OSC alumna, Katie Schwertz (MS 2010), was selected for the 2025 Class of SPIE Fellows. The society is welcoming 47 new fellows from across the globe, including Schwertz, who is currently Sr Manager, Optical Assemblies & Technology, at Edmund Optics as well as Optics Valley Co-Chair. Schwertz was also recently appointed to the Editorial Advisory Board of Photonics Spectra. Edmund Optics shared this news on LinkedIn saying, "With her exceptional technical expertise and in-depth market knowledge, Katie will be a valuable asset to the publication, bringing valuable insights and expertise." Congratulations, Katie!

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences welcomes three new faculty members to the college’s ranks. The incoming faculty bring a diverse collection of exciting research to the college and are looking for students interested in joining their labs. Learn more about Asst. Profs. Weimin Zhou, Yeran Bai and Cris Panda.

The University of Arizona Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement office has announced Dr. Joseph A. Shaw as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year for the Wyant College of Optical Sciences. The Alumni of the Year luncheon will be hosted by the University on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Before the semester ended Optics for All (OFA) hosted Travis Sawyer, assistant professor of optical sciences, as a community speaker Dec. 9th. Sawyer has a unique experience with the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, because he began at the college as a student. So his talk, "Finding the right advisor and lab: a guide to undergraduate and graduate" hit just right relying on his academic and professional experience! This is a great talk to listen to to learn more about how you can aim for a lab and faculty research advisor that will be just right for you.

Wyant College of Optical Sciences is excited to support the Big Idea Challenge. The Office of Research, Innovation & Impact launched this new initiative to address pressing global challenges through groundbreaking, transdisciplinary research. With a focus on areas like Defense and National Security; Energy and Environmental Sustainability; The Future of Health and Biomedical Sciences; Space Sciences; and Data, Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence, this challenge brings together innovative minds to drive impactful solutions. Selected teams will receive seed funding of up to $125,000 annually for up to two years to catalyze their big idea. This is your opportunity to take part in game-changing research and innovation that tackles regional, national, and global challenges.

Stop by the Meinel building and you will find a stunning mural in the 4th floor hallway! This vibrant masterpiece, designed by undergraduate art student, Nina Garcia, is a testament to the incredible collaboration between students from the College of Fine Arts and the Wyant College of Optical Sciences.

Associate Professor Judy Su was selected for the 2025 Class of SPIE Fellows. The society is welcoming 47 new fellows from across the globe. According to SPIE, "Fellows are Members of the Society who have made significant scientific and technical contributions in the multidisciplinary fields of optics, photonics, and imaging. Since the Society's inception in 1955, more than 1,800 SPIE Members have become Fellows."

The new year began with the 10th annual 2025 Optical Sciences Winter School running from January 7 - 10 at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences. More than 50 undergraduates from across the country attended. Students visited from institutions including the American University, Colgate Univ., Delaware State Univ., Illinois Weslyan Univ., Rochester Institute of Technology and many more!