Professor
Light Exposure on Behavior, Neural Development and Vascular Maturation
Dr. Copenhagen’s research focuses on understanding where and how visual experience exerts its actions on the refinement of the neural retina and the ocular vasculature. A recently discovered photosensitive system within the eye that is independent of rods and cones endows very young animals with rudimentary photoreceptive capabilities. Light activation of these melanopsin expressing ganglion cells guide behavioral responses and modifies vascular development. His lab seeks to discover the extended manifestations of light exposure on behavior, neural development and vascular maturation.
To Learn More:
https://profiles.ucsf.edu/david.copenhagen
Research Areas:
Visual System Development
Learn more about UCSF Ophthalmology faculty research.