Professor James Jester appointed Skirball Endowed Chair

James Jester, professor of ophthalmology and biomedical engineering, has been named the Jack H. Skirball Endowed Chair, a position established this year in recognition of the contributions made to ophthalmology research by the Skirball Foundation. The chair, which carries a $1 million endowment, was created to honor a scholar and teacher of the highest distinction whose research has had an impact. The chair may be held for five-year renewable terms. Jester is a recognized international leader in the cell biology of corneal wound healing. He maintains an active interest in developing new imaging approaches using advanced laser technology and is part of the Refractive Surgery Group at UC Irvine.