NEW YORK—SUNY College of Optometry recently welcomed the Class of 2028 along with five new faculty members. The new faculty were in place for the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, according to the announcement. The new additions to the faculty include four alumni and a newcomer to the SUNY Optometry community: Dr. Gulnoza Azieva, 2023, R 2024, clinical instructor; Dr. Beth Katz, clinical instructor; Dr. Travis Pfeifer, 2023, R 2024, clinical instructor; Dr. Emily Selenow, 2018, R 2019, assistant clinical professor; and Dr. Nazia Tahia, 2023, R 2024, clinical instructor.

Drs. Azieva, Pfeifer, Selenow and Tahia are alumni of SUNY Optometry and the SUNY Optometry Residency Program. Dr. Katz comes to SUNY Optometry from Pennsylvania College of Optometry, 2021 with a residency at Southern College of Optometry in 2023.

Dr. Tracy Nguyen was also named interim dean and vice president for academic affairs at SUNY Optometry. Dr. Nguyen has been a faculty member since 2013. She holds a doctor of optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry, 1999 and a PhD in vision science from Indiana University School of Optometry 2012. Dr. Nguyen’s career spans both clinical and research domains. Prior to her current appointment, she served as the interim associate dean for optometric education and interim chair of the department of clinical education.

(L to R) SUNY College of Optometry recently welcomed new faculty members for the start of the 2024-2025 academy year, including Dr. Gulnoza Azieva; Dr. Beth Katz; Dr. Travis Pfeifer; Dr. Emily Selenow; Dr. Nazia Tahia; and Dr. Tracy Nguyen.

“We are delighted to welcome the newest members of our faculty community," said Dr. David Troilo, who was recently appointed as the fourth president of SUNY College of Optometry. "Each brings a dedication to optometric education with experience and expertise in their respective interests including primary care, cornea and contact lenses, binocular vision and visual rehabilitation. It is a pleasure for me to note that four are SUNY graduates and, Dr. Katz is an alumna of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.”

He added, “I am also grateful for the continued work and support of Dr. Tracy Nguyen. She has provided consistency for our faculty and students as well as ensured the college moved forward through several transitions. Her dedication and commitment to our programs is greatly appreciated.”