After more than 40 years of advancing scientific discovery and mentoring future researchers, Dr. Alan Burns, Professor and Benedict-Pitts Professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry, is ready to begin his next chapter in retirement.

Dr. Burns’ path to vision science, particularly in corneal inflammation and wound healing, as well as the effects of obesity and metabolic syndrome on eye health, began when he discovered electron microscopy as an undergraduate researcher. He recalls having to prepare and develop photographic film in the darkroom, manually focusing and exposing images, carefully stabilizing samples to avoid blur, and even troubleshooting parts of the microscope himself.

The intricacy and technicality of the work appealed to Dr. Burns, who went on to earn his Ph.D. in Pathology from the University of British Columbia before completing postdoctoral training at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). There, he served as assistant professor before being promoted to associate professor and the director of the Cardiovascular Sciences Graduate Program.

His early work at BCM examined how white blood cells, or leukocytes, move through blood vessels and tissues during injury or disease. His highly cited findings on neutrophil emigration in the lung helped establish foundational knowledge about inflammatory responses and tissue injury.

In 2008, Dr. Burns joined UH Optometry as a tenured associate professor, a transition he described as feeling like the final stop in his career. His research and expertise in advanced biological imaging and electron microscopy placed him in an ideal position to further vision science discoveries related to inflammation, wound healing, and the impact of metabolic disease.

“Dr. Burns’ career reflects the very best of academic research and mentorship. His work has bridged multiple disciplines, and we are deeply grateful for his lasting contributions to the college, to our students, and to the future of vision science.” -Dean Michael Twa

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Burns has held endowed professorships (Kevin McDaid Vision Source Professor and Benedict-Pitts Professor), received numerous faculty teaching awards, and has left an enduring mark as director of UHCO’s Biological Imaging Core. He has guided students from multiple fields, with many mentees going on to become faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, Fulbright scholars, and leaders in their own fields.

Dr. Burns is also a world-renowned scholar with his research steadily funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for more than 26 years. He has more than 140 publications, eight book chapters, and has mentored dozens of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. His research has been cited more than 11,800 times, reflecting his broad influence across multiple scientific disciplines.

“Dr. Burns’ career reflects the very best of academic research and mentorship,” said Dean Michael Twa. “His work has bridged multiple disciplines, and we are deeply grateful for his lasting contributions to the college, to our students, and to the future of vision science.”

As he reflects on the impact he has made at the college and the research community, Dr. Burns speaks with excitement about scientific discovery and the impressive complexity of cell function. He carries the same sense of wonder that first inspired him decades ago, and he believes nature does nothing in vain. For aspiring vision scientists, he hopes to pass along the same mindset that has shaped his remarkable career.

“This work is fascinating,” he said. “Always remain curious and excited about what you are doing. Every experiment doesn’t always work out, so you must be resilient and persistent. Keep learning, keep asking questions, and remember that collaboration is a superpower.”