Beckwith-Cohen’s award-winning manuscript, Calcium-Binding Protein 4 Is Fundamental for Retinal Structure and Function, highlights the crucial role of CaBP4 in sensorineural processes—especially vision. Her review draws on Michigan State University’s longstanding work using naturally occurring retinal diseases in large-animal models, such as dogs and cats, to better understand these conditions and explore new treatments. In dogs descended from the Whippet breed, mutations in the calcium-binding protein 4 gene lead to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), mirroring similar visual impairments in people. By studying affected dogs before and after treatment, the research team advanced understanding of retinal biology and pathology and ultimately developed a gene therapy that restored retinal function and vision. This work offers promising insights—and hope—for future therapies in human patients with CaBP4-related disease.

Beckwith-Cohen currently investigates retinal diseases at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, where she also completed her comparative ophthalmology residency in 2024. Her earlier honors include the Vision for Animal Foundation Resident Grant, awarded for her innovative retinal-degeneration research in the Petersen-Jones Lab. Altogether, Beckwith-Cohen has been honored with all awards available by the ACVO for residents.