Annual Meeting
Isen Furr's Abstract Accepted for Poster Presentation at the 2025 ARVO Annual Meeting
January 14, 2025
Our abstract, "An Ex Vivo Model Integrated with Color Fundus Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging to Study Optic Nerve Head Biomechanics and Hemodynamics," has been accepted for presentation at the 2025 ARVO Annual Meeting. This project is a collaborative effort between the Vision Laboratory at the University of Mississippi and the Biomedical Optics and Instrumentation Laboratory at Duquesne University.
We are incredibly proud that all the preliminary results highlighted in this abstract were generated by a talented group of undergraduate students from both labs. Isen Furr, a senior undergraduate student from the Vision Laboratory, will represent our work and present it at the conference.
Isen also received a travel grant from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Ole Miss to attend the conference. We sincerely appreciate their generous support.
We are Awarded the Mississippi Space Grant
We are Awarded the Mississippi Space Grant
December 18, 2024
Our proposal titled "Development of a Stereoscopic Fundus Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (sfLSCI) System to Study the Impact of Intracranial Pressure on Optic Nerve Head Hemodynamics in Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome" has been selected for funding through the Mississippi Space Grant Consortium (MSSGC) Student Grants for NASA-Related Research.
Dr. Hua Serves as Co-Chair for Track 6: Biomedical & Biotechnology Engineering at IMECE in Portland, Oregon
Dr. Hua Serves as Co-Chair for Track 6: Biomedical & Biotechnology Engineering at IMECE in Portland, Oregon
November 17 - 21, 2024
Dr. Hua has the privilege of co-chairing Track 6: Biomedical & Biotechnology Engineering at the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE) in Portland, Oregon. IMECE is a unique event that brings together research leaders from academia, government, and industry to connect and exchange insights, fostering innovation across engineering disciplines.
Lindee Wilson Wins the Stamps Impact Prize
Lindee Wilson Wins the Stamps Impact Prize
November 14, 2024
Lindee has been honored with the Stamps Impact Prize for her project, "Investigating the Impact of Intraocular Pressure on the Structural Deformation of the Lamina Cribrosa Using Computational Modeling." Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!
Lindee is the second undergraduate student from the Vision Lab to receive this prestigious award. The Stamps Impact Prize is a highly competitive award designed to enrich undergraduate academic experiences by supporting student-initiated research, creative projects, community outreach, technology development, and other innovative experiential learning endeavors.
Emma Gottman Joins the Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant
Emma Gottman Joins the Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant
November 4, 2024
Welcome Emma to the Vision Lab! Her research project aims to understand the role of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in scleral biomechanics and how their degradation contributes to myopia progression.
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
November 4, 2024
"Proposing a methodology for axon-centric analysis of IOP-induced mechanical insult" by Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. [Link]
(In collaboration with Dr. Ian A. Sigal and his lab at the University of Pittsburgh)
Dr. Hua Gives a Podium Presentation at SB3C Conference in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Dr. Hua Gives a Podium Presentation at SB3C Conference in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
June 11 - 14, 2024
Dr. Hua gives a podium presentation at the Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference (SB3C), held at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The title of his presentation is "Fiber Alignment and Tortuosity Influence the Load-Carrying Performance of the Lamina Cribrosa Collagen Beams." Additionally, Dr. Hua co-chairs the Fiber Mechanics Symposium at the conference.
Dr. Hua Wins the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award
Dr. Hua Wins the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award
May 21, 2024
Dr. Hua has been selected to receive the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award. [Link]
The Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards are competitive research grants provided by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). The goal of these awards is to enrich the research and professional growth of young faculty and to catalyze further funding opportunities.
Luke Habeeb and Katelyn Watson Join the Lab as REU Students This Summer
Luke Habeeb and Katelyn Watson Join the Lab as REU Students This Summer
May 20, 2024
Welcome Luke and Katelyn to the Vision Lab!
REU stands for Research Experiences for Undergraduates, which are summer programs that support undergraduate students participating in research.
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
April 3, 2024
"Lamina cribrosa insertions into the sclera are sparser, narrower and more slanted in the anterior lamina" by Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. [Link]
(In collaboration with Dr. Ian A. Sigal and his lab at the University of Pittsburgh)
Lydia Miller Awarded the Prestigious Taylor Medal
Lydia Miller Awarded the Prestigious Taylor Medal
March 21, 2024
Congratulations to Lydia on receiving the Taylor Medal, the highest academic honor at the University of Mississippi!
The Taylor Medal recognizes exceptional academic achievement and is awarded to no more than one percent of the student body. This prestigious honor highlights Lydia's outstanding dedication and performance. Well done, Lydia!
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
March 21, 2024
"The robust lamina cribrosa vasculature: Perfusion and oxygenation under elevated intraocular pressure" by Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. [Link]
(In collaboration with Dr. Ian A. Sigal and his lab at the University of Pittsburgh)
We are Awarded the Mississippi Space Grant
We are Awarded the Mississippi Space Grant
February 5, 2024
Our proposal titled "Computational Modeling of Intracranial Pressure Effects on Optic Nerve Head Hemodynamics: Implications for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome" has been selected for funding through the Mississippi Space Grant Consortium (MSSGC) Student Grants for NASA-Related Research.
Isen Furr Joins the Lab as An Undergraduate Research Assistant
Isen Furr Joins the Lab as An Undergraduate Research Assistant
January 31, 2024
Welcome Isen to the Vision Lab! His research project aims to develop an ex vivo pressure and flow control system capable of independently regulating intracranial pressure around the optic nerve, intraocular pressure within the eye, and blood flow within the posterior ciliary arteries.
Lindee Wilson's Abstract Accepted for Poster Presentation at the Mississippi Honors Conference
Lindee Wilson's Abstract Accepted for Poster Presentation at the Mississippi Honors Conference
January 26, 2024
Lindee's abstract has been accepted for poster presentation at the Mississippi Honors Conference, which will be held at Mississippi State University on February 9, 2024. The title of her abstract is "Modeling Collagen Beam Deformation in the Posterior Eye in Response to Increased Intraocular Pressure." Congratulations!
Mckinley Cunningham Joins the Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant
Mckinley Cunningham Joins the Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant
January 25, 2024
Welcome Mckinley to the Vision Lab! She will be working on a project studying blast-induced ocular trauma.
New Intramural Grant Awarded
New Intramural Grant Awarded
January 19, 2024
Our proposal titled "Summer Undergraduate Research Experience in Computational Biology and Biomechanics" has been approved for funding by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) at the University of Mississippi under the category of Undergraduate Research Track-2: Summer Undergraduate Research Group Grants (SURGG) 2024. The team comprises six faculty members, including Dr. Shan Jiang from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Yili Jiang from the Department of Computer and Information Science, Dr. Peter Zee from the Department of Biology, Dr. Jing Li from the Department of BioMolecular Sciences, and Dr. Nikki Reinemann and Dr. Yi Hua from the Department of Biomedical Engineering.
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
December 20, 2023
"Fibrous finite element modeling of the optic nerve head region" by Acta Biomaterialia. [Link]
(In collaboration with Dr. Ian A. Sigal's lab at the University of Pittsburgh and Dr. Mohammad R. Islam's lab at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley)
Lindee Wilson's Abstract Accepted for Poster Presentation at the Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting
Lindee Wilson's Abstract Accepted for Poster Presentation at the Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting
December 19, 2023
Lindee's abstract has been accepted for presentation at the 88th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting, which will be held at the Thad Cochran Center at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS from February 29-March 1, 2024. The title of her abstract is "Finite Element Modeling of Collagen Beam Deformations in the Posterior Eye in Response to Increased Intraocular Pressure." Congratulations on this achievement!
We are Awarded the Mississippi Space Grant
We are Awarded the Mississippi Space Grant
December 6, 2023
Our proposal has been selected for funding through the Mississippi Space Grant Consortium (MSSGC) Student Grants for NASA-Related Research, sponsored by the Mississippi Space Grant Consortium. The title of the proposal is "Development of an Ex Vivo Pressure and Flow Control System for Investigating the Role of Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome".
Dr. Hua Presents a Research Seminar at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania
Dr. Hua Presents a Research Seminar at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania
November 20, 2023
Dr. Hua has been invited to present a research seminar to the Department of Biomedical, Industrial and Systems Engineering at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. The title of the seminar is "Decoding the Enigma: Unraveling the Mysteries of Glaucoma through Imaging and Modeling".
Christina Nguyen Wins the Stamps Impact Prize
Christina Nguyen Wins the Stamps Impact Prize
November 14, 2023
Christina has been honored with the Stamps Impact Prize for her project, "Modeling Whole-Eye Deformations in Response to Intraocular Pressure." Her project was chosen from 38 applications, and it is one of the 13 recognized for this prestigious award. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!
ASME's International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE)
ASME's International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE)
October 29 - November 2, 2023
Dr. Hua has the privilege of serving as the chair for Track 6: Biomedical & Biotechnology Engineering during the IMECE in New Orleans, LA. The IMECE, ASME's largest research and development conference, encompasses various engineering disciplines, with a primary focus on mechanical engineering.
Intramural Travel Grant Awarded
Intramural Travel Grant Awarded
October 30, 2023
Dr. Hua has been awarded a travel grant to attend ASME’s International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE) this year in New Orleans. We extend our gratitude to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) at the University of Mississippi for their generous support.
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
October 26, 2023
"2D or not 2D? Mapping the in-depth inclination of the collagen fibers of the corneoscleral shell" by Experimental Eye Research. [Link]
(In collaboration with Dr. Ian A. Sigal and his lab at the University of Pittsburgh)
Dr. Hua Presents a Research Seminar in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Mississippi
Dr. Hua Presents a Research Seminar in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Mississippi
October 5, 2023
Dr. Hua has been invited to present a research seminar to the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Mississippi. The title of the seminar is "Unveiling the Secrets of Glaucoma with Advanced Imaging and Modeling Techniques".
Lydia Miller and Krish Patel Join the Lab as Undergraduate Research Assistants
Lydia Miller and Krish Patel Join the Lab as Undergraduate Research Assistants
May 22, 2023
Welcome Lydia and Krish to the Vision Lab!
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
May 15, 2023
"A direct fiber approach to model sclera collagen architecture and biomechanics" by Experimental Eye Research. [Link]
(In collaboration with Dr. Ian A. Sigal's lab at the University of Pittsburgh and Dr. Markus Axer's lab at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH from Germany)
New Intramural Grant Awarded
New Intramural Grant Awarded
May 3, 2023
Our proposal has been selected as the winner for Undergraduate Research Track-5: REU Development Grants for UM Faculty, sponsored by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) at the University of Mississippi. The title of the proposal is "Optic Nerve Head Biomechanics and Hemodynamics in Glaucoma".
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting
April 23 - 27, 2023
Dr. Hua participates in the ARVO 2023 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA. This premier gathering is essential for eye and vision scientists at all career stages, students, and professionals in related fields. It provides a platform to exchange the latest research findings and foster collaboration on innovative solutions.
Dr. Hua Presents a Research Seminar at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT)
Dr. Hua Presents a Research Seminar at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT)
April 14, 2023
Dr. Hua has been invited to present a research seminar to the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering & Sciences at FIT in Melbourne, FL. The title of the seminar is "Imaging and Modeling Techniques for Investigating Retinal Ganglion Cell Damage in Glaucoma".
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
New Collaborative Paper Accepted
March 20, 2023
"Who bears the load? IOP-induced collagen fiber recruitment over the corneoscleral shell" by Experimental Eye Research. [Link]
(In collaboration with Dr. Ian A. Sigal's lab at the University of Pittsburgh and Dr. Rouzbeh Amini's lab at Northeastern University)
Five Undergraduate Students Join the Lab as Research Assistants
Five Undergraduate Students Join the Lab as Research Assistants
March 16, 2023
Lindee Wilson, Christina Nguyen, Sarah Sawaya, Daniella Beiner, and Levi Hayes join the lab as research assistants. Welcome!
Dr. Hua Presents a Research Seminar at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
Dr. Hua Presents a Research Seminar at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
February 21, 2023
Dr. Hua has been invited to present a research seminar to the Department of Neurology at the UMMC in Jackson, MS. The title of the seminar is "How do Engineers Study Diseases of the Central Nervous System?"
The Vision Laboratory is Established at the University of Mississippi
The Vision Laboratory is Established at the University of Mississippi
January 16, 2023
After 11 years of training in studying the role of biomechanics in diseases and injuries related to the eye and the brain, Dr. Hua joined the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Mississippi in 2023 and founded The Vision Laboratory. The lab is currently located at 313 Thad Cochran Research Center (West).
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse