Roxana A. Radu, MD
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Laboratory Director & Principal Investigator
UCLA Stein Eye Institute
Biography
I am a medical doctor with extensive expertise in retinoid biochemistry, molecular and cell biology of the retina with a focus on understanding the pathogenic roles of vitamin A dimers (bisretinoids) that cause retinal degenerations and permanent loss of sight in humans.
Education
Earned B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics from the National College Fratii Buzesti, Romania (1997)
Received the Medical Degree (M.D.) in General Medicine from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania (1994)
Completed Postdoctoral Fellowship in Retinoid Biochemistry at the UCLA Stein Eye Institute, USA (2004)
Research Ophthalmologist, Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA Stein Eye Institute, USA (2004-2016)
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology (tenure track), Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA Stein Eye Institute, USA (2016-present)
My connection to UCLA
As a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Gabe Travis, I studied retinoid biochemistry and mouse genetics in the field of Ophthalmology. Upon completion of my fellowship and inspired by my scientific mentors, I decided to merge my clinical sciences background and newly acquired expertise in basic research to decipher the complex pathophysiology of retinopathies such as recessive Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration. As an independent Principal Investigator, I developed a translational research program that aims to address an urgent unmet need of new experimental models for macular degenerations for which no therapies are currently available. My group generated mouse models and human iPSC-derived RPE cell lines to identify fundamental biological processes at the intersection of complement dynamics, retinoid-lipid metabolism, mitochondria bioenergetics, and endolysosomal system in normal and immune-compromised status.
As a faculty in this amazing academic environment at UCLA, I am thrilled for the opportunities to be involved in teaching and mentoring a variety of trainees enrolled in different programs: undergraduate students, medical (MD) and graduate (PhD) students, postdoctoral fellows, and resident physicians.
As a long-standing UCLA community member, I am in complete alignment with the Cultural North Star principles: “Do what's right; Make things better, and Be kind”. I am delighted that as a full-time faculty I can promote these values on a daily basis, during my interactions with my trainees, staff research associates, and colleagues. As an immigrant myself, raised under a communist regime in Romania, I am aware of the lack of opportunities that minorities and women encounter throughout their lives. The harmony in my laboratory is driven by our diverse cultural and educational background that provides a safe and enjoyable workplace. In our weekly lab gathering and during one-on-one meetings, aside of the specific academic topic, I praised my lab members efforts and potential to help others improve their views about our diversity, equity, and inclusion values.
I love the outdoors activities such as hiking, running, and playing a variety of sports. My preferred running-route is the UCLA perimeter! “Go Bruins” all the way!!!
