Alumni Dispatches

Wyant College of Optical Sciences alumnus, Lee Giles (MS 1977 and PhD 1981), was ranked 183 globally and 111 in the U.S. in the Research.com 2023 Ranking of Best Scientists in Computer Science. Today Dr. Giles is the David Reese Professor of Information Sciences and Technology at Pennsylvania State University, College of Information Sciences and Technology. This prestigious recognition highlights his significant contributions to information retrieval, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, with 626 publications and 49,292 citations. Congratulations to Dr. Giles on this outstanding achievement!

Students and Alumni from the Wyant College of Optical Sciences participated as volunteers in the recent International Day of Light Celebration on May 19 at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. 

SPIE will be honoring alumna, Mary G. Turner, PhD (OSC 1993), with the 2024 SPIE María J. Yzuel Educator Award at their annual meeting in August, 2024. She is receiving the distinction for her lifetime dedication to teaching optical design. Mary’s remarkable career includes her current role as a Technical Fellow in Optical Design at Edmund Optics and adjunct professor at the College. Read the SPIE Press Release on the 2024 SPIE María J. Yzuel Educator Award. Congratulations Dr. Mary Turner, for being an inspiration to aspiring optical engineers and educators.

The University of Arizona Alumni Association announced Dr. Kent Rochford as the 2024 Alumnus of the Year for the Wyant College of Optical Sciences. The Alumni of the Year ceremony took place February 22, 2024.

Geost, a Tucson-based space technology company and Wyant College of Optical Sciences Industrial Affiliates member, established a testing facility at the University of Arizona Tech Park. Geost was founded in 2004 by Wyant College of Optical Sciences alumnus, Anthony Gleckler, PhD 1994, and specializes in electro-optical sensor systems for space applications.

“For three decades, John Greivenkamp, Emeritus Professor of Optical Sciences, was an exceptionally committed member of Wyant College of Optical Sciences’ faculty and an extraordinary leader, championing the education of our students, the welfare of the college, community outreach, and the future of our profession and professional community,” said Thomas L. Koch, Ph.D., dean of the Wyant College of Optical Sciences.