Incoming John A. Moran Eye Center residents Cameron Reinisch, MD, and Amanda Wade, MD, are the recipients of 2026 Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation of Utah scholarships.
ARCS awards $15,000 to honorees to support research during residency, hoping they will choose careers that continue their scientific investigations. Moran matches the award for the following two years of residency.
Reinisch earned his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where he was mentored by and conducted research with renowned corneal specialist and scientist Edward Holland, MD. Holland researches limbal stem cell deficiency, an eye condition where the cornea loses its ability to heal and renew itself properly, and the potential use of stem cell transplantation to treat it.
Reinisch’s scientific publications have focused on post-operative outcomes, including graft failure, immunosuppressant therapies, and their systemic impact, as well as a previously unreported post-stem cell transplant finding coined “sludging,” and how this differs from rejection. He has presented research findings at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Society of Retina Specialists, and local research conferences in Ohio.
As a resident at the Moran Eye Center, he plans to expand his research in ocular immunology and stem cell regeneration through innovative methods and interventions.
Reinisch received the Kathie and Mark Miller Award in honor of former Moran CEO Randall J Olson, MD.
Wade graduated with honors from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Arts in English/Creative Writing. She subsequently completed a post-baccalaureate at Portland State University before earning a medical degree from Oregon Health and Science University.
At the Casey Eye Institute, under the mentorship of Christina Flaxel, MD, she focused on projects related to long-term outcomes in the treatment of acute retinal necrosis, an inflammatory eye disease. She has additionally published work related to high-value care in medical education.
As a Moran resident, Wade plans to focus her research on identifying and addressing factors that influence glaucoma treatment. She is committed to advancing eye care equity and education, both locally and across the globe.
Wade received the Kathie and Mark Miller Award in honor of Moran CEO Jeff Pettey, MD, MBA.
