For some people, just a glimpse of a snake can send them running in the other direction.

But, that’s not the case for 29-year-old Julie Ray of Chippewa Falls. In fact she’s being honored for researching snakes and insects in the jungles of Panama.

"I went there to study snakes that feed on snails,” she said.

Julie only planned to be gone for three months, but, "I ended up staying about a year and a half!”

And she did her research with less-than-perfect eyes. Julie has a rare, genetic form of macular degeneration that’s robbed her of her central vision.

"If you wear glasses and you took like a marker and just colored in the center of them and tried to look through it, that's what I see,” Julie said.

And that’s why the Department of Workforce Development is honoring her research with a special Career Achievement Award.

"Julie's been really, yes, a unique, fun case just because of her area of interest has been something that, you know, is new to me,” said Marjorie Blaschko, with the department.

Over the years, Blaschko, who worked with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, has helped Julie get the things she needs to succeed.

"As her vision became poorer and less reliable, we helped her out with evaluations and assistant technology."

"I hired a field assistant who has excellent vision, so I see most of the animals that are really close to the trail and he sees the ones that are really far away,” Julie said. “So, it works out really well."

Despite the distance, Julie’s parents, John and Joanne, say they hope she continues to follow her dreams.

"We're very proud of her and all of her accomplishments,” Joanne said.

But, as for the snakes…

"The insects, when she did those, I had no problems,” Joanne said. “I am not a snake person!”

"I don't think I'd want to go into the jungle at night and look for them,” John added.

Once she earns her doctoral degree, Julie says she plans to create a new research facility near Panama City.

She says it will help protect the area, boost the local economy and get people interested in their local environment.