Yiyun Zhou, a first-generation Chinese immigrant who proudly calls Buffalo home, is currently pursuing MD/MBA degrees at the University at Buffalo. Previously, Yiyun completed doctoral training in biochemistry with a focus on developmental genomics at the NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, where she witnessed the ongoing transformation of downtown Buffalo. Originally from Shanghai, China, Yiyun received a bachelor of science in nutrition with a focus on public health nutrition from Shanghai Jiao Tong University prior to coming to Buffalo in 2008. Since beginning medical school, Yiyun has been actively involved in the local community, participating in various events and co-steering an initiative in the Fruit Belt neighborhood. During the first year of her MBA program, Yiyun and her team won the Corporate Champion trophy. Recently she started her internship at Circuit Clinical, a Western New York-based research site network startup delivering clinical trials to provider spaces. Her experience working with Dr. Nathan Congdon, an internationally renowned preventive ophthalmology researcher, inspired her to seek solutions to improve equitable eye care and blindness prevention. With support from the WNY Prosperity Fellowship, Yiyun hopes to establish a locally-based organization addressing eye care disparity and promoting equitable eye care locally and globally. When not at work, Yiyun enjoys playing piano, biking around Buffalo, and exploring the world with her family and friends