Student Ambassadors | Optometry
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 2023
Sarah Behles
Third Year
behl4959@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: North Dakota State University
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Garrison, North Dakota
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific University because I immediately felt like part of a family. Coming from a small town, it was important for me to have a close-knit feel with classmates and faculty. I also liked how Pacific was involved in the community and outreach programs.
Hobbies: Hiking, volleyball, yoga, running- anything outdoor or fitness related, music, spending time with friends and family
Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), National Optometric Student Association (NOSA), Contact Lens and Cornea Section (CLCS) Club, Student Ambassadors
Thuy Xuan Dang
Third Year
dang7028@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Washington
Major: Biochemistry, Biology (Physiology)
Hometown: Burien, Washington
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because to me, what Pacific can offer extends beyond a strong, reputable clinical and academic program. It offers a nurturing environment where I feel comfortable to be vulnerable in the process of cultivating myself into a well-rounded person and clinician. Everyone here really goes above and beyond in ensuring your success!
Hobbies: Budget-friendly shopping, Netflix binge watching, gift-wrapping, music
Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassadors, AOA, AOSA, Pacific Practice Management Group, OPW
Melissa Davies
Third Year
davi5716@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Gonzaga University
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the welcoming and familial atmosphere that stood out to me when compared to other schools. I also loved Pacific because of the communal fascination for eyeballs and how passionate everyone seemed about their education here. The long-standing traditions at Pacific show how successful they are at producing great doctors and I love being a part of that.
Hobbies: Hiking, singing, yoga and finding interesting music to jam to
Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassador, American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), National Optometric Student Association (NOSA), Contact Lens and Cornea Section (CLCS) Club, AMIGOS
Alecia Diede
Third Year
died4733@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of North Dakota
Major: Biology
Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the supportive and encouraging atmosphere I experienced during my interview day. This close-knit family is warm and welcoming, and created a perfect home away from home.
Hobbies: Drawing, painting, reading, exploring local coffee shops, and playing with my pug!
Clubs / Organizations: AOSA, OWNS, Student Ambassadors
Lupita Gomez
Third Year
gome1930@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Washington; Washington State University - Tri-Cities
Major: BA Spanish Literature (UW); BS Biology (WSU-TC)
Hometown: Mabton, WA
One reason I chose Pacific: When I visited Pacific early in exploring optometry schools I felt connected to this school's environment overall. As I progressed through the application process I communicated with Graduate Admissions a lot because I had so many questions as a post-bachelor student and I always felt like my questions were welcomed. Pacific has a way of looking at me as an individual and making it feel like it's a team effort to be successful in the program which I feel is really important when pursuing higher education.
Hobbies: Running, going on walks, singing, hiking, dancing, shopping
Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassadors, Amigos, Sports Vision, NOSA, AOSA
Drew Hargrove, Social Media Representative
Third Year
harg4989@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Nevada, Reno
Major: Biology
Hometown: Sparks, NV
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because I felt welcomed and comfortable here. I feel that the College of Optometry is one big family, and I know that everyone here has a desire to see everyone succeed.
Hobbies: Golf, skiing, naps
Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassadors, AMIGOS, Sports Vision Club, Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society (OWNS)
Erica Lei, President
Third Year
lei4993@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Alberta
Major: Biological Science
Hometown: Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
One reason I chose Pacific: Starting from the interview day, you could tell how welcoming and encouraging everybody is. All the students from different years support and are friends with each other. The faculty makes different resources and services easily accessible on campus so you immediately know where to go for support.
Hobbies: Cooking/baking, playing piano, hiking, trying all the new foods, intramurals, sleeping
Clubs / Organizations: CAOS, OWNS, AOSA, Student Ambassadors, AMIGOS
Julia Loeppky
Third Year
gmei4759@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Seattle University
Major: Biology
Hometown: Spokane, WA
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of their strong focus on service to their local community and around the world. It has also been a community that has made me feel so welcomed and cared for, reminding me much of home.
Hobbies: Hiking, playing board games, reading, dancing, trying new foods
Clubs / Organizations: AOSA, NOSA, AMIGOS and Student Ambassadors
Avisa Mohammad-Hassani
Third Year
moha4960@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Simon Fraser University
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Coquitlam, British Columbia
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the support and care I received from the very beginning from the Faculty, the staff and the students. It is great to see that PUCO wants us to not only succeed as Optometry students but also to take care of our health and well-being. Pacific has a great outstanding reputation, provides many great clinical opportunities, and the campus is very beautiful!
Hobbies: Traveling, exercising, hiking, music, reading, eating/trying new places to eat, and spending time with family/friends
Clubs / Organizations: AOSA, CAOS, PPMG, CLCS, Student Ambassadors
Artin Monghate
Third Year
mong2699@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Washington, Seattle
Major: General Biology
Hometown: Camas, Washington
One reason I chose Pacific: What stood out to me about Pacific was the environment of genuine care and support created by all of the faculty and students. Coming from a large university, I yearned to a part of an institution that cared about each student and supported their educational journeys. Now being a student here, I feel that level support every time I step onto campus and it is one of my favorite things about this university.
Hobbies: Community service, youth empowerment, playing/watching basketball, spending time with family, meditation, and anything related to coffee
Clubs / Organizations: AOSA, Student Ambassadors, Sports Vision Club, AMIGOS, Ocular Wellness & Nutrition Club
Helene Pippin
Third Year
pipp4995@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Minnesota
Major: Biology
Hometown: Williston, North Dakota
One reason I chose Pacific: One thing that really set Pacific apart, and was also very important to me, was the welcoming and positive environment on campus. Everyone I interacted with before, during, and after my interview day were always so kind and helpful. Pacific also has a strong commitment to serving the community, which was also very important to me.
Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, yoga, traveling, and hiking
Clubs / Organizations: AOSA, Student Ambassadors, AMIGOS, Professional Student Senate
Despina Velanis
Third Year
vela4319@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Nevada, Reno
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Minden, Nevada
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the "open door" policy of the faculty and after my interview, I felt that the professors were welcoming unlike any I have ever experienced before.
Hobbies: Hiking, cooking, fitness, and softball!
Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassadors, Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society (OWNS)
Jessica Vo
Third Year
vo7033@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Oregon State University
Major: BioHealth Sciences with an option in Pre-Optometry
Hometown: Portland, OR
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the community base here; I have felt supported by the faculty and other students from the moment I stepped foot on the campus. It doesn't hurt that this is also a beautiful campus, in a great place- with Portland nearby, there are all types of food to choose from, the nature is beautiful, and the people here are great!
Hobbies: Hiking, sleeping, Netflix, eating, and hanging out with friends and family
Clubs / Organizations: Class Council (Vice-President), AMIGOS, NOSA, ASOA, Contact lens club
Class of 2024
Joey Borrelli
Second Year
borr2350@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Calgary
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the immediate welcoming atmosphere I felt when I first came for my interview. Pacific truly is like a family; everyone is here to support and help each other along the way. I know many graduates of Pacific that still keep in touch with their professors to this day. The bonds formed at Pacific will last a lifetime. Moving away from home in Canada was a tough decision, and Pacific was easily the best choice because of its welcoming environment. My fellow classmates, friends, and professors all feel like one big Pacific family, which makes it feel a lot like home.
Hobbies: Playing and watching sports, attending live music festivals, watching movies, and spending time with my family and friends
Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassador, CAOS, Sports Vision
Brianna Doyle
Second Year
doyl8326@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: St. Olaf College
Major: Biology and English
Hometown: Decorah, IA
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the welcoming family atmosphere. Faculty and fellow classmates truly want you to succeed and are always willing to help you out. The emphasis on serving the community through outreach opportunities was also something that put PUCO over the top for me!
Hobbies: Reading, swing dancing, trying new foods/restaurants, playing tennis and basketball, and hiking
Clubs / Organizations: AOSA, Student Ambassadors, Amigos, VT club
Alexia Gowing, President-Elect
Second Year
gowi0517@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Colorado Boulder
Major: Biochemistry and Sociology
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because I really enjoyed the instant community feel--the staff, faculty, and students were all so welcoming right from the get go. I enjoyed how involved the students were in our interview process and I couldn't wait to get involved in the same way!
Hobbies: In my spare time, I like to go to breweries, try new restaurants, relax and watch movies, play board and card games, watch any and all Colorado sports teams, and hang out with my friends and family.
Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassadors, Ocular Disease Club, Contact Lens and Cornea Section Club
Risa Hedges
Second Year
risahedges@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Montana State University
Major: Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Hometown: Plentywood, MT
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of its outstanding academic reputation and clinical opportunities. On interview day, I felt like I could see myself fitting into both the optometry family and the surrounding community as a whole. Ultimately, I knew I would learn to become a great optometrist at Pacific!
Hobbies: Hiking, traveling, hanging out with friends, trying new foods, watching movies/shows, crafting, playing cards
Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, Pacific Practice Management Group, Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society, Student Ambassadors, AOSA
Tina Lee
Second Year
tina.lee@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of British Columbia
Major: Biotechnology
Hometown: Coquitlam, British Columbia
One reason I chose Pacific: Pacific truly is one big family. There is so much support from students and upperclassmen. The faculty and staff are super passionate about what they do and care for both our learning and well-being.
Hobbies: Cooking, baking, photography, reading
Clubs / Organizations: Canadian Association of Optometric Students (CAOS), Student Ambassadors
Cole McDougall
Second Year
mcdo9532@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: South Dakota State University
Major: Human Biology
Hometown: Brookings, SD
One reason I chose Pacific: Pacific is known for their faculty and the education they provide to their students. I knew I was going to be academically challenged, but also nkew that there would be great rewards. The faculty members here see students as future colleagues and that was really important in choosing Pacific. Also I loved that there was so much to do around the area from finding food places in Portland, to hikes on the coast!
Hobbies: Traveling, shopping, netflix, baking, finding good food!
Clubs / Organizations: AOSA, Student Ambassadors, AMIGOS, Ocular Disease Club
Malisha Patel
Second Year
pate0456@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Dominican University of California
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Modesto, CA
One reason I chose Pacific: One of the things I loved most about Pacific was the friendly and welcoming atmosphere! The second I interacted with the faculty and current students during interview day, I knew Pacific University could be my home away from home for the next 4 years. PUCO has an amazing support system, great opportunities, and gorgeous sceneries nearby!
Hobbies: Hiking, Traveling, Bowling, Cooking, Listening to music, Trying new foods, Spending time with family & friends
Clubs / Organizations: NOSA, AOSA, Student Ambassadors
Priya Purewal
Second Year
pure2701@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of British Columbia
Major: Biochemistry and Psychology
Hometown: Surrey, BC
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific University because of the welcoming community. The camaraderie between faculty and students was apparent on interview day, so knowing that I would have good support as I went through this experience was very comforting and influenced my decision!
Hobbies: painting, reading, outdoor activities, cooking, hanging out with family and friends, Netflix
Clubs / Organizations: Class Council (Treasurer), Student Ambassadors, American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), Canadian Association of Optometric Students (CAOS), Amigos EyeCare, Ocular Disease Club
Hifza Rai, Secretary
Second Year
rai3081@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Simon Fraser University
Major: Health Sciences
Hometown: Surrey, British Columbia
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific due to their initiative to help underserved communities through means such as the EyeVan.
Hobbies: I enjoy baking, playing badminton, going to coffee shops and spending time with family.
Clubs / Organizations: CAOS, PPMG, Amigos, AOSA, Student Ambassadors
Aldrin Santamaria, Social Media Representative
Second Year
sant9433@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Nevada Reno
Major: Biology (BS), Higher Education Administration (MA)
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the great feeling of community and family I felt when I first visited campus - everyone I met (faculty, staff, students, etc.) was very welcoming and friendly. The weather up here in the PNW is also a nice change of pace.
Hobbies: Hiking, travel, coffee shops, game nights, volunteering, sleeping
Clubs / Organizations: Class Council (Exam Czar/Faculty Rep), Student Ambassadors
Missael Serna
Second Year
sern7768@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Fresno Pacific University
Major: Biology
Hometown: Chowchilla, CA
One reason I chose Pacific: The environment I study in as always been critical to my academic career. The calm and small town feel of Forest Grove and the collaborative nature of PUCO offered the ideal environment that I knew would help me be successful in such a demanding program.
Hobbies: Catch me on my 12-speed bike around Forest Grove, when it’s not raining, on a run, or checking out the PNW.
Clubs / Organizations: Student Ambassadors, AOSA, Central California Optometric Society (CCOS)
Nancy Truong
Second Year
truo9491@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: Oregon State University
Major: BioHealth Sciences with an option in Pre-Optometry
Hometown: Hillsboro, OR
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the welcoming community I experienced throughout my interview day. The faculty, staff, and students are truly here to support you on your journey!
Hobbies: Cooking, baking, shopping, exploring new places to eat, playing board games, and spending time with family and friends
Clubs / Organizations: NOSA, AMIGOS, AOSA, Ocular Disease Club, Contact Lens Club, Student Ambassadors
Class of 2024
Karma Castro
First Year
Undergraduate Institution: Boise State University
Major: Health Science
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because I loved how much the school gives leadership opportunities to their students and allows them to have a voice. I felt very welcomed onto campus. In addition, the Pacific Northwest is an amazing place to be!
Hobbies: Painting, Skiing, Trying new restaurants, Listening to Music
Clubs / Organizations: Amigos, Sports Vision Club,OWNS, Oc Disease, OOPA, Contact Lens Club
Samantha Feng
First Year
Undergraduate Institution: University of British Columbia
Major: Biotechnology
Hometown: Burnaby, British Columbia
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the sense of community between students, upperclassmen and faculty. Everyone is super supportive which has made me feel welcomed and has encouraged to succeed. In addition to that the faculty and staff are invested in what they do and care about our learning and well being. Lastly, it is in the Pacific Northwest where there is a little bit of something for everyone!
Hobbies: Hanging out with family and friends, Netflix, sleeping, baking, finding good dessert places
Clubs / Organizations: Canadian Association of Optometric Students (CAOS), Contact Lens Club, Occuar Disease Club, Student Ambassadors
Michelle Paul
First Year
paul6107@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Victoria
Major: Microbiology
Hometown: Saskatchewan, Canada
Hobbies: Hiking, eating good food, cooking
Clubs / Organizations: Canadian Association of Optometric Students, Contact Lens Club, Ocular Disease Club, Amigos, Student Ambassadors
Evan Schroeder
First Year
schr8578@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: New Mexico State University
Major: Biology
Hometown: Las Cruces, NM
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific for a number of reasons. My aunt and uncle are alumni here, they have very good school statistics, and they participate in the Wiche program. In addition to this it's in the great Pacific Northwest!
Hobbies: Snowboarding, Wakeboaring, Surfing, Cars, Cooking
Clubs / Organizations: AOSA, Rural optometry, Student Ambassadors
Rheanne Van Spengen
First Year
vans6545@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: University of Alberta
Major: Immunology
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific for a few reasons. The first reason is the sense of community between all staff and students. I know that there are always people around to support me! Also, Pacific is well known in the optometry community and I had always heard great things about the school and Forest Grove in general! Between the last two points and always wanting to explore the Pacific Northwest, Pacific seemed to be the right choice for me!
Hobbies: Baking, cooking, finding new restaurants, hiking, skiing and discovering new netflix shows!
Clubs / Organizations: CAOS, Contact lens club, Ocular disease club, OWNS and student ambassadors
Samuel Yun
First Year
yun6280@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution: California State University, Dominguez Hills
Major: Ecology
Hometown: Chino Hills, CA
One reason I chose Pacific: PUCO was the right choice for me because literally from day one of application, they made me feel wanted. They took their time to help me through the process and when I got accepted, made me feel like I was part of this family. Everyone was and still is so helpful and willing to go that extra "Diopter" to SEE me succeed. Also, I knew this program was going to be difficult and I wanted to surround myself with an area that helps me feel at ease. That is what I found in Oregon and especially here at Pacific University of Optometry.
Hobbies: Camping, hiking, biking, running, basketball, watching tv, cooking, eating, listening to good music, and have a good conversation!
Clubs / Organizations: AMIGOS, AOA, AOSA, Ocular Disease Club, Rural Optometry Club