Dr. Hou graduated summa cum laude from Duke University in 2005 with a B.S. in chemistry and minors in mathematics and religion. He received his M.D. from Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis and completed an ophthalmology residency and fellowship in Cornea & External Diseases at the University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary. He is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota with the Cornea Service and serves as the Medical Director of Lions Gift of Sight.

Dr. Ching Yuan  was previously a faculty member at University of Minnesota and a corneal researcher who is well-published in the field of corneal wound healing and limbal stem cell research. When Lions Gift of Sight created their Research and Development program, they were fortunate to recruit Dr. Yuan as director.

Peter is a biomedical engineer with extensive eye banking experience. He has processed more than 1,000 corneas for transplant over his 15+ years at Lions Gift of Sight. He is equal parts designer, engineer, and analyst. Tissue evaluation, cell culture, data analysis, and algorithm development are in his wheelhouse, but LGS’s mission drives his interest in research and development.

Dane graduated from the University of California, San Diego studying DNA damage. He completed a UMN research fellowship in the Department of Neurosurgery, working with stem cells in the context of spinal cord injury. Dane then enrolled into medical school at UMN, focusing on medical research. He is a stem cell expert, developing limbal stem cells for transplantation in patients with severe corneal injury or disease.

Jacob is a microbiologist bringing 7+ years of translational research experience.  He is currently working with Dr. Hou and Dr. Yuan to advance treatments for a variety of eye conditions. Prior to joining Lion's Gift of Sight, Jacob was with the Department of Surgery, innovating novel therapies to improve patient outcomes post-coronary artery bypass grafts. Jacob has a variety of research interests, all of which involve bringing new and exciting therapies from laboratory bench to clinical bedside. 

Panhia joined us as a Transplant Tissue Coordinator before transitioning to our research team. Her prior experience in clinical settings is invaluable to screening tissues for our clients. Her passion for patient care, research and art brings a unique approach to her role expressed through her attention to fine details and client outreach.