This year, a record six second-year students joined the Summer Research Program. Four are mentored by Rebecca Zoltoski, PhD: Yvonika Auguste ’28 is assessing refractive errors and ocular disease detection through vision screenings, while Monet Irvin ’28 is examining the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among food-insecure patients. Two students are co-mentored by Kelly Frantz, OD: Katherine Beisel ’28 is studying the impact of vision therapy on pediatric amblyopia and Sofia Lissuzzo ’28 is evaluating treatment outcomes in accommodative insufficiency. Additionally, Zarghona Khan ’28 is researching seasonal patterns of acute corneal hydrops with Lindsay Sicks, OD ’10, and Jennifer Harthan, OD ’06, and Magda Slowakiewicz ’28,  mentored by Yi Pang, OD, PhD and Elyse Chaglasian, OD, is investigating the effectiveness of intense pulse light therapy in children with meibomian gland tortuosity.

Now in its seventh year, it’s wonderful to see this program continue to be a popular choice for students between their first and second year. The research program continues to grow which includes launching an upcoming Master of Science in Clinical Vision Research (OD/MS) program next year. We’re very excited to see this program grow every year and look forward to our students' research results in the near future.