Dr. Pattnaik is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. His research in pediatric blindness has resulted in significant progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind developmental and inherited blindness conditions. The Daniel M. Albert Chair, named after the founder of the McPherson ERI, was awarded to Dr. Pattnaik and will help fund him and his lab’s research endeavors for years to come.