Daniel Pelaez, Ph.D.

Dr. Pelaez is a scientist and biomedical engineer and an expert in stem cell and molecular biology, tissue engineering, biochemistry, and regenerative medicine. Originally from Colombia and as the son of two head and neck cancer surgeons, Dr. Pelaez experienced first-hand the frustrations that arise when suboptimal and non-curative treatments are the only available options to address disease. Since then, he has been driven by the pursuit of novel technologies and therapies that can enhance our delivery of healthcare and improve patient outcomes.As the principal investigator of a translational research laboratory in Bascom Palmer, Dr. Pelaez has a proven track record in the development of novel biotechnologies to overcome some of the most perplexing problems in human health. Dr. Pelaez received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Tulane University in New Orleans, and his master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of Miami. Before joining the faculty of Bascom Palmer, Dr. Pelaez completed his postdoctoral training as a scientist for the federal government where he focused on the use of stem cells to repair and produce new nervous tissues. Dr. Pelaez established a stem cell technology platform to generate new human retinal tissues in the laboratory, and uses this platform to study disease, develop new therapies, and as a source of regenerative tissues.

His laboratory has used the stem cell retinal organoid platform to study the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases of the retina and optic nerve and have developed novel therapeutic approaches that address the neurodegenerative processes of the central nervous system and promote recovery of sight in preclinical animal models of optic neuropathy. Dr. Pelaez leads projects funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Eye Institute (NEI), Department of Defense (DOD), and private foundations. His research work has earned Dr. Pelaez recognition as an Emerging Vision Scientist by the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR), and a prestigious Young Investigator Award by the Alcon Research Institute (ARI).