I am a recent graduate of the combined OD/MS dual degree at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. I am returning to my home state of Virginia to begin a position at Friedrichs Family Eye Center. Over the past 4 years, I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Don Mutti regarding the seasonal effects on the red and blue light-driven pupil response in adults. This research, funded by NIH, culminated in my Master's thesis, which I presented at the Super Myopia Session at the 2019 American Academy of Optometry conference, held in Orlando, FL.I also worked with Dr. Jenny Fogt and her team as a clinical research assistant for over two years on many clinical studies regarding pediatric myopia control, scleral lens and soft contact lens wear. During my time at OSU, I was elected as our school's National Optometric Student Association's Treasurer for the 2018-19 school year and I became a Student Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry in 2019.I graduated as an Honor graduate from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and biology. While attending JMU, I explored many different options to support my future career path in optometry. My undergraduate research focused on the human tear protein, lacritin. I focused on the structural analysis of lacritin, and conducted dry eye research as well.  I presented my thesis to the Lacritin Symposium at the University of VA. I worked for Drs. Wells and Beshoar in their optometry practice for over a year to gain experience in the business side of running a practice. The Leadership curriculum I followed at JMU helped me gain the skills to lead people effectively in different situations. Leadership skills are necessary for any field of work and my experience with the Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) program has helped me gain the skills necessary to explain difficult concepts to my patients such as disease and treatment regimens. My dream is to help patients see the world both through direct patient care and ocular research.