Employee Focus on Hope Patterson Gardner
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Name: Hope Patterson Gardner, OD, MS
Current Title: Research Optometrist
Pronouns: She/her
Hometown: Sunbury, Ohio
Degrees and Institutions Attended: BS in Biology from Penn State, OD and MS in Physiological Optics from Ohio State
Years of Employment at the College: Since January 2024
Q&A
What brought you to the College of Optometry?
I ran into Drs. Nick and Jenny Fogt at the Havener Eye Institute. We were catching up when Jenny wondered aloud if I might be interested in doing research. She welcomed me to the iVERG (Innovation in Vision and Eye-care Research Group) team soon after.
Describe your typical day at work or describe your position/role.
Most of my time is spent conducting study visits with subjects. Jenny is incredibly supportive, however, and welcomes us contributing whenever possible. I also assist in writing articles about our completed studies, contributing to other articles, and helping to prepare for upcoming studies. iVERG projects genuinely feel like a team effort.
What brings you the most joy in your work?
I truly enjoy meeting our subjects. I get the opportunity to converse with and hear the stories of people of all ages and experiences.
What advice would you give to a new employee at the college?
Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it. Accept opportunities when they arise, even if doing so nudges you outside your comfort zone.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
My family means the world to me, so I treasure the time my husband (Jeff Gardner, OD'00) and I get to spend with our children. I also love curling up on the couch with our dogs to watch crime shows; we are currently watching Law & Order from the beginning.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Jeff and I would love to buy a few acres of land and build a forever home, ideally with plenty of space for our kids (and future grandchildren) to visit.