Optometry Student Ambassadors
Our Ambassadors provide tours to prospective students and other visitors. In addition to the tours, the Ambassadors assist with the interview days and orientation. They also work very closely with the Admissions office in providing an invaluable resource for prospective students.
If you would like to speak with a current student about their experience applying to or choosing Pacific University College of Optometry, you are invited to contact them directly. They will be happy to help you! You can also follow the College of Optometry on Instagram @pacificuoptometry!
Class of 2026
Amber Bui
Third Year
bui3729@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Louisiana State University
Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Slidell, LA
One reason I chose Pacific: From my first encounter in undergrad to interview day, every interaction I had with PUCO was so warming and welcoming. Pacific stood out to me because of the supportive faculty, staff, and peers, the opportunities from having six different clinics, and the different electives and programs you can take with your optometry degree. Even being so far away from home, Forest Grove and Pacific has become my home away from home, and the community, uplifting environment, and friends have made the journey all the more worthwhile!
Hobbies: Foodie, traveling, cooking/baking, outdoors activities, arts and crafts, spending time with family and friends, napping, working out
Clubs / Organizations: NOSA, Contact Lens and Cornea Section Club, Ocular Disease, PPMG, Chinese for Optometry Course
Kate Cooper
Third Year
Coop3344@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: State College, PA
One reason I chose Pacific: I like the unique opportunities each clinic offers, especially having a neuro rotation. The students were welcoming and didn't seem to have regrets about their choice of coming to Pacific.
Hobbies: Outdoor activities, swimming, biking, yoga, surfing, water polo, kayaking, traveling and exploring
Clubs / Organizations: Student Council, NOSA, Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society, Rural Optometry Club, Ocular Disease club, Contact Lens Club, intramural soccer, Chinese for optometry course
Terina DeFries
Third Year
defr1640@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Pacific University
Major: Biology
Hometown: Waimānalo, HI
One reason I chose Pacific: One of the biggest factors in my decision to attend Pacific University was the warm, welcoming environment. The faculty and staff at the College of Optometry are extremely supportive and care about each and every student. I heard that everyone at PUCO is "one big family" numerous times during my visit, but it really is true and I've experienced that for myself since day 1! Pacific felt like a place where I could truly succeed.
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, playing sports (especially volleyball), working out, being outdoors, and trying new food places
Clubs / Organizations: SVC, NOSA, CLCS, Amigos, Ocular Disease
Nikole-Marie Espino
Third Year
espi1836@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Fashion Insititute of Design and Merchandising
Major: Fashion Design
Hometown: San Diego, CA
One reason I chose Pacific: I was drawn to Pacific University because of the location and the welcoming environment. As a nontraditional student, I felt beyond supported and celebrated for my unique background. PUCO offers endless resources and support to help their students thrive in all aspects!
Hobbies: Powerlifting, drawing, baking, and going to concerts
Clubs / Organizations: SVC, CLCS, NOSA, ODC
Dana Ferguson
Third Year
ferg1256@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Bishop's University
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Revelstoke, BC
One reason I chose Pacific: I have a young daughter, and my husband and I knew we'd have to choose a school and town that would be a good fit for our family. PUCO was so warm and welcoming from the start of the admissions process, and I knew that Pacific University and the town of Forest Grove would be a great spot for us. The PNW is also so fun to explore!
Hobbies: Mountain biking, skiing, spending time with my family
Clubs / Organizations: NOSA, CAOS, Rural Optometry, PPMG, PAVA
Alexis Khauv
Third Year
khau0336@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Pacific University
Major: Biology
Hometown: Bellevue, WA
One reason I chose Pacific: I was originally drawn to Pacific University’s undergraduate program because of the College of Optometry. As I came to Pacific, I fell in love with the atmosphere and people here. All the faculty, staff, and students at this school provided such a nurturing environment, where everyone was kind and helpful.
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, watching movies and shows, baking, trying new foods
Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, CLCS, ODC, AOSA, OWNS
Andrew Loisel - President-Elect
Third Year
lois3880@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Washington (Seattle)
Major: Physiology
Hometown: Vancouver, WA
One reason I chose Pacific:
Pacific was the only school I applied to, and for good reason! The program is full of friendly and knowledgeable faculty, the culture of the College of Optometry promotes a highly collaborative environment and the campus itself is safe, quiet, and close to home. My interview and tour day sealed the deal for me... maybe it will for you too!
Hobbies: Making music, watching movies, most sports, reading, trivia, cooking and going out to eat
Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, CLCS, Ocular Disease, Vision Therapy, NOSA, Sports Vision, Rural Optometry
Amanda McCarter
Third Year
mcca5482@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Union College
Major: Biological Science
Hometown: Eugene, OR
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because I loved the welcoming and supportive community among the students and faculty. You can tell that the professors really do care for their students and want them to succeed and the students themselves place an emphasis on learning together and improving together as a class. This sense of community along with Pacific's strong academic program and focus on serving the local area made me certain that Pacific was the right choice for me!
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, watching movies and shows, baking, trying new foods
Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, NOSA, ODC, FCO, CLCS, OWNS
Troy Neilson
Third Year
troy@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: MacEwan University
Major: Biology
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
One reason I chose Pacific:
I was really drawn to the opportunity students have to practice in a variety of clinical settings at Pacific. There are several school clinics in the nearby cities, the mobile EyeVan clinic, numerous local outreach events, and many international trips we can be participate in. The other aspect that I really appreciated was the mutual respect faculty and students have for each other.
Hobbies: Any and all sports (particularly basketball, rugby, handball, skiing), horseback riding, learning Japanese, cooking, and spending time with family
Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, AOSA, CAOS, CLCS, Ocular Disease
Michelle Nguyen - Secretary
Third Year
nguymich@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Oregon State University
Major: Biomedical Science
Hometown: Beaverton, OR
One reason I chose Pacific:
Born and raised in Oregon and hoping to practice in the PNW, I was drawn to Pacific because of the strong local alumni network and outreach opportunities. My interactions with faculty and current students on my interview day made it clear to me that community is an important value of the program, which made me eager to become part of it.
Hobbies: Watching shows, working out, napping, trying new food places with friends, listening to music
Clubs / Organizations: OWNS, CLCS, NOSA, Vision Therapy
Kameron Piper
Third Year
Piperk@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Missouri
Major: Animal Science
Hometown: Columbia, MO
One reason I chose Pacific:
The Pacific family is what really made me decide to attend Pacific. The professors, faculty and student body all work together and to help you succeed. The cooperative aspect of the school has really helped me with learning and applying the material. The other big factor for me was the beautiful campus and all the opportunities offered by the PUCO. The school has a wide variety of clubs and events that can help you experience all aspects of the field in a fun and interactive way.
Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, Snowboarding, being outdoors, traveling, listening to music, playing with my pets and video games
Clubs / Organizations: Amigos, NOSA, CLCS, ODC, PPMG, SVC, Vision therapy
Claudia Solomon
Third Year
csolomon@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Manitoba
Major: Science
Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
One reason I chose Pacific:
I wanted a school that would cultivate an open and supportive learning environment. This much is true. Any school will show you their best face during applications and on interview day. But what really matters is if the school will deliver what they promise, and I can assure you that PUCO does.
Hobbies: Food trips, psychological-thriller films, catching nature views, deep talks with friends
Clubs / Organizations: SVC, CLCS, NOSA, ODC, Amigos
Lillian Truong
Third Year
truo7404@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Oregon State University
Major: BioHealth Sciences, option in Pre-Optometry
Hometown: Portland, OR
One reason I chose Pacific:
I chose Pacific because it's so close to home, and my experience on interview day sealed the deal! Everyone was so welcoming- my peers, the faculty, and current students made it very obvious that they were enjoying their time here.
Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family, listening to music, reading, and watching movies and shows
Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, CLCS, Ocular Disease, OWNS, AOSA
Jacob Waldron
Third Year
Wald6442@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Pacific University
Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Tillamook, OR
One reason I chose Pacific:
I chose pacific because it was quite close to home and I went here for undergraduate study. I really liked the welcoming atmosphere and the people who make up it's community.
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, hiking, sports, being with my dog
Clubs / Organizations: Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society, Contact Lens and Cornea Section Club, PPMG, AOSA, Ocular Disease club, Rural Optometry club
Class of 2027
Payson Baker
Second Year
bak19127@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: MacEwan University
Major: Biology
Hometown: Raymond, Alberta
One reason I chose Pacific: I choose Pacific because of the conversations I have had with previous alumni. The atmosphere that they described was something that I really wanted in a graduate school. I felt that the staff and other faculty will do everything they can to help us achieve the goals that we have as students.
Hobbies: Golfing, reading, spending time with family, and trying new places to eat.
Clubs / Organizations: CAOS, Sports Vision, Student Ambassadors
Jules Bryan
Second Year
brya7540@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Nevada, Reno
Major: Biology
Hometown: Reno, NV
One reason I chose Pacific: I choose Pacific because of the supportive environment and opportunities to be involved in my educaiton. All of the faculty, staff, and other students at PUCO are so welcoming and made the transition into graduate school so much easier. I also wanted to live in a place that had opportunities for exploring, and the PNW is perfect for getting outside.
Hobbies: Hiking, camping, backpacking, animals (especially dogs), and reading!
Clubs / Organizations: AOSA, Contact Lens and Cornea Section Club, Sports Vision, Rural Optometry, Private Practice Club, AMIGOS, Student Ambassadors
Abigail Hoepner
Second Year
hoep7202@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Kansas State University
Major: Life Sciences
Hometown: Shawnee, KS
One reason I chose Pacific: Everyone at Pacific made me feel so welcome throughout the entire admissions process! The students and faculty made me feel right at home, and it was clear how focused everyone is on helping students succeed. I could see myself here getting a top-tier education while feeling supported and a part of a close community. I also love all the opportunities to get outside and explore in the beautiful PNW!
Hobbies: Hiking, reading, playing guitar, anything involving animals
Clubs / Organizations: AOSA, AMIGOS, Ocular Disease Club, Contact Lens and Cornea Section Club, Vision Therapy Club, Private Practice Management, Rural Optometry
Karah Hopgood
Second Year
hopg7000@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of British Columbia, Okanagan
Major: Honors Biochemistry, Minor in Psychology
Hometown: West Kelowna, BC
One reason I chose Pacific: One of the reasons I chose Pacific was because of the close-knit campus community that the College of Optometry offered. Pacific really stood out to me as it fosters an environment of community over competition, and the support that was offered from the staff, faculty and students was unmatched. From my first email with the program, to my first time on campus, I felt welcomed and supported. At every stage along the way, from applying to accepting my offer and preparing to move as an international student, I received prompt communication, resources and support. As a Canadian student in particular, one of the qualities I appreciated about Pacific was the wonderful International office and their incredible support in helping students secure all required documents. Furthermore, another quality I admired about the school was the great emphasis on community outreach. The opportunities to get involved and give back to the community, including getting involved with the Eyevan, is a unique quality that demonstrates Pacifics’ commitment to service.
Hobbies: Hiking, exploring, travelling, baking, spending time with friends and family, reading, paddle boarding and yoga
Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassadors, AOSA, AMIGOS, CAOS, PPMG, Ocular Disease, OWNS, Sport Vision, Contact Lens, Rural Optometry
Muskaan Jhutty
Second Year
jhut1491@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Simon Fraser University
Major: Health Sciences
Hometown: Surrey, BC
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of its location (who doesn't love the Pacific Northwest?) and the sense of community that radiates from this institution. Faculty and peers are truly here to support one another, contributing to a educational community that emphasizes collarborative efforts and helping one another.
Hobbies: Crafting, swimming, diving, trying new cusines, biking, and spending time with family and friends!
Clubs / Organizations: Optometric Physicians of Washington, Contact Lens and Cornea Section Club, CAOS, OWNS, Ocular Disease
Zaahid Lalani
Second Year
zlalani@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of British Columbia
Major: Biology
Hometown: North Vancouver, BC
One reason I chose Pacific: Growing up on the Pacific Northwest, I felt right at home as soon as I got to Forest Grove. The engaging campus lifestyle, the endless opportunities for students and the extremely supportive and friendly staff and faculty members made Pacific University the best choice for me!
Hobbies: Playing soccer and pickleball, watching hockey, drinking coffee, catching up on the latest movies and spending time with family + friends
Clubs / Organizations: Sports Vision, Vision Therapy, OWNS, CAOS, CLCS, Ocular Disease
Catherine Leung
Second Year
leun7431@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: McGill University
Major: Anatomy and Cell Biology
Hometown: Richmond, BC
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because many alumni have told me about the amazing support we get from classmates, upper year students, and faculty staff in the program, and I can sense the supportive environment.
Hobbies: Hiking, running, exploring new places and things, baking, playing piano
Clubs / Organizations: Contact Lens and Corena Section Club, CAOS, Ocular Disease
Grace O'Dell
Second Year
odel8640@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Univeresity of Montana
Major: Integrative Physiology
Hometown: Gig Harbor, WA
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the people. When you come to Pacific you join a family! Everyone here truly cares about each other and wants to see the others succeed. There is a culture of collaboration and respect among peers and faculty that made Pacific feel like the place where I could achieve all of my goals!
Hobbies: Hiking, baking, reading, working out, and spending time with friends and family
Clubs / Organizations: Contact Lens and Corena Section Club, Sports Vision, Vision Therapy, and Rural Optometry
Alicia Poovong
Second Year
poov1705@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Calgary
Major: Plant Biology
Hometown: Calgary, AB
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific University because of the sense of community and support between the students and faculty. Everyone at the College of Optometry are supportive and truly care about one another. I also chose Pacific because it's location would give me the opportunity to explore the great PNW!
Hobbies: Hiking, painting, baking, biking, crocheting, trying new places to eat
Clubs / Organizations: Contact Lens and Cornea Section Club, CAOS, Ocular Disease Club, Rural Optometry
Anna Reard
Second Year
annareard@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Minnesota
Major: Cellular and Organismal Physiology
Hometown: Fergus Falls, MN
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the family atmosphere. When I visited Pacific for the first time, the inclusive community made it feel like home. The stellar faculty, opportunities to explore various interests, and ways to engage with the community make Pacific one of a kind. I knew that at Pacific, I would receive a phenomenal education, engage outside of class, make lifelong friends, and spend my free time exploring the PNW!
Hobbies: Paddleboarding, hiking, fishing, wake surfing, card games, dance, scuba diving, reading
Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, Vision Therapy, Sports Vision, Rural Optometry, Private Practice Management, Contact Lens and Cornea Section, Class Council, AOSA, Student Ambassadors
Allison Wilkes
Second Year
wilk8604@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Pacific University
Major: Public Health
Hometown: Tillamook, OR
One reason I chose Pacific: Four years ago, I instantly felt welcomed at Pacific for their undergraduate program. Since then, Pacific has become my home and the support and closeness of the PUCO family has been like no other. Not only is PUCO an exceptional program with intelligent and caring professors and endless opprotunities, but I have already met and bonded with classmates that I know will be lifelong friends.
Hobbies: Running, hiking, swimming, skiing, reading, spending time with friends
Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, Ocular Disease Club, Contact Lens Club, Sports Vision, Rural Optometry, AOSA