The COF CIR Chat Session #3 featured Cherish Brumley, a fourth-year COF Advancing an Inclusive Biotech Economy in Ohio (IBEO-Transfer) scholar majoring in Mathematics (Theoretical Track) with a minor in History, for a thoughtful presentation titled A Vision for the Future: My Undergrad Experience Researching Novel Medicines for the Retina. The session highlighted Cherish’s unique academic path and research journey at The Ohio State University.

In addition to her academic background, she holds a private pilot certificate and has developed interdisciplinary interests spanning mathematical ophthalmology, mathematical art, and aviation. From August 2023 to October 2024, Cherish conducted undergraduate research in Dr. Colleen Cebulla’s ophthalmology lab within the Department of Ophthalmology. During her time in the lab, Cherish gained hands-on experience with a range of laboratory techniques, including cryostat ocular frozen sectioning, antibody staining, confocal microscopy, and data analysis. These experiences strengthened her technical skills while deepening her understanding of retinal biology.

Throughout her presentation, Cherish reflected on how her research experiences shaped her academic interests and inspired a growing appreciation for ophthalmology. Her journey demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary exploration and highlights how students can bridge fields like mathematics and biomedical research to pursue innovative solutions. We appreciate Cherish for sharing her experiences and insight sand for offering a compelling perspective on how undergraduate research can open unexpected and meaningful academic pathways.