Daisy Shu, PhD
Meet this month’s Member Spotlight, Daisy Shu, PhD, Instructor at Harvard Medical School at Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear. Dr. Shu has been an ASIP member since 2019 and serves the Society on the Committee for Career Development.
Background
Dr. Shu completed her bachelor’s in optometry at the University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia) and her PhD in growth factor signaling pathways driving cataract formation at the University of Sydney, Australia. She is currently the International Society of Eye Research (ISER) Early Career Researcher Representative, serves on the ARVO Board of Trustees, and co-hosts the “Behind Our Science” podcast, supported by the ASIP and The Histochemical Society.
Dr. Shu’s research is focused on understanding the role of mitochondria and metabolism in retinal eye diseases. She is a current recipient of the BrightFocus Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Macular Degeneration Research. Her previous awards include the Fight for Sight Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, the ASIP Experimental Pathologist-in Training Merit Award, and the ASIP PISA2021 Postdoctoral Award for Outstanding Research.
Q&A
What is your favorite part about being a member of the ASIP?
My favorite part about being an ASIP member is being a part of the warm, welcoming and supportive community that ASIP has created. As an eye researcher, I truly value being part of the ASIP because the society covers such a broad range of research fields outside of the eye, enabling me to network with a diverse range of researchers both in and outside of the eye field. This has helped to broaden the scope of my research and inspired new directions of research in deciphering the complex molecular mechanisms underlying retinal eye diseases.
Where is the next place on your travel bucket list?
I am currently learning French on Duolingo so I am excited to test out my new skills in Paris and while there, indulge in lots of croissants. Très bien!
Who is someone who's made a big impact on your life?
My postdoctoral mentor, Dr. Magali Saint-Geniez, has made a huge impact on my life and propelled my scientific research career through her dedicated training and mentorship. She has not only taught me so much about research in mitochondria and retinal metabolism but has provided me so many opportunities to develop my career further. Dr. Saint-Geniez first introduced me to the ASIP through nominating me as a webinar speaker about utilizing social media as a scientist and also encouraging me to join the ASIP Committee for Career Development. These steps have led to so much more and I am grateful for Dr. Saint-Geniez’s continued mentorship, sponsorship and friendship.
If you would like to connect with Dr. Shu, she is active on Twitter and Instagram @EyeDaisyShu.