Our Ambassadors provide all of the tours to prospective students and any other party requesting a tour of the campus. In addition to the tours, the Ambassadors help assist with first year orientation and the annual Career Day for undergraduates. 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 one of our student ambassadors. They will be happy to help you!

Class of 2020

Laura Becerra, Optometry Graduate Assistant

Third Year
bece4225@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: Oregon State University

Major: Biological Health Science

Hometown: Beaverton, OR

One reason I chose Pacific: Pacific University was an easy choice. Aside from being located in the Pacific Northwest where there is so much to do, the school has a great reputation, the students and staff are welcoming and genuinely helpful, and the campus is beautiful! After attending my interview day, my decision to attend this school was solidified. The students all work well together, respect each other, and support each other through this process we call optometry school. I couldn’t imagine having gone anywhere else.

Hobbies: Soccer, painting, Netflix, drinking coffee, playing board games

Clubs/Organizations: NOSA, Sports Vision Club
 

Shalini Chedi

Third Year
ched4359@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution: Pacific University

Major: Biology

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

One reason I chose Pacific: The opportunities provided for students to be active within the Forest Grove community is what I was and still am most excited about! 

Hobbies: I enjoy swimming, hiking, traveling, and dancing!   

Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, NOSA, Sports Vision Club, AOSA

Sergio Cruz, Social Media Representative

Third Year,
cruz1886@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution: University of Nevada

Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Hometown: Yerington, Nevada

One reason I chose Pacific: During my interview day my tour was led by a 2nd year ambassador, she made a simple comment that really stood out to me: "Pacific's Optometry program has a really tight bond within each other and if you were to come here to compete against your classmates, rather than to help them and become their friends, then you probably don't belong here."

Hobbies: Golfing, snowboarding, hiking, and anything else that keeps me outdoors.
  
Clubs/Organizations: Sports Vision Club, AMIGOS, Intramural Sports

Natalie Kulaga

Third Year
​kula7074@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution: University of Nevada, Reno

Major: Biology

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the close-knit feel of the College of Optometry; it's like one big eye-loving family! Everybody is so friendly and willing to help be a part of your success; the faculty members are so committed to shaping us into exceptional clinicians for our future patients. 

Hobbies: Crafting, cooking, making ceramic creations on the pottery wheel, and eating!

Clubs/Organizations: NOSA, AOSA, AMIGOS

Helon Law

Third Year
law7893@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: University of British Columbia

Major: Combined Major in Sciences

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia

One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific due to how apparent the welcoming and familial atmosphere was on my interview day, as well as for its very well-rounded didactic and clinical programs, especially with the broad approach that Pacific takes with optometry. As a bonus, I love the food scene and outdoorsy vibes of the Pacific Northwest!

Hobbies: Finding new restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries to try out; travelling, cooking (questionably), working out, hiking & other outdoor activities.

Clubs/Organizations: AMIGOS, AOSA, CAOS

Wanzhi Li

Third Year
li1723@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Irvine

Major: Cognitive Science

Hometown: Irvine, California

One reason I chose Pacific: Aside from the beautiful environment and Pacific’s strong academic and clinical program, my experience on the interview day is what blew me away! The thoughtful design of interview day activities and the welcoming faculties and ambassadors showed to me that Pacific goes above and beyond to provide and meet the needs of students!

Hobbies: Singing, drawing, hiking, running, participating in spicy food challenges, and checking out local museums, farmer’s markets and coffee shops.

Clubs/Organizations: Class Council, AMIGOS, NOSA 

Jeff Ness

Third Year
​ness2278@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution: Pacific University

Major: Chemistry

Hometown: Stanwood, Washington

One reason I chose Pacific: After studying at Pacific for four years as an undergraduate, I really became acclimated to the family atmosphere of this community. I knew that this welcoming attitude would continue into the graduate program, which would allow me to feel right at home. Our studies at the College of Optometry are entirely important and getting to share everything with the optometry family just makes it that much more exciting.

Hobbies: Fishing and boating, playing with my dog in the backyard, family board game nights, trying to learn how to play a new song on the guitar, and much more!

Clubs/Organizations:  American Optometric Association, American Optometric Student Association, AMIGOS, Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, National Optometric Student Association (First-Year Representative), Optometric Physicians of Washington, Pacific Practice Management Group

Nadine Odermatt

Third Year
​oder0599@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution: University of Calgary

Major: Biomedical Science Major, Honours

Hometown: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

One reason I chose Pacific: Although I chose Pacific for numerous reasons, one of the biggest for me was the outstanding reputation that the school has built for itself, even throughout Canada! The OD program at Pacific has incredibly strong and diverse academics that are well-complimented by the school's tight-knit community of staff, students, and faculty. Pacific is known to attract very strong students who make skilled clinicians, and I wanted to be a part of that legacy! Other factors that contributed to my choice included its small class size, its gorgeous campus, its focus on attracting the very best people and future optometrists (rather than only the best students), its emphasis on community service, and of course its location in the beautiful state of Oregon!

Hobbies: Soccer, hiking, photography, cooking/baking, and being a lifelong Vancouver Canucks fan. 

Clubs/Organizations: Canadian Association of Optometry Students, Sports Vision Club, AOSA, Intramural Sports

Jett Scrimsher, President

Third Year
​scri4056@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University

Major: Exercise Science

Hometown: Burbank, WA

One reason I chose Pacific: Outstanding school and it's close to home!

Hobbies: Hiking, sports, being active

Clubs/Organizations: AMIGOS, Sports Vision, Practice Management

Alexa Thavorn

Third Year
thav8024@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: California State University, Long Beach

Major: Health Science

Hometown: Aliso Viejo, CA

One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of my experience on interview day, where I got to meet a great group of students and faculty. 

Hobbies: Reading, Eating, Volleyball, Netflix binge watch and watching movies!

Clubs/Organizations: AMIGOS, NOSA, Class of 2020 Entertainment Rep

Abby Timmerman

Third Year
timm7965@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: Ferris State University

Major: Biology Major

Hometown: Montague, MI

One reason I chose Pacific: Pacific was the clear choice for me because of the diversity in their clinics, the option to pursue a concurrent Master’s degree, and the beautiful the Pacific Northwest had me hooked from the beginning.

Hobbies: Running, snowboarding, wine tasting, hiking, and hunting.

Clubs/Organizations:  AOSA, Sports Vision Club and Pacific Practice Management Club

Shu Yi Wen

Third Year
wen0411@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: McGill University

Major: Anatomy and Cell Biology, Minor: Sociology

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta

One reason I chose Pacific: When I first visited the campus, it was instantly clear that this is a high quality school, enclosed in a comfortable, small town. The faculty seemed extremely caring and knowledgeable. My undergraduate school was in a huge city so I thought this would be a nice change, so I can learn to live more independently from big-city conveniences. I love walking by all the roses every day when I go home from classes!

Hobbies: Long distance running, performing stand-up comedy, exploring Oregon, alternative rock, drawing and Starcraft.

Clubs / Organizations: CAOS, Pacific Practice Management Group

Class of 2021

Lucas Asfeld, Secretary

Second Year
luke.asfeld@pacificu.edu 

Undergraduate institution: University of Minnesota, Duluth

Hometown: Cold Spring, MN

One reason I chose Pacific: The main reason I chose Pacific was because of its outstanding clinical and academic reputation.  With that being said, I also wanted to make it a memorable life experience.  Attending Pacific University would allow me to move away from home and explore the amazing scenery, adventures, and culture the Pacific Northwest has to offer.  I knew this place could support both my academic and lifestyle goals and therefore made it an easy decision.

Hobbies: Intramurals, guitar, hiking, trying new foods and beverages, and anything that keeps me active and outdoors like hunting and fishing

Clubs / Organizations: Sports Vision Club, Intramurals, AMIGOS, Student Ambassadors, AOSA, FCO

Shelby Borstmayer

Second Year
sborstmayer@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Hometown: Bruno, Saskatchewan, Canada

One reason I chose Pacific: During my interview at Pacific I already felt like a member of the Pacific family. All the students I met were so nice and genuinely cared about you. After growing up in a small town similar to Forest Grove, during the short time I was here for my interview the town already felt like home! My decision was definitely the right one, as I have loved every experience as a member of the College of Optometry already!

Hobbies: Reading, Volleyball, Yoga, Fitness Classes, Hiking, Playing Board Games

Clubs / Organizations: Amigos, American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), National Optometric Student Association (NOSA), Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS), Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society (OWNS), Sports Vision Club, Student Ambassadors, Student Council

Christina Goodrich

Second Year
good8752@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: Wheaton College, Illinois

Hometown: Meadow Vista, California

One reason I chose Pacific: Pacific’s atmosphere is extremely similar to that of my undergraduate institution. The students and faculty are dedicated to supporting and encouraging one another, and to serving communities in need, both locally and abroad.

Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, camping, rowing, skiing, and baking

Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, Sports Vision Club, Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society

Brittany Hertz, President-Elect

Second Year
hert8185@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: University of Alberta

Hometown: Medicine Hat, Alberta 

One reason I chose Pacific: I chose to attend Pacific because I always felt supported; from the application process to interview day and the first day of classes I felt at home and comfortable. The faculty, upperclassmen and fellow classmates are family and continue to go out of their way to make you feel supported and welcome! 

Hobbies: Cooking, reading, playing volleyball, and exploring all the coffee shops!

Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassadors, CAOS, Sports Vision Club, Amigos 

Michelle Lee

Second Year
michelletlee@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: University of California, Davis

Hometown: Antioch, CA

One reason I chose Pacific: Other than getting to live in the beautiful state of Oregon, I chose Pacific University because the faculty and administration here have a wonderful and well-known reputation in supporting and nurturing the goals of their optometry students. And when I finally stepped onto campus for my interview I knew for sure that PUCO was the right fit for me. The intimate campus atmosphere and surrounding community really create the perfect environment for any optometry student.

Hobbies: Embroidery, catching concerts, binging shows, hiking, sightseeing, and foodie adventures

Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, California Optometric Association (COA), Class Council, Masters of Science in Vision Science Program, Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA), Pacific Practice Management Group (PPMG), Student Ambassador

Pavle Lozo

Second Year
plozo@pacificu.edu 

Undergraduate institution: University of Calgary

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

One reason I chose Pacific: Like most who visit Pacific on interview day, I was intrigued by the tight-knit community feel. Everyone was extremely welcoming and helpful throughout the whole process, including faculty. It was apparent that academics were taken seriously, but not in the competitive manner that you may find during undergraduate studies. Also, I wanted to get away from the Canadian winter.

Hobbies: Soccer, watching all sports, going to the movies, trying new restaurants and traveling

Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassadors, AOSA, CAOS, AMIGOS

Hope Lujan

Second Year
hopelujan@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: University of New Mexico

Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas

One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the amazing family atmosphere that I experienced during my interview day. The faculty and students here are very welcoming and are always ready to help. 

Hobbies: Reading, hiking, and hanging out with my cat

Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassadors, AOSA, Sports Vision Club, AMIGOS, PPMG, and Class Council 

Madison Meltebeke

Second Year
melt5344@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: Pacific University

Hometown: Forest Grove, OR

One reason I chose Pacific: I chose PUCO because, along with the university's outstanding reputation, I knew I would have a home here. The campus is beautiful and energetic, and the students and faculty are warm and welcoming. I knew that at Pacific, I would be challenged and pushed to be the very best that I could be, while also being supported beyond measure.

Hobbies: Playing volleyball, cooking, playing with my French Bulldog Leopold, and spending time with friends/family

Clubs / Organizations: NOSA 1st year rep, Amigos, Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, Student Ambassador

Lily Sam

Second Year
sam0050@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: Pacific University

Hometown: Portland, OR

One reason I chose Pacific: I chose it once before for its close-knit atmosphere and I chose Pacific again for the same reason. Camaraderie falls not only between peers but among students and faculty as well. Pacific's diverse academics and dedicated service to community easily solidified my decision.

Hobbies: Reading, crocheting, visiting museums, collecting handmade ceramic mugs, hiking, SUPing, being outside! 

Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassadors, AOSA, NOSA, AMIGOS, Sports Vision Club

Jessica Tran

Second Year
jessicatran@pacificu.edu

Undergraduate institution: University of California, Irvine

Hometown: Orange, California 

One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because I instantly felt at home here. Students and faculty were kind, warm and welcoming from the start. They made adapting to optometry school and to a new environment super easy. Although it has been a lot of work, I am enjoying every moment here so far. 

Hobbies: Netflix, seeing movies in the theater, karaoke, eating/finding new places to eat, volunteering 

Clubs / Organizations: SOA (President Elect), Class Council (Equipment Rep), AMIGOS, Sports Vision Club, NOSA, AOSA, California Optometric Association, OOPA, COVD, Student Ambassadors