Advancing drug discovery and development through mentorship and translational science.

Emily Krupa, B.S., PV.Cert., a graduate researcher in the Ocular Pharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, directed by Dr. Simon Kaja at Loyola University Chicago, exemplifies the strength of the Loyola Department of Ophthalmology and its translational research environment -where mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clinically relevant science come together to address unmet needs in vision care.

The ocular surface, which includes the cornea and tear film, is essential for maintaining clear vision and protecting the eye from environmental stressors such as air pollution, allergens, and pathogens. When this system becomes disrupted, patients can develop conditions such as dry eye disease, a highly prevalent disorder that causes chronic irritation, pain, and visual disturbances. Current therapies often provide only temporary relief and do not fully address the underlying biological drivers of disease.

Emily’s research focuses on a critical and emerging mechanism of disease: dysregulation of the innate immune system. Specifically, she studies neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that normally protects against infection but can become overactive and damage healthy tissue. Her work investigates how these cells form neutrophil extracellular traps, which, while protective in some contexts, can drive chronic inflammation and injury at the ocular surface.

At the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting in San Diego, Emily presented research demonstrating that airborne particulate matter, commonly found in urban pollution, can trigger harmful neutrophil activation and increase their adhesion to corneal epithelial cells. These findings provide important insight into how environmental exposures contribute to ocular surface disease and long-term ocular toxicity.

Importantly, Emily’s work goes beyond identifying disease mechanisms. Her dissertation research explores the repurposing of existing therapeutics, including immune globulins and heparin, to reduce inflammation and protect the eye. By leveraging drugs with established safety profiles, this work has the potential to accelerate the development of new treatments for patients with limited options.

A defining feature of this research program is its strong collaborative foundation. Emily works closely with clinician-scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago, including NIH-funded collaborations with Dr. Sandeep Jain, ensuring that laboratory discoveries are directly informed by patient care and clinical needs. This partnership strengthens the translational impact of the work and reflects Loyola’s commitment to team-based science.

Loyola’s leadership in the field is further reflected through Dr. Simon Kaja’s role as President of the Midwest Regional Chapter of the Society of Toxicology (MRC SOT). In Fall 2025, Loyola hosted the MRC SOT regional meeting at the Water Tower Campus in Schreiber Hall, bringing together trainees and experts from across the region. Emily was selected to deliver an oral presentation at this meeting - an important recognition of both the quality and impact of her research.