Monday, November 17, 2025
UNT Health North Texas Eye Research Institute, director of research, David Vumbaco
A former scientific project and alliance manager at the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle recently was named the new director of research for Fort Worth鈥檚 , guiding its next phase of growth and innovation.
David Vumbaco, Ph.D., started his new job Nov. 3 and will focus on building community
partnerships and expanding research opportunities.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored to join NTERI as director of research at a pivotal moment in its evolution,鈥�
Vumbaco said. 鈥淭he institute鈥檚 mission deeply aligns with my personal commitment to
advancing research and creating lasting impact at the intersection of science and
community. I鈥檓 excited to collaborate with the institute鈥檚 exceptional teams to drive
transformative discoveries, forge strategic partnerships and expand our reach.
鈥淭he next generation of scientists, clinicians and innovators isn鈥檛 drawn to stagnancy. They seek environments where ideas are nurtured, tested and scaled. I believe NTERI鈥檚 culture can be that magnet for bold thinking and purposeful innovation, and I鈥檓 eager to help shape that future.鈥�
Vumbaco earned his doctorate in neuroscience and physiology from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans before serving as a scientific project and alliance manager at the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle.
His experience in advancing scientific innovation and partnerships will help guide
the institute into the future, further strengthening its leadership in visual sciences.
鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Dr. Vumbaco as our new director of research,鈥� said , Ph.D., vice president of research and graduate studies at UNT Health and executive
director of NTERI. 鈥淒r. Vumbaco joins our dynamic team of researchers at a pivotal
time of growth鈥攏ot only in research excellence but also in expanding student opportunities
and helping ensure our legacy for years to come.鈥�
For more than 30 years, NTERI has advanced the frontiers of visual sciences through basic and clinical research. Its scientists have received national and international recognitions for their contributions to the field. The institute remains committed to leading the scientific community as a world-renowned educational authority seeking to strengthen healthcare systems and develop effective interventions to combat eye diseases and disorders.
From - Community by Krystle Gabele