Dr. Joanne Matsubara

Professor

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Biography

Joanne Matsubara is a professor at the University of British Columbia specializing in vision research, particularly focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, retina, and eye disorders. With a Ph.D. from the University of California at San Diego, her research explores various aspects of the visual system, including novel treatment strategies and non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis of brain and eye diseases. Matsubara’s work is notable for examining cellular and molecular changes in the outer blood-eye barrier that promote age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Additionally, she investigates the role of Granzyme B in AMD and gene therapies for glaucoma and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Her research integrates advanced microscopy techniques and machine learning to derive new insights from fluorescence confocal imagery. Matsubara actively collaborates with a diverse range of researchers and specialists in the field to enhance understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying eye-brain diseases and to develop innovative treatment options.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.