Baerbel Rohrer, Ph.D.

Dr. Bärbel Rohrer is Professor of Ophthalmology and the SmartState Endowed Chair in Gene and Pharmaceutical Treatment of Retinal Degenerative Diseases at MUSC, a VA Research Scientist, and an academic and innovative leader in diseases of the retina. She holds three U.S. and five international patents, with an additional 22 applications pending. Her IP contributed to the foundation for three start-up companies, one of which she co-founded. A major pharmaceutical company acquired one, the other two companies are continuing clinical development of her therapies. She has published >70 manuscripts; received 37 peer-reviewed grants; serves as editor/reviewer for many journals; and mentored 50+ trainees. She is a National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow, Foundation Fighting Blindness Scientific Advisory Board member and member of multiple professional societies, including the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and the Society for Neuroscience.  Dr. Rohrer’s educational background includes a Neuroscience Diploma from the University of Tübingen, a Neuroscience PhD from the University of Calgary, and postdoctoral training at UCSF.