The Ocular Surface Biology Laboratory

The Swamynathan Laboratory at the USF Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) is committed to providing a dynamic environment for research on the ocular surface. We are in a prime location amidst other dedicated research laboratories within the MCOM. Our mission is to expand our knowledge of the ocular surface through rigorous research and to foster the next generation of vision scientists. Those interested in pursuing a career in ocular surface research are encouraged to contact Dr. Swamynathan (SS65@USF.edu).

 

Our Research

Leadership

Dr. Shiva Swamynathan

Shiva Swamynathan, Ph.D., FARVO 

Professor, Department of Ophthalmology  
Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida  
12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Room 2114
Tampa, FL - 33612.
Phone: 301-828-7778; Email: SS65@USF.edu

 

Dr. Shiva Swamynathan

 

Dr. Shiva Swamynathan graduated with a Ph.D. from the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad, India. After training as a post-doctoral fellow with Dr. Joram Piatigorsky at the National Eye Institute, NIH, Shiva worked as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology (2007-2015), and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology with Tenure (2015-2023) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Swamynathan joined the Department of Ophthalmology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida in 2023 as a Tenured Professor, where he directs the Ocular Surface Biology Laboratory dedicated to understanding the ocular surface homeostasis.

              

Research

Our Research

is focused on understanding the maturation and maintenance of the ocular surface using cell culture and transgenic mouse models. The image on the left displays a fluorescein-stained mouse ocular surface. The diffuse green stain identifies the areas where the ocular surface barrier is disrupted.

Learn about our research