Research Overview

Connecting basic science discoveries on ligh sensing pathways to healthcare

Research Publications

Leading revolutionary scientific research for a brighter future

Clinical studies

Innovation that leads to quality care

Basic Science

We use  basic science findings to inform clinical research

Richard Lang Lab

We investigate how intra- and extraocular light sensing pathways regulate development, homeostasis and disease.

Diego Fernandez Lab

Laboratory of sensory and circadian integration

NICU SPECTRAL LIGHTING

Spectral lighting system for heath innovations

SkyView Lamp

Highlighting innovative technology created from biological discoveries 

Events & Lectures

Blog Post

Comic Book

🚨 Exciting News! 🚨 We’re Hiring! Open Positions in Our Lab 🔬📚

We’re looking for motivated postdoctoral fellows to join our team and contribute to exciting, new projects.

📩 Interested? Reach out to us and tell us about your background, interests, and goals—we’d love to hear from you! Here is a link to learn more the open position.

Fernandez

Lab

Welcome! Our lab is part of the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Developmental Biology divisions at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the University of Cincinnati Medical School. Our research focuses on understanding how the brain and body encode and process environmental cues—such as daily changes in light and feeding patterns—to regulate physiology and behavior.

New space, new ideas, and exciting opportunities! We’re actively recruiting for multiple positions. Stay tuned for more details, and feel free to reach out if you’re interested in joining our team! 🔬✨

Our lab’s logo highlights the role of the visual system in processing daily cycles of light and dark, causing the alignment of internal time-keeping mechanisms. The Sun—our primary source of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light—has shaped the evolution of life on Earth, and our research seeks to understand its profound impact on physiology and behavior.

Beyond its scientific symbolism, the design draws inspiration from the work of Salvador Dalí and the sculptural forms of Alberto Giacometti, two of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The logo is also a statement of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural identity. The colors, representing the Sunlight spectrum, celebrate the multiple rainbow flags, while the stars are inspired by the symbolic art of the Indigenous peoples of South America.

Research
Meet The Lab
Publications
Media
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Our research focus

 

Our research group is dedicated to understanding how light rhythms shape physiology and behavior. Daily changes in light profoundly regulate animal physiology. In mammals, the retina detects light and transmits this information to diverse brain nuclei.  Some nuclei process visual information for image-forming functions, while others encode light signals to regulate fundamental physiological processes such as sleep-wake cycles, cognitive functions, and affective behaviors. We take a curiosity-driven approach to address key questions, including:

How do biological systems extract time information from changes in light?

Are these mechanisms similar to those that generate an internal representation of the visual world?

Can lighting conditions affect how the brain communicates with other systems?

What processes shape the development of circuits that process environmental signals?

Our research provides key insights into the neuronal basis of disorders associated with harmful environmental factors, such as light pollution and circadian disruptions. By uncovering these mechanisms, we aim to expand opportunities for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. On a broader scale, understanding how artificial light impacts physiology is essential for designing healthier lighting environments—both to enhance human well-being and to minimize environmental impact.

Current Projects

Neuronal circuits mediating the effects of light on mood and cognition

We recently identified the perihabenular nucleus (PHb), a thalamic hub interconnected with limbic areas, which processes light to control mood in mice. In parallel, light signals relayed by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) affect hippocampal functions and learning. Current research aims to identify the distinct features of these light-sensing circuits that mediate the deleterious effects of irregular light exposure.

Note: The diagram represents a sagittal section of a mouse brain showing the parallel retina-brain circuits (Fernandez et al., Cell 2018).

Photic perception within visual and non-visual thalamic circuits

Image-forming vision is driven by a well-known nucleus of the thalamus, the dLGN, which routes light signals to the visual cortex. Our research aims to uncover novel retina-thalamus circuits that, beyond image-forming vision, modulate subconscious and innate functions, including alertness, sleep/wake cycles, and mood-related behavior.

Note: A section of a mouse brain is shown; tracers (cyan) were used to identify retinal input to image-forming (dLGN) and mood-regulating (PHb) centers in the thalamus (Weil et al., Science Advances 2022).

Effects of lighting conditions on feeding responses

Sensory systems extract time information from many environmental cues, affecting rhythmic processes. Among external cues, food access is critical for survival. In the lab we investigate the mechanisms controlling rhythmic aspects of food seeking and feeding behavior across the day/night cycle, as well as how different lighting conditions and retinal signals modulate food consumption.

Note: The model highlights the role of retinal input in modulating the crosstalk between metabolic and circadian centers (IGL-SCN), which timely coordinate mouse activity (Fernandez et al., Nature 2020).

Sensory and circadian systems development and maturation

The central circadian pacemaker of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) receives retinal information, setting internal time-keeping mechanisms. Multiple brain and systemic signals, collectively known as non-photic cues, also adjust SCN’s rhythms. In the lab we investigate the mechanisms that guide the proper assembly of circuits linking sensory and circadian systems during developmental stages.

Note: The model represents the patterns of projections driving photic (green) and metabolic (red) information to the SCN (Fernandez et al., PNAS 2016, Fernandez et. al., Nature 2020).

Meet the lab

Our lab embraces and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. We base our strengths in teamwork, and believe that the most efficient way to achieve goals is though the collective search and discussion of ideas and approaches.

Are you a graduate student interested in the lab? Are you interested in a postdoctoral position?

Contact us! Please send us an email at diego.fernandez@cchmc.org describing your background and scientific interests, and why you are interested in our lab. If possible, also include contact information for 3 references.

Diego C. Fernandez, Ph.D.

Diego (he/him/his) is an Assistant Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Driven by his passion for retinal research, Diego pursued a postdoctoral position at Johns Hopkins University, supported by the Pew Latin American Postdoctoral Fellows Award. During his postdoc, he made significant contributions to understanding the retina-brain circuits mediating the direct effects of light on learning and mood functions in mice. Diego then joined the National Institutes of Health as a Staff Scientist, later advancing to the position of Associate Scientist. His research uncovered a groundbreaking link between retinal innervation and brain development, tuning neuronal circuits that regulate feeding responses. Since joining the faculty at CCHMC, research from the Fernandez Lab aims to pave the way for improved therapeutic approaches and enhanced quality of life for individuals affected by detrimental environmental factors.

diego.fernandez@cchmc.org

Brandon Rahab

Research Assistant III

brandon.rabah@cchmc.org

Brandon holds a B.A. in Cognitive Science from Case Western Reserve University. He has worked across a variety of research environments, gaining hands-on experience with both mouse and macaque models. His primary research interest lies in understanding the cognitive mechanisms underlying animal behavior, particularly those related to food seeking.

Hafeezunnisa Mohammed, Ph.D.

Research Assistant III

hafeezunnisa.mohammed@cchmc.org

Hafeeza’s work focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of stress and inflammation in neurons, with an emphasis on responses to environmental stressors. Her research aims to elucidate how external challenges, such as disrupted light/dark cyckes, affect both retinal and brain health.

Shubham Garg, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

shubham.garg@cchmc.org

Shubham focuses on the design and development of advanced therapeutics targeting circadian transcription factors. His research investigates this innovative and physiologically grounded strategy as a novel approach to treating mood and behavioral disorders, with the goal of improving therapeutic precision and effectiveness.

Burgundy Walters

NGP PhD student

burgundy.walters@cchmc.org

Burgundy is a graduate student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at UC. Her research focuses on uncovering the mechanisms that coordinate communication between brain centers, with the goal of understanding how these networks drive daily rhythmic behavioral outputs.

Nicole Torres Santiago

Ph.D. student

nicole.torressantiago@cchmc.org

Nicole is a Ph.D. candidate in the Development, Stem Cells, and Regenerative Medicine Program at CCHMC. Her research investigates how environmental stressors impact retinal function, with a particular emphasis on understanding their influence during critical periods of development as well as pathological conditions.

Rosheeta Shah

University Honors Program

shah2rt@mail.uc.edu

Rosheeta is a B.S. student majoring in Neurobiology at UC and a member of the University Honors Program. Motivated by a strong interest in neuroplasticity and behavior, she joined the Fernandez Lab through the Biomedical Research and Mentoring Program (RaMP).

Ayden King

Co-op Student

king5an@mail.uc.edu

Ayden is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Computer Science at UC. As a Co-op student in the lab, Ayden applies machine learning tools to analyze and interpret animal behavior, contributing to the lab’s broader efforts to understand complex neurobiological processes.

Lauren Wallace and Wu Chen

Grants coordinators

📧 lauren.wallace@cchmc.org

📧 wubin.chen@cchmc.org

Lauren and Wu serve as the lab’s Grants Coordinators. Their role is essential in ensuring the effective planning, organization, and execution of grant searches, proposal development, and submission processes. Their expertise directly supports our research goals and long-term funding strategy. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing help, dedication, and support.

Publications

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Selected Publications available with direct PDF download

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Follow the link for complete list of publications: Diego C. Fernandez – NCBI

Full List of Publications

    Media and Useful Links

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    Follow the links to learn more about the Lab, and research at CCHMC and UC

    Media and News

    Fernandez Lab at the 2nd Cincinnati Circadian Conference (C3) 2023

    Conference Highlights Advances in Circadian Medicine. More than 70 scientists interested in circadian biology and circadian medicine gathered Sept. 1, 2023, for the 2nd Cincinnati Circadian Conference (C3), held at the University of Cincinnati’s Kresge Auditorium. Link

    Intersections Science Fellows Symposium. Diego’s presentation during the Neuroscience session

    2nd ISFS, Day 1 – Opening Remarks & Fellow Research Talks Session 1: Neuroscience. Link

     

     

     

    NPR article: Are You Sad in the Winter? Scientists May Have Figured Out Why

    By Jon Hamilton, NPR. Copyright 2018 NPR. Link

    To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

    PNAS journal club: Tracing light’s effect on mood and learning from the eye to deep within the brain

    PNAS Highlights newsletter. By Carolyn Beans. Link

     

    The Scientist: Winter Brain Blues

    The Scientist; EDITOR’S CHOICE IN NEUROSCIENCE. By Catherine Offord. Link

     

    Promega Connections: Light: A Happy Pill for Dark Days?

    Promega Connections. Thoughts, tech tips and news about science, by Kari Kenefick. Link

     

    Useful Links

    Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology at CCHMC

    The Visual Systems Group comprises the research arm of the Division of Ophthalmology, and is dedicated to basic science and clinical research focused on ocular development and disease. Link

    Cincinnati Children’s DEI strategic plan

    DEI Five-year Strategic Plan. This five-year strategic plan embeds DEI in every part of CCHMC work and is based on research, leadership involvement and best practices. Link

    Center for Pediatric Neuroscience at CCHMC

    The Neuroscience Research Center brings together basic scientists conducting fundamental, hypothesis-driven research with translational scientists developing new therapies and clinician-scientists working to advance these therapies to patients. Link

    Molecular & Developmental Biology Graduate Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

    The Molecular & Developmental Biology Graduate Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center offers a unique opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research while being embedded in one of the top three pediatric hospitals in the nation. Link

    Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Cincinnati

    The Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Cincinnati is an interdisciplinary program offering the PhD degree with more than 80 participating faculty members from 22 departments in the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Arts & Sciences. Link

    Contact the Fernandez Lab

    Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center – Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology

    3333 Burnet Ave R2447 – Cincinnati, Ohio, 45230