Stephen P Sugrue,

Stephen P. Sugrue, PhD, is a well-respected educator, researcher, and administrator. His research has focused on the study of the cell biology and molecular intricacies of epithelia. Sugrue’s recent work has focused on the epigenetics and the integration of transcriptional regulation and mRNA processing. The long-term goal of his research is to elucidate the molecular determinants of the regulation of the epithelial cell phenotype.

Sugrue received his PhD from the University of Cincinnati and completed postdoctoral studies with Betty Hay at the Harvard Medical School (HMS). He joined the faculty at HMS in 1983. In 1996, he moved to University of Florida (UF) and became Chair of Anatomy & Cell Biology. In 2009, he became Senior Associate Dean of Research Affairs in the UF College of Medicine. Recently, he became Associate Vice President of Research, UF Health. Sugrue has served on the Steering Committee of the AAMC Group on Research Advancement and Development (GRAND) since 2013. He served as chair of AAMC GRAND from 2018-2019.

I have a comprehensive background in cell and molecular biology. My research program asks big and impactful questions in vision research, yet we continually break new ground revealing the intricate molecular mechanisms that underpin ocular cell biology. Throughout my career, I have been focused on molecular mechanisms of the regulation of cell-cell adhesion in epithelial differentiation, and maintenance of the epithelial phenotype. The over-arching goal of these works has been to identify the molecular pathways and determinants that define epithelial identity and differentiated qualities of the corneal epithelium that are requisite for vision. From my first studies, that defined corneal epithelial cell’s interaction with the ECM, to my most recent studies of the integration of transcriptional regulation and mRNA, corneal epithelium has been my constant focus. My laboratory’s most significant discovery was the gene encoding Pinin, which set the groundwork for exploration of the integration of epithelial transcriptional regulation and RNA processing. Our findings regarding Pinin placed it at the fulcrum point between chromatin and RNA splicing machinery, and so set the stage for recent investigation into RNA processing and epithelial identity. As my career has evolved, I have maintained a steadfast dedication to my research program, and, as I have assumed academic administrative responsibilities, I have never done so at the expense of my passion for research. Furthermore, in addition to my research background, my academic leadership positions and long-term involvement in NEI-review, -planning, and -training have contributed to my role as a well respected and sought after PI and mentor. I was appointed as Chairman of the NEI’s Board of Scientific Counselors, and presently participate in numerous NIH study sections and, serve on faculty of the NEI’s prestigious Fundamental Issues in Vision Research Course since 1998. These broad and valuable experiences have greatly contributed to my perspective and appreciation of high quality research investigation and training.