Mr. Sanford Boye is an Associate Scientist of Pediatrics and Associate Director of the Powell Gene Therapy Center at the University of Florida. His research on AAV and ocular gene therapy spans 20 years and over 100 publications. His work has focused primarily on the design and utilization of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for gene transfer to the eye and the evaluation of AAV based gene therapies in models of retinal disease. He has designed AAV vectors that have been used to establish proof of concept for the treatment of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa, X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, achromatopsia, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Usher syndrome and multiple forms of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). Several of these gene therapies have gone on to be clinically applied, including a gene therapy for LCA due to mutation in RPE65 and what would ultimately become Luxturna, the first gene therapy approved by the FDA. Recently, his work has focused on modifications of the AAV capsid to improve vector performance and safety. Currently, he splits his time between working with Dr. Shannon Boye on both basic science research and translational programs and directing the Vector Core within the Powell Gene Therapy Center.