My research focus is to understand ocular homeostasis and to characterize the host response to environmental stress and disease progression using mass spectrometry-based omics tools. These tools include crosslinking mass spectrometry, proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, and glycomics. Using these tools, we are mapping the proteome-wide interactions (interactome) of the ocular surface at a molecular level. Specifically, my research interests are: 1) to characterize the ocular homeostasis at the proteome, metabolome, and microbiome level with a focus on tear film; 2) to determine the effect of environmental stress on ocular homeostasis with a focus on contact lens wear; 3) to understand the molecular mechanisms involving contact lenses related complications with a focus on infection and dry eye, and 4) to develop novel contact lens-based ophthalmic therapeutics
