Research Scientists
![]() Pete Kollbaum, OD, PhD |
After receiving his OD degree, Dr. Kollbaum worked in a private multidisciplinary practice prior to returning to IU where he received a Masters degree in Clinical Research and a Ph.D. degree in Vision Science. Following receiving his research training he accepted a faculty position at IU, where he teaches and performs research in the areas of contact lenses and optics. His specific interests include myopia, presbyopia, eye fatigue, keratoconus, metrology, and biometry. |
![]() Ping Situ, PhD |
Dr. Ping Situ is a Research Scientist from China and Canada specializing in sensory function in dry eye disease and contact lens discomfort. Dr. Situ’s hobbies include golfing, hiking, and sightseeing. |
![]() Dawn Meyer, OD |
Dr. Dawn Meyer is a Research Optometrist at the Indiana University School of Optometry, Clinical Optics Research Lab. Driven by a desire to further the knowledge base about myopia control, presbyopia, and asthenopia, she takes pride in conducting the best clinical trials possible. As a researcher, she enjoys collaborating with graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in the lab to design and execute meaningful studies of clinical-based optics, as well as conducting industry-sponsored research projects. In addition to her primary job functions, Dawn also volunteers for the United Way. When not in the lab, Dawn can be found outdoors, in the garden, hiking, reading, or helping out on the family farm. |
![]() Nitya Murthy, OD |
Dr. Nitya Murthy is a Research Optometrist from Miramar, FL. Dr. Murthy is involved in several clinical research trials and research on PSF imaging through different contact lenses. In her free time, Dr. Murthy enjoys gardening, reading, and walking her dog. |
![]() Kim Jedlicka, OD |
Dr. Kim Jedlicka is a Research Optometrist from Bloomington, IN. |
![]() Martin Rickert |
Martin Rickert is a Data Research Scientist from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Martin provides analytic and statistical support on a wide array of cutting-edge translational clinical optics research. Martin’s hobbies include playing guitar (formerly a professional guitarist), cooking, pool/billiards, and pickleball. |
![]() Matt Jasksulski, PhD |
Matt Jasksulski is a Clinical Research Software Developer for CORL from Wrocław, Poland. Matt holds a Ph.D. degree (cum laude) in physiological optics from the University of Murcia (Spain). He is also a co-founder and CEO of a startup company VisionApp Solutions S.L. that is dedicated to developing innovative software technologies for vision science and myopia research. Matt’s hobbies include Latin dance, photography, guitar, traveling, Mazda MX-5. |
![]() Ryan Webster, MA |
Ryan Webster is a Research Scientist at CORL. He received his Masters in astronomy in Spring of 2023. He came to CORL to apply his scientific training and knowledge of optics to clinical trials of contact lenses. Ryan is from Tuscon, Arizona, and enjoys skateboarding, photography, and guitar in his free time. |
Technical Support Staff
![]() Emily Koontz |
Emily Koontz is a Research Coordinator and Lead Technician at CORL. Emily is from Bloomington, Indiana, and enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, and traveling! |
![]() Kaitlyn Asher |
Kaitlyn Asher is the Program Management Specialist at CORL. She received her BS in Psychology from Indiana University. She is originally from Hobart, Indiana, and enjoys graphic design, event planning, spending time with her dogs, and cooking in her free time! |
Graduate Students
Neeraj Singh |
Neeraj Singh is in his 4th year of PhD in Vision Science. After completion of his PhD, he plans to pursue his post-doctoral fellowship, and ultimately secure a position at a school/college of Optometry to pass his training on to the future generation of optometrists and vision scientists. Neeraj is a foodie and loves to cook and try preparing dishes from different parts of India in his free time. His all-time fun now is playing with his daughter! |
![]() Josh Richards |
Josh Richards is a 3rd year PhD student in Vision Science from Bloomington, Indiana. Josh is a weekend warrior in cycling, running, and hiking. |
![]() Matt Bubenzer |
Matt Bubenzer is a 2nd year graduate student studying Environmental Science and Public Affairs. Matt is from Indianapolis, Indiana, and loves to hike, camp, birdwatch, and any other activity that gets him outdoors! |
Optometry Students
![]() Alexandria Fanning |
Alexandria Fanning is a 2nd year Optometry student from Greencastle, Indiana. Alexandria’s favorite thing to do in her free time is to spend time with her friends. |
![]() Natania Hanson |
Natania Hanson is a 1st year optometry student from Madison, Wisconsin. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and exploring Bloomington with her dog. |
![]() Grace Walther |
Grace Walther is an Optometry and Masters student from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Grace’s research interests include contact lenses and introducing innovative digital device-based vision screening for schoolchildren. In her free time, Grace enjoys swimming, biking, and reading. |
Research Technicians
![]() Riley Coers |
Riley Coers is a research technician at CORL and an upcoming OD student. Riley received her BA in Biology from Indiana University. Riley is from Columbus, Indiana, and enjoys reading, rock climbing, exercising, and yoga. |
![]() Nesibe Akgun |
Nesibe Akgun is a research technician at CORL, as well as a martial arts instructor with Indiana University’s Physical Activity Instruction Program. She was born and raised in Bloomington and graduated from IU with a BS in Animal Behavior. In her off time, she enjoys traveling, training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, crafting, and reading. |
Undergraduate Students
![]() Max Perkins |
Max Perkins is a senior at IU Bloomington from Mooresville, IN. He is studying chemistry and hopes to go on to medical school after graduation. In his free time, he loves to run, cook, and read! |
![]() Maddie Meadows |
Maddie Meadows is a sophomore at Indiana University studying psychology on the pre-PA track. She enjoys spending time with friends and spending time on the beautiful Bloomington campus. She also loves cheering on the Hoosiers, even when our football team can’t win a game. |
![]() Sydney Hollars |
Sydney Hollars is a junior at Indiana University studying human biology. Sydney is from Columbus, Indiana, and enjoys yoga, hiking, and baking. |
Former lab members
Leanne Short (Dean’s Summer Scholar), Lauren Steinwedel (lab research undergraduate), Adam Huckabee (lab research undergraduate), Zoey Horn (lab research undergraduate), Gabby Posz (lab research undergraduate), Caroline Joliet (lab research undergraduate), Maddy Williams (Lab Manager), Raman Sah (PhD), Kenzie Carr (lab research undergraduatel), Kyle Clark (BHSN), Bethany Berry (Holland Science Research Program Scholar), Shelby Cardo, (Dean’s Summer Scholar), Benet Friederechs (lab research undergraduate), Barcala Xoana (PhD, remote examiner), Nicholas Bantz (lab research undergraduate), Trev Didelot (lab research undergraduate), Annie Getzin (lab research undergraduate), Julia Lilly (lab research undergraduate), Sid Magdaong (lab research professional), Athena Nagel (lab research undergraduate), Emily Eherenman (lab research professional, undergraduate), Bailey Alter (lab research professional), Hannah Massa (lab research professional), Marielle Bradley (High School Internship), Tyler Weisenkowski, (High School Internship), Forrest Keating (lab research professional), Shelby Cardo (lab research professional, undergraduate), Caitlin Fosse (NIH T32, Dean’s Research Scholar), Claire Barna (NIH T32, Dean’s Research Scholar), Corrin Lesjak (lab research professional), Eric Seemiller (post-doctoral fellow), Meital Shachaf (lab research professional), Amos Wang (MS), Viswa Ramasubramanian (post-doctoral fellow), Nina Rettig (lab research professional, undergraduate), Lynette Wray (lab research professional), Michelle Zou (lab research undergraduate, Project STEM mentor, high school internship), Randy Fortkamp (lab research professional), Debbie Antwi (PhD), Linda Venezia (MS), Joselyn Dloughy (lab research professional), Jennifer Peterson (lab research professional), Derek Phelps (lab research professional), Vince Castro (lab research professional, NIH T32, Dean’s Research Scholar), Erika Chelales (lab research undergraduate, Tulane University), Brianne Herlitzke (lab research professional), Renfeng Xu (post-doctoral fellow, NIH K08 Awardee, research associate), Mark Olak (PhD, Health Informatics, IUPUI), Basal Altoaimi (PhD), Meznah Almutairi (PhD), Katie Rachon (lab research professional, NIH T32, Dean’s Research Scholar), Muhammed Alluwimi (PhD), John Till (lab research professional), Jun Zhang (PhD), Rachel Muessel (lab research professional), Dana Reilly (lab research professional, Zi-Wei Wu (PhD), Sandra Huenink (MS chair, NIH T32, Dean’s Research Scholar), Kelsey Neurenberger (lab research professional), Irina Rutkowski (lab research professional), Julie Shaloub (lab research professional), Hannah Powers (lab research professional, undergraduate), Meredith Jansen (NIH Loan Repayment Grant), Zachary Olsen (OD, professional, Senior Research Project), Sam Hargus (lab research professional), Fraser McKay (lab research professional), Ryan McGiffen (lab research professional), Jenna Shields (lab research professional), J. Alex Jones (lab research professional), Emma Shoemaker (lab research undergraduate), Kaitlin Kuborov (lab research undergraduate), Laura Suppa (lab research professional), Matt Lepage (lab research professional), Haixia Liu (post-doctoral fellow), Jill Leichty (lab research professional), Nicole Scales (lab research professional), Chris Kennrick (lab research professional), Rena Patel (lab research professional, Senior Research Project), Chris Webber (OD professional, Senior Research Project), Dan Novak (OD professional, Senior Research Project), BoKaye Dietmeier (lab research professional, NIH T32, Dean’s Research Scholar), Shea Ferree (OD professional, Senior Research Project), Amy Reidhaar (Research Experience Undergraduate), Tim Solon (lab research, undergraduate, Hanover College), Ryan Palmer (OD professional, Senior Research Project), Charlie Turner (OD professional, Senior Research Project), Amy Rudser (OD professional, Senior Research Project), Veronica Molina (OD professional, Senior Research Project), Mindy Pellersels (OD professional, Senior Research Project), Seth Summers (OD professional, Senior Research Project), Jamie Stickel (OD professional, Senior Research Project), Scott Miller (OD professional, Senior Research Project), Brandon Armstrong (OD professional, Senior Research Project).
Honorary Lab Members
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![]() in Spain |
![]() at Purdue |
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![]() Tim Clarke |
![]() Jason Wood |
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