The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) further expands its biosciences team with the addition of two new researchers.

Parvin Shokrollahi, Ph.D., has been appointed as a research associate. Her extensive research experience includes biomaterials, tissue engineering, polymer synthesis and polymer analysis, with specialization in supramolecular polymer / composite biomaterials. Prior to joining CORE, she was an associate professor at the Iran Polymer Institute. She is a regular reviewer for several journals in the area of biomaterials, polymer science and technology, and is an author on more than 50 publications. She earned her doctorate in polymer chemistry from the University of Cambridge, a master's degree in analytical chemistry from Shahid Beheshti and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Tehran. Her role in CORE will be to drive new biomaterials research, with a particular emphasis on their biocompatibility with corneal and conjunctival cells.

Brandon Ho, Ph.D., is a post-doctoral researcher designing novel cell-based biological assays using 3D-printing methods and microfluidic technologies to improve ocular drug discovery. He has received numerous student research awards and presented at several international conferences. Prior to joining CORE, he was a Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto where he earned his doctorate and bachelor's degrees in biochemistry.

CORE’s multidisciplinary Biosciences team investigates fundamental research questions relating to the ocular surface and biomaterials, particularly contact lenses. Last year, CORE expanded its specialty contact lens focus to also include design optimization for orthokeratology, scleral lens physiological performance, and the impact of scleral lenses on ocular surface disease and dry eye management.