UCSF Department of Ophthalmology

Tyson Kim, MD, PhD

Principle Investigator

I’m a clinician-scientist trained in bioengineering, vascular biology, and ophthalmology. My research focuses on how vascular and aqueous outflow systems develop, organize, and function in both physiologic and disease contexts, with an emphasis on glaucoma, retinal vascular disorders, and neurodegeneration of the retina. To study these processes, our lab combines advanced intravital imaging and optical-tissue interactions with optogenetic, computational, machine learning, and genetic approaches to interrogate physiology in vivo. Through this integrated framework, we uncover mechanisms of disease and enable new therapeutic strategies to preserve and restore vision.

I am passionate about innovation and work at the intersection of medical technology and biotechnology to translate new approaches that directly improve vision and patient care. In parallel, I develop technologies and care delivery models that expand access to high-quality eye care for underserved populations. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, working on cars, and spending time with loved ones.

Wenhao (Henk) Shang, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

I earned my BSc in Biotechnology from Huazhong University of Science & Technology, and my Ph.D. from Peking University in Biomedical Engineering. My interest in science derived from a desire to combine advanced imaging techniques with single/spatial transcriptomics for the multi-scale study of the bio-system, ideally finding treatment for human disease, so I joined Dr. Tyson Kim’s lab. For my project, I use a two-photon/three-photon microscope and spatial transcriptomics in the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) mouse model. My focus is on the quantification of chorioretinal anastomoses and identifying the molecular mechanism of neovasculature, then exploring the possible treatment for it. When not working I enjoy spending time with my family, playing badminton, and walking my dogs.

Ryan Morton

Research Specialist

I earned my BA in Statistics and minored in German Studies at Cornell University. There I was part of the Schaffer-Nishimura lab, where I worked on a multi-photon ablation approach to treating focal epilepsy, used machine learning methodologies to study animal behavior, collected and analyzed electrophysiology data, and investigated the role of sharp wave ripples in a mouse model of Alzhiemer’s Disease. Having developed a strong foundation and interest in optical and surgical techniques, I joined the Kim Lab at UC San Francisco where I am now using multi-photon imaging to study vascular dysgenesis in a variety of eye diseases like Retinitis Pigmentosa and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking and occasionally go backpacking in national parks like Yosemite.

Liangbo (Linus) Shen, MD

Resident

I am an ophthalmology resident at the University of California, San Francisco, with a background in biomedical and optical engineering, imaging analysis, and retinal diseases. I received my Bachelor of Engineering degree summa cum laude from Duke University, where I worked on intraoperative optical coherence tomography and co-invented a stereoscopic heads-up display system for ophthalmic surgeries under the guidance of Drs. Joseph Izatt and Cynthia Toth. I then earned my medical degree cum laude from Yale School of Medicine. In medical school, I co-developed a novel statistical method to investigate the long-term natural history of age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal degeneration based on fundus imaging under the mentorship of Dr. Lucian Del Priore, MD, PhD. I also studied the development of retinal nerve fiber in preterm infants using optical coherence tomography in Dr. Cynthia Toth’s lab. As an aspiring physician-scientist, I am passionate about translating novel imaging techniques to the clinical setting and understanding the process of ocular diseases.

Malinda Bell

Lab Administrator

I’m proud to work for UCSF and meet a diverse group of students and doctors who are dedicated to the field of Ophthalmology. I enjoy working with the Tyson Kim Lab because the environment and lab members are innovative and engaging. My other interests include psychology, photography, and visiting museums.

Favorite Quote: “No masterpiece was ever created by a lazy artist.” -Salvador Dali

Yien-Ming Kuo

P30 Core Manager, Morphology

I received my undergraduate degree from Glasgow University, Scotland, my PhD from Imperial Collage, London, and my Postdoc from UC Berkeley on genetics of fly salivary gland development.

I joined UCSF to generate and characterize mouse models of human metabolic disorders and Parkinson’s disease. In the Ophthalmology Department, I oversee the Morphology module of the P30 Vision Core and provide services and expertise in histology, confocal and bright field microscopy as well as visual functional testing and ocular imaging.

Will Keller

Undergraduate Researcher

I am a freshman at WPI, pursuing a combined B.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering and an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering. I focus on analyzing retinal vasculature by modeling complex vascular networks to develop early diagnostic techniques for ocular and neurological diseases. I also contribute to other projects by developing experimental protocols, conducting literature reviews, and carrying out experimental procedures. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going backpacking, playing sports, and spending time with friends.

Mai N. Nguyen, PhD

Postdoc Researcher

I have a PhD in Vision Science from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, where I focused on in vivo and molecular characterization of mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. I specialize in molecular biology and ocular disease research but am also involved in low vision rehabilitation and advocacy: I serve on the Board of Directors for Lions Vision Resource Network, a non-profit organization that serves the blind and low vision community of the greater Bay Area. I am excited to be part of the cutting-edge research that’s coming out of the Kim lab and aim to evolve the study of ocular disease! Outside of the eyeball-focused work, I also enjoy eating with friends and family, exploring new cities, cuddling my cat, and picking up new hobbies such golfing or making sourdough bread!

Suling Wang

Advanced Imaging and Analysis (AIA) Technician

I’m an illustrator and designer with broad commercial experience — including work published by major publishing houses and licensed by manufacturers for fabric, stationery, and home décor. In my role as Advanced Imaging and Analysis (AIA) Technician for the NIH-NEI Core Grant for Vision Research in the UCSF Department of Ophthalmology, I support researchers by creating clear and compelling scientific figures and graphical abstracts, and by overseeing image analysis and AIA core resources. In my free time I love gardening, collecting anthuriums, and kickboxing.

Tahvi Frank, MD, MPH

Resident

I’m an ophthalmology resident at the University of California, San Francisco with an interest in statistical modeling and data science. I earned my Bachelor of Science in computer science from Duke University with minors in French and chemistry. After college, I entered a research fellowship at the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, where I worked on HIV epidemic modeling for the Global Burden of Disease study. During this fellowship, I earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Washington in the Health Metrics and Evaluation track. I then earned my medical degree at Columbia University, where I applied my quantitative background to projects such as evaluating the effectiveness of a risk stratification score for cataract surgery. In my career, I aspire to continue leveraging quantitative methods for clinical- and population-level data analysis with the aim of advancing patient care. Outside of work, you can usually find me walking my dog in Golden Gate Park, exploring the outdoors, or planning my next trip to Tahoe.