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Jennifer Chen, OD
New England College of Optometry
Boston, Mass.
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Chen began interning at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif.,
went on to volunteer at local private practices and worked as an eyecare
advisor at LensCrafters. “Helping people see is a rewarding
experience,” she said.
While at New England College of Optometry, Chen was active in
student organizations and received the F. Dow Smith Award for leadership
and the Dr. Hyman R. Kamens Scholarship for dedication to the optometry
community.
After a trip to Taiwan, Chen plans to look for a job in primary
care with a focus in pediatrics, vision therapy or low vision.
HER school SAYS...“She was the first woman president of the New
England College of Optometry Student Council.”
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Michelle DePeau, OD
Indiana University School of Optometry
Bloomington, Ind.
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Originally from New Franken, Wis., with a BS in biology from The
University of Wisconsin-Madison, DePeau says she always knew she wanted
to work in the health care field. While an undergrad, she worked at a
private optometric practice. She has served as president and treasurer
of the Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH), confirming her
dedication by traveling to Guanajuato, Mexico to participate in a
week-long mission trip to provide eyecare there.
She served in leadership positions in the American Optometric
Student Association, the American Public Health Association and the Gold
Key National Honor Society.
HER school SAYS...“Michelle will strengthen her leadership skills
and be a trailblazer.”
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Lauren Goldsmith, OD
Southern College of Optometry
Memphis, Tenn. |
In addition to being secretary for the 2010 SCO class, Goldsmith
also served as a Student Ambassador, giving tours and answering
questions for prospective students. In recognition of her academic
achievements she received the Drs. Fred and Charlene Burnett Student
Research Award for her work in patient care.
A graduate of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville with a
BA in biology and a minor in Latin, Goldsmith will next complete a
Family Practice Residency at West Tennessee Eye, a private group
practice in Memphis. The Roanoke, Va. native said, “There are few family
practice residencies and this one is a role model for me.”
HER school SAYS...“A wonderful young woman with unlimited
potential.”
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Lauren Grillot, OD
Ohio State University College of Optometry
Columbus, Ohio
|
Grillot completed a dual degree program in optometry and vision
science at Ohio State while maintaining a 3.78 GPA and being involved in
the optometric fraternity Epsilon Psi Epsilon. She was also president
of Beta Sigma Kappa, treasurer of Gold Key and an active member of the
American Optometric Student Association and the American Academy of
Optometry.
With the help of Melissa Bailey, OD, PhD, Grillot’s thesis was a
study of the ciliary muscle, accommodation and refractive error. She is
working with Carolyn Davis, OD, in Troy, Ohio to help develop a
pediatric and vision therapy division.
HER school SAYS...“Lauren is an outstanding clinician and
scholar. She will undoubtedly be a future leader of our profession.”
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Nicole Henriksen, OD
Illinois College of Optometry
Chicago, Ill. |
After attending Black Hills University in Spearfish, S.D.,
Henriksen began her optical education at ICO and was amazed at all “you
could discover about one’s overall health by examining their eyes.” A
recipient of the ICO Faculty Scholarship, Henriksen was also an AOSA
Trustee and Delegate. Honored with The Carl Zeiss Fellowship and the
Cribbs Leadership Award, Henriksen will spend the summer working on her
family ranch before heading West to Helena Vision Center in Montana “to
start living my dream.”
HER school SAYS...“A distinguished member of the ICO class
recognized by three honors societies.”
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Brianne Hobbs, OD
University of Missouri - St. Louis College of Optometry
St. Louis, Mo |
Hobbs insists that no “deeply inspirational
story” led her to become an optometrist, however, she does thank
hometown optometrist Anne Ream, OD, in getting her started in optical.
Her list of accomplishments while at UMSL includes Dean’s award
for highest GPA and winner of the national AOA CLCS student essay
contest. Hobbs also won numerous scholarships and was a member of
several professional and honor societies. Currently a resident at the
Kansas City VAMC, Hobbs is keeping her options open when her position
ends next June.
HER school SAYS...“Brianne possesses an enviable and rare
combination of high academic ability and compassion with an
uncompromising pursuit of excellence.”
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Kyla Hunter, OD
Pacific University College of Optometry
Forest Grove, Oregon
|
After completing two undergraduate degrees at the University of
Calgary, in biology and psychology, Hunter decided to pursue optometry
because “it allowed me to interact and build relationships with
patients.”
She is currently working toward her Masters in Education and
then it’s on to Grand Prarie, Alberta where she’ll join Northern Vision
Center, a large group practice. Hunter received the 2010 Dean’s Award
from Pacific University.
HER school SAYS...“She was always willing to roll up her
shirtsleeves to get the job done.”
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Amanda Nanasy, OD
Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
Davie, Fla. |
At Nova Southeastern University (NSU), Nanasy was class president
and a member of the Nova Optometry Practice Management Association,
College of Optometrists in Vision Development and American Optometric
Student Association. Focusing on sports vision, she worked with the
Orlando Magic, the Miami Dolphins and the NSU baseball team, as part of a
presidential research grant.
Nanasy will continue with The Eye Center of Davis and Morris, the
official eyecare provider for the Miami Dolphins.
HER school SAYS...“A well-rounded student. Her personality allows
her to relate to any patient.”
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Diane Russo, OD
SUNY College of Optometry
New York
|
For each of her four years at the College, Russo was president of
the SUNY Optometry Class of 2010. Originally from Staten Island, N.Y.,
she received a BS degree in Health Science Studies from Quinnipac
College.
She was the Trustee-Elect of the American Optometric Student
Association while currently serving on the American Optometric
Association Optometry’s Meeting Committee.
At graduation, Russo received the Morton L. Kimmelman Memorial
Award for student leadership in organized optometry and the NYSOA
Auxiliary Award for outstanding service.
HER school SAYS...“Diane is known for her tireless advocacy, and
dedication to the profession.”
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