Graduate student Kaitlyn Digsby, B.S., was drawn to ophthalmology in a somewhat roundabout manner. Initially interested in biomedical science and the study of disease, she found her path to ophthalmology after a rotation in the laboratory of Jason Miller, M.D., Ph.D., James Grosfeld Endowed Professor and Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, which she continues to find engaging both for its research focus and the lab environment. This year, Digsby was a recipient of a VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation (VRSF) research award in ophthalmology, which supports early-stage researchers, including residents, fellows, and students, in macular and retinal disease research. Digsby’s work focuses on the mechanisms underlying age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among older adults. Her project explores how fatty deposits form around the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and their role in RPE death and vision loss. More specifically, Digsby studies the secretion of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) by RPE cells, its role in trapping lipids, and how hypoxia, or oxygen deficiency, influences this process. “This award gives me confidence in my abilities as an independent scientist,” says Digsby. “Professionally, it provides grant-writing experience and is a stepping-stone to future funding and my ultimate goal of becoming a faculty member.” In addition to research support, the award includes travel funds that will enable Digsby to attend the Symposium on AMD at Harvard, an important networking and dissemination opportunity.