Researcher Spotlight: Myoungsup Sim, PhD

For his research project “Primary Cilia-mediated Nitric Oxide Production in Schlemm’s Canal Cells,” Myoungsup Sim, PhD from Duke Eye Center (Durham, NC) was awarded the 2024 Shaffer Prize for Innovative Glaucoma Research.

What did it mean to you to be selected to receive the Shaffer Prize for your research project?

Personally, it was a great honor to receive the Shaffer Prize. There have been moments where I questioned whether my research path was truly contributing to finding a cure for glaucoma, and if my efforts were making a meaningful impact. However, being recognized by the glaucoma community through the Shaffer Prize has instilled a newfound sense of confidence in me. It has validated the significance of my research project and its potential to advance our understanding of glaucoma. This recognition has reignited my determination to pursue my ultimate goal: developing new, safe, and efficient therapeutic strategies to treat glaucoma patients. The Shaffer Prize serves as a reminder of the value of my research contributions to the field and inspires me to continue pushing forward.

What did the 2022 Shaffer Grant funding allow you to accomplish in your research that you could not have achieved otherwise?

The Shaffer Grant funding provided invaluable support, enabling me to make significant strides in our research endeavors. With this funding, I established methodology and generated feasible data, laying the groundwork for future investigations. Additionally, it opened doors for me to pursue larger grant opportunities. Personally, this support also facilitated my promotion, bringing me closer to the opportunity to become an independent researcher. These developments not only advance my career but also enhance my capacity to contribute meaningfully to glaucoma research.

Why is Shaffer Grant funding important to advance glaucoma research?

The most important aspect of Shaffer Grant funding is its support for highly innovative projects, even those that may seem impossible or high-risk initially but have the potential to revolutionize glaucoma research. With the aid of Shaffer Grant funding, it becomes possible to explore uncharted territories and challenge existing paradigms in the field. This funding enables researchers to pursue bold ideas and unconventional approaches that could ultimately lead to breakthroughs in our understanding and treatment of glaucoma. It is through initiatives like the Shaffer Grants program that we can envision a future where a cure for glaucoma is within reach.