Praveen Joseph Susaimanickam, PhD
Credentials: Waisman Center (VCRGE)
Position title: Scientist I
Email: praveenjoseph.susaimanickam@wisc.edu
Website: Gamm Lab
Advisor: David Gamm, MD, PhD
Keywords: Photoreceptor development, cone-rod specification, stem cells, retinal organoids, reporter lines, CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing
Education
PhD 2020, University of Hyderabad, India
Research
Dr. Susaimanickam is a stem cell and retinal/neurobiology researcher focused on developing disease models and translational regenerative therapies for blinding disorders. His work integrates human pluripotent stem cell–derived retinal organoids, molecular profiling, and preclinical transplantation models to advance strategies for photoreceptor and optic nerve repair.
Dr. Susaimanickam completed four years of postdoctoral training in the laboratory of David Gamm at the University of Wisconsin–Madison before transitioning to his current role as Scientist. During his postdoctoral work, he identified CD166 as a selective surface marker for human L/M cone photoreceptor precursors and defined molecular signatures associated with enhanced neurite outgrowth and synaptic competence. These findings have important translational implications and are currently under patent protection.
As a Scientist, Dr. Susaimanickam now leads efforts focused on optimizing delivery and transplantation strategies for purified human cone photoreceptors in preclinical models of retinal degeneration. His current work includes testing stem cell–derived photoreceptor transplantation approaches in rodent, pig, and non-human primate models to evaluate cell survival, integration, and functional potential for retinal reconstruction.
In parallel, Dr. Susaimanickam contributes to large-scale regenerative medicine initiatives, including the ARPA-H–funded THEIA program focused on whole-eye transplantation. He played a central role in the development of the pluripotent stem cell–derived optic nerve “EyeBridge” construct, which is currently undergoing preclinical evaluation in large-animal models. This work combines developmental biology, stem cell engineering, bioengineering, and transplantation science to address optic nerve repair—one of the most significant challenges in regenerative medicine.
Dr. Susaimanickam’s research experience spans retinal organoid systems, transcriptomic analyses including bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, cell enrichment strategies, and in vivo transplantation studies in rodent and large-animal models. He has also mentored trainees across multiple levels and collaborates closely with surgeons and interdisciplinary teams to help ensure the clinical relevance and translational potential of stem cell–derived therapies.
His long-term goal is to establish an independent research program dedicated to restoring vision through scientifically rigorous and clinically translatable regenerative approaches.