Employee Focus 2025
Employee Focus on Kimberly Shaw
December 2025
Kimberly Shaw has worked with College of Optometry researchers for 16 years after transitioning from a 20-year career in social work. She began as a clinical research coordinator and now manages multiple roles, including Study Coordinator for the NEI-funded DONUT Study and Program Coordinator for the Vision Science Graduate Program. Kimberly advises new employees to lean on coworkers for guidance and support. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her two dogs, Bella and Eddie.
Read more about Kimberly Shaw >>
Employee Focus on Zachary A. Coates
November 2025
Dr. Zachary A. "Zac" Coates is an Assistant Clinical Professor who joined The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 2020 after discovering his passion for teaching during optometry school and residency. He spends most of his time mentoring third- and fourth-year students in clinic and teaching neuroanatomy to first-years. Dr. Coates finds the greatest joy in witnessing students’ “Aha!” moments during challenging cases. Outside of work, he enjoys Buckeye football, Blue Jackets games, hiking in Metroparks, and exploring Columbus’s craft breweries.
Read more about Dr. Zachary A. Coates >>
Employee Focus on Hope Patterson Gardner
October 2025
Hope Patterson Gardner, OD, MS, joined The Ohio State University College of Optometry in January 2024 after reconnecting with colleagues who encouraged her to join the iVERG team. In her role as a Research Optometrist, she spends much of her time conducting study visits with participants, contributing to research articles, and preparing for upcoming projects. She especially values the chance to meet subjects from diverse backgrounds and hear their stories
Read more about Dr. Hope Patterson Gardner >>
Employee Focus on Carissa Janczak
September 2025
OPT II Clinic Chief and Primary Care Techniques Lab Instructor Dr. Carissa Janczak loves helping students grow into confident clinicians and especially enjoys those exciting “lightbulb” moments along the way. Her passion for teaching was fueled during a VA residency rotation as a teaching assistant, which set her on the path to a career in academia. Outside the clinic, she enjoys traveling with her husband, exploring Columbus’ vibrant food and coffee scene, and cheering on the Buckeyes and Columbus Crew.
Read more about Dr. Carissa Janczak >>
Employee Focus on Carolynn Haas
August 2025
Carolynn Haas, Patient Revenue Cycle Services Coordinator at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, finds joy in helping students grow in their clinical skills and making a meaningful impact in a team-oriented environment. With a background in psychology and a passion for education and clinical care, she plays a vital role in creating positive patient experiences and supporting the college’s students and patients. She advises new employees to "Be open to learning and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Take the time to understand how your role contributes to the bigger picture—it makes the work more meaningful."
Employee Focus on Ben Cyphers
July 2025
Dr. Ben Cyphers first experienced Ohio State Optometry's welcoming and supportive atmosphere as a prospective student, which not only led him to choose to earn his OD and MS here, but to ultimately join the faculty. Today, as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the college, he relishes his role as an educator, helping students enhance their clinical skills and build confidence as they prepare for careers in optometry.
Read more about Dr. Ben Cyphers >>
Employee Focus on Alysia Benson
June 2025
Alysia Benson, CPOA, Coordinator of the Low Vision Clinic at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, enjoys serving in a dynamic role where no two days are ever quite the same. A proud Buckeye with 17 years at the college, Alysia combines clinical expertise with heartfelt care, helping patients navigate vision loss and reclaim independence. From assisting with vision devices to celebrating driver’s license victories, she finds joy in making a difference. Outside of work, she’s a doting grandmother and passionate reader. She advises new employees to stay curious, connect with colleagues, and embrace every learning opportunity. Read the full Q&A to discover Alysia’s inspiring journey, daily impact, and what she’d do if she hit the lottery.
Employee Focus on Tim Fries
May 2025
Dr. Tim Fries draws on his well-rounded educational background and extensive experience in private practice in his role as an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Not only does he teach four courses in optometric business and practice management, he also advises students one-on-one, evaluating career opportunities and reviewing employment contracts.
Read more about Dr. Tim Fries >>
Employee Focus on Karla Gengler-Nowak
April 2025
Dr. Karla Gengler-Nowak helps Ohio State Optometry investigators navigate the grant proposal process and manage the grants and contracts once they're awarded. In addition to her role as Grants and Contracts Administrator, she also helps faculty and staff expand their knowledge by assigning BuckeyeLearn training. When asked to provide advice to new employees, she replied, "Stay curious! It’s the best way to deeply understand your own job and how it fits in with what everyone is doing around you, and that’s a good way to recognize opportunities to contribute."
Read more about Dr. Gengler-Nowak >>
Employee Focus on Steven Manning
March 2025
Dr. Steven Manning has a difficult time choosing what gives him the most joy in his work as an attending doctor in Ohio State Optometry's Vision Therapy Clinic. He says, "It is hard to choose between illustrating to students how much impact they can have on people through vision therapy and connecting with the patients themselves!"
Read more about Dr. Manning >>
Employee Focus on Donald L. Bolen
February 2025
Donald Bolen, Ohio State Optometry's Building Services Assistant, takes care of the college's optical equipment and especially enjoys getting everything set in place and working properly. Fun fact about Donald: He has played in Bluegrass bands for more than 25 years!
Employee Focus on Jocelyn Daniel
January 2025
As an Assistant Clinical Professor and Chief of the Primary Vision Care (PVC) Service at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, Dr. Jocelyn Daniel touches the lives of students during each year of optometry school, teaching in the classroom, instructing in the lab, and attending in the clinic. She especially enjoys helping students gain confidence in themselves so they are able to become incredible clinicians.