
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, esteemed colleagues, students, and distinguished guests gathered to honor Dr. Daniel Kerschensteiner, MD, as he was installed as the Bernard Becker Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. This prestigious professorship recognized Dr. Kerschensteiner’s exceptional contributions to vision science and his dedication to advancing our understanding and treatment of visual disorders.
Dr. Kerschensteiner’s research explores how the visual system’s neural circuits process information to shape perception and guide behavior, a topic that could revolutionize our understanding of the brain-eye connection. His work goes beyond basic science, aiming to uncover new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases that threaten sight. His team is at the forefront of studying how retinal circuits enable key behaviors, such as predator evasion and visual tracking, and how these findings apply to both animals and humans.


This was a joyful celebration of Dr. Becker’s legacy, a well-deserved recognition of the brilliant and dedicated trainees I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years, and an inspiring personal honor. The Becker Professorship will enable us to continue pursuing ambitious goals in understanding and preserving vision.
Daniel Kerschensteiner, MD

Exploring the Visual System
Dr. Kerschensteiner’s innovative research is making significant strides in understanding how our brains detect and respond to environmental stimuli. One of the most exciting discoveries his lab made is a specialized retinal circuit that detects objects on a collision course. This neural mechanism helps animals evade predators by distinguishing between approaching and other types of motion.

In addition, Dr. Kerschensteiner’s group recently published work on the pupillary reflex in Neuron (2024), showing how the pupil constricts in response to brightness fluctuations. This process enhances visual acuity, a vital function for both mice and humans. His team’s findings provide new insight into how our eyes sharpen focus in dynamic environments.

A Journey in Vision Science
A native of Germany, Dr. Kerschensteiner’s academic journey began at the Georg-August University in Göttingen, where he earned his MD. His early research at the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine on ion channels and neurological disorders earned him the Otto-Hahn Medal, and his neurology residency and postdoctoral research at University College London and the University of Washington further shaped his expertise in the visual system.
Joining WashU Medicine in 2009, Dr. Kerschensteiner quickly became a prominent leader in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. In addition to his role as Vice Chair for Research, Dr. Kerschensteiner founded the Bright Center at WashU Medicine, an interdisciplinary hub focused on advancing the field of vision science.
Education, Leadership, and Impact
Beyond his research, Dr. Kerschensteiner is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He directs the Interdisciplinary Training in Vision Science pathway and co-directs the Neuroscience Ph.D. Program at WashU Medicine. His leadership extends to national organizations, where he has served on the Board of Scientific Counselors for the National Eye Institute and contributed to numerous editorial boards, including Visual Neuroscience.
Dr. Kerschensteiner’s impact on the field has not gone unnoticed. He has received prestigious awards such as the Distinguished Investigator Award from WashU Medicine and the Cogan Award from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. His research has not only advanced scientific understanding but also paved the way for potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases that affect vision.




The Bernard Becker Legacy
Dr. Kerschensteiner follows in the footsteps of Dr. Bernard Becker, the namesake of this distinguished professorship. Dr. Becker, who led the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences from 1953 to 1988, is remembered for his leadership and transformative work in glaucoma research. His dedication to advancing clinical care, education, and research helped establish WashU Medicine as a global leader in the field. Dr. Becker’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of researchers, including Dr. Kerschensteiner.
Dr. Kerschensteiner’s Reflections on the Event
Reflecting on the significance of the installation, Dr. Kerschensteiner shared, “This was a joyful celebration of Dr. Becker’s legacy, a well-deserved recognition of the brilliant and dedicated trainees I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years, and an inspiring personal honor. The Becker Professorship will enable us to continue pursuing ambitious goals in understanding and preserving vision.”

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As the new Bernard Becker Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dr. Kerschensteiner is poised to continue his groundbreaking work in visual science and neurodegeneration. His research promises to deepen our understanding of how vision works and how we can preserve it, ultimately benefiting millions of people around the world.
The installation ceremony marked a moment of recognition for Dr. Kerschensteiner’s extraordinary achievements, but it also served as a reminder of the ongoing importance of vision research. As technology and science continue to evolve, the work of leaders like Dr. Kerschensteiner will play a crucial role in shaping the future of ophthalmology and visual sciences.