World-renowned researcher Vladimir Kefalov joins UCI Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology & Biophysics

Irvine, CA – June 04, 2021 After a nationwide search, Vladimir Kefalov, PhD, has been appointed professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology & Biophysics effective June 1, 2021. The UCI School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology is ranked among the top 25 in the country and is home to world class ophthalmologists and researchers.  Our faculty of internationally recognized physicians, surgeons and scientists provide highly specialized training to future ophthalmologists, access to leading-edge clinical trials as well as sight-saving treatments and therapies for virtually any eye disorder. 

“I am thrilled to be joining the Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology & Biophysics, and the already very strong group of vision scientists at UCI. I am inspired and hope to bring new energy to the mission of the Department of Ophthalmology, to advance the understanding of visual biology, and to elevate the status of UCI as a world leader in vision research,” said Kefalov.

Kefalov is a world-renowned researcher who has consistently received considerable National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other funding.  His significant contributions to the field are reflected in his 88 peer-reviewed publications and the numerous prestigious awards he has received, including the 2019 Bressler Prize in Vision Science. 

Kefalov comes to UCI from Washington University in St. Louis, where he taught cellular neuroscience to graduate students, served as a course master of the biannual Vision Science Course, and actively participated in the graduate program mentoring students and postdoctoral fellows in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. 

Kefalov joins the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute’s Center for Translational Vision Research (CTVR), with several of his research projects planned in collaboration with members of the Center.  His major research will focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate photoreceptor function and health.  His expertise in electrophysiological and functional approaches will enhance vision research at UCI.

Kefalov earned his PhD in cellular biophysics from Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Physiology.  He completed his postdoctoral fellowship in 2005 at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.  Quickly rising through the academic ranks at Washington University, he most recently held the rank of professor and served as vice chair of research in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

About the UCI School of Medicine

Each year, the UCI School of Medicine educates more than 400 medical students and nearly 150 PhD and MS students. More than 700 residents and fellows are trained at the UCI Medical Center and affiliated institutions. Multiple MD, PhD and MS degrees are offered. Students are encouraged to pursue an expansive range of interests and options. For medical students, there are numerous concurrent dual degree programs, including an MD/MBA, MD/MPH, or an MD/MS degree through one of three mission-based programs: the Health Education to Advance Leaders in Integrative Medicine (HEAL-IM), the Program in Medical Education for Leadership Education to Advance Diversity-African, Black and Caribbean (PRIME LEAD-ABC), and the Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community (PRIME-LC). The UCI School of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Accreditation and ranks among the top 50 nationwide for research. For more information, visit medschool.uci.edu.