Saving Eyesight One Injection at a Time | Jennifer Kang-Mieler | TEDxStevens Institute of Technology
A recent survey reported that individuals prefer 4.6 years of life in perfect health over 10 years of life with complete vision loss. Many fear loss of sight more than losing memory, speech, hearing, or even cardiac infarction and cerebrovascular accident. What if there are medications that can save or preserve eyesight? The only downside is that it requires a direct injection into the eye — not just once, but every four to six weeks, potentially for the rest of one’s life. This treatment burden is significant on the patients, their families, physicians and our healthcare system. This presentation will introduce biomaterial technology designed to reduce the treatment burden and enhance treatment durability. We aim to extend the effectiveness of each injection for eyesight preservation, one injection at a time. Dr. Kang-Mieler is the George Meade Bond Endowed Professor, Department Chair of Biomedical Engineering, and the Director of the Semcer Center for Healthcare Innovation at Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, USA. She received her BA in Mathematics, MS in Applied Mathematics, and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. She is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).Dr. Kang-Mieler’s NIH-supported translational research projects focus on ocular drug delivery, retinal imaging and analysis (including AI and machine learning), biomarkers, retinal hemodynamics, and electrophysiology. Her clinical interests encompass retinal vascular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity. Dr. Kang-Mieler actively participates in the Macula Society, the Retina Society, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO), the Club Jules Gonin, and the Dowling Society. She has served on the ARVO Board of Trustees, representing the Retina section, and previously held the position of Vice President of ARVO. She participates in various research grant review panels, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she recently completed her role as Chair of the Brain Imaging, Vision, Bioengineering, and Low Vision Technology Development (BIVT) panel. Additionally, she acts as the Secretary of the BMES Council of Chairs Executive Committee and is the President of the Northeast Bioengineering League Executive Committee. She is the 2025 ARVO Foundation Honoree. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 1:42Madam Zarsanga Bibi Renowed phusto singer singing | Madam Zarsanga Bibi | TEDxUniversity of PeshawarPushto singer Zarsanga bibi A famous name in Pashto Folk singing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 6:02I , Me & Myself | Aadya Balana | TEDxTheArdeeSchoolNFCThis talk explores the unique advantages and challenges of growing up as an only child — highlighting themes of independence, resilience, pressure, and identity. It invites us to understand not just the stereotypes, but the lived experiences that shape how only children perceive themselves and their place in the world. Aadya Balana, a student of Year 5 at The Ardee School, New Delhi. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:57Group Discussion | Madam Zarsanga Bibi & Faisal Salman Khan | TEDxUniversity of PeshawarThis TEDx talk features an engaging group discussion between Dr. Minhas Majeed, Madam Zarsanga Bibi, and Faisal Salman Khan. Together, they share diverse perspectives on culture, education, and social change, highlighting challenges and opportunities that shape society while inspiring youth to embrace knowledge, creativity, and responsibility. A famous name in Pashto Folk singing.A famous Pashto Singer This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 6:21Madam Dr. Minhas Opening Remarks | Prof Dr. Minhas Majeed Marwat | TEDxUniversity of PeshawarMadam Dr. Minhas delivers the opening remarks at TEDx, setting the tone for an inspiring event. Her words highlight the power of ideas, innovation, and dialogue in shaping a better future. With wisdom and vision, she encourages participants to embrace curiosity, creativity, and meaningful change. Professor and Chairman of IR department, University of Peshawar This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 3:36Pashto Song | Faisal Salman Khan | TEDxUniversity of Peshawar“Pashto Song” explores the cultural depth, emotional expression, and storytelling tradition embedded in Pashto music. It highlights how songs preserve heritage, convey values, and unite communities across generations, while also adapting to modern influences and promoting identity in a globalized world. A famous Pashto Singer This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:31The power of selfish sobriety | Todd Thorpe | TEDxParrish StreetThis talk discusses the importance of sobriety and how to maintain it. Todd is a well-respected figure in the telecommunications industry with 25 years of sales and marketing experience. He is considered a thought leader on the subject and is frequently invited to speak at national conferences and on podcasts. In 2004, Todd began his journey of selfish sobriety and as a recovering alcoholic, he is committed to helping others break free from their addictions. Todd is also a member of Toastmasters International, a global organization dedicated to developing public speaking and leadership skills. Born and raised in the Midwest, Todd now resides in Greenville, South Carolina with his wife. When he's not working, Todd enjoys traveling with his two adult children, cooking, running, and of course, public speaking. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx