S. Patricia Becerra

S. Patricia Becerra is a renowned biomedical scientist specializing in the field of ophthalmology. She is known for her significant contributions to the understanding of eye diseases, particularly those related to the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

Early Life and Education

Becerra was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. She completed her undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Los Andes in Bogota. She then moved to the United States for her postgraduate studies, earning a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Texas.

Career and Research

Becerra began her career at the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she conducted extensive research on the biochemistry of the eye. Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying retinal diseases.

One of her most notable contributions is the discovery of the role of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in the eye. PEDF is a protein that has potent anti-angiogenic, neurotrophic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Becerra's research has shown that PEDF plays a crucial role in maintaining retinal health and preventing diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.

Awards and Recognition

Becerra's groundbreaking work has earned her numerous awards and recognition in the field of ophthalmology. She is a member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) and has served on the editorial boards of several prestigious ophthalmology journals.

Personal Life

Becerra is fluent in both English and Spanish. She is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the scientific community and has mentored many young scientists throughout her career.