Ferris State University Michigan College of Optometry student Alyssa Buren was selected for the Women in Optometry Student Advisory Board, continuing her leadership pursuits and learning opportunities.  

As an undergraduate, Buren attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, and led its Women in Leadership organization. Buren is the MCO’s National Optometric Student Association chapter president-elect and explained how she became aware of the Women in Optometry opportunity. 

“An administrator contacted all second-year MCO students, notifying us of the application process,” Buren said. “I submitted a paragraph expressing my interests and hopes for this role and am very excited to have been selected.” 

Buren, of Sheldon, Iowa, said the Women in Optometry Student Advisory Board is taking shape. 

“I understand that the goal is to receive our input for their publication on what would best serve students in terms of content and focus,” Buren said. “Whether we are meeting virtually or gathering to collaborate on the board is not determined at this point. Since there are mentorship opportunities for board members, I look forward to learning more about making connections, whether with fellow students at other colleges and universities or professionals and educators.” 

Women in Optometry is an online publication by Jobson Medical Information, LLC, in New York City.