UTSA professor named Gold Fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthamology

Andrew Tsin, professor of biology in the UTSA College of Sciences, has been named a Gold Fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthamology for his dedication and exemplary contributions in the field. Tsin will receive the honor at the 2015 ARVO Annual Meeting, May 3-7 in Denver.

Tsin's research focuses on understanding the biochemical and cellular molecular events in the eye related to normal vision functions and abnormal disease conditions. A major emphasis is investigating the mechanism of pigment regeneration in the cone visual system. Over the long term, Tsin's research team hopes to better understand why humans develop diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

"I am delighted to be recognized by ARVO for such a high honor, said Tsin. "I will continue to be a very active participant in this Association to promote basic research and community outreach."

An internationally recognized biochemist and cell biologist for more than 30 years, Tsin has helped UTSA obtain more than $68 million in grant funding to establish programs aimed at under-represented minorities. Over his 30-plus year career at UTSA, he has successfully mentored more than 130 students in his vision research laboratory, including a dozen doctoral students.

His latest recognition as an ARVO Gold Fellow is the third national honor he has received over the last five years for lifetime contributions to his field.

In 2011, President Barack Obama recognized Tsin with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Engineering and Mathematics Mentoring. The award recognizes the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science and engineering, particularly those who belong to groups underrepresented in these fields.

In 2013, Tsin received the Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Association for the Advancement of Science for facilitating education and research changes at UTSA that have led to a significant production of Hispanic American doctorates in the biological sciences.