I Can See Clearly Now

What is your hometown and/or where did you spend your adolescent years?
I grew up on the west coast but have spent so many years in Massachusetts that I might as well be from here at this point.

What inspired you to become a veterinary ophthalmologist?
I met the right people at the right time, and they encouraged my interest and invested in my training. I love the opportunity to work with multiple species and the mix of medicine and surgery.

What do you most enjoy about working at Cummings School?  
The people here are deeply committed to their work but are also wonderful collaborators and fun colleagues.

What is your passion, academically or personally? 
My research centers around underlying mechanisms of primary glaucoma in dogs. I am also interested in vision changes in aging dogs.

What have you learned from your research that you can share?
We have learned that glaucoma behaves differently in dogs than it does in most humans, so some treatments that work well in humans don't work as well in dogs. The best thing dog owners can do is to monitor their dogs and get their eyes checked promptly if they have any concerns. Eyes are fragile and when a problem occurs, permanent damage can occur quickly.

Can you share something about yourself that may be surprising?
I completed a Ph.D. in American literature before I went to vet school.

Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have dogs, fish, and houseplants!